Birding the Basin

Jim Cruce

June 19 - 23, 2013

Destinations and Birds

The many lakes and wetlands of Southeastern Oregon are host to some of the most amazing congregations of nesting water birds in the state.  During the breeding season, thousands of water birds depend on these lakes, in this otherwise dry region, to raise their young.  Our journey begins in Lakeview, where we can easily reach some of the best birding in this part of Oregon. We will explore the Warner Wetlands, Lake Abert, and Summer Lake, as we search for Eared Grebes, Black Terns, Black-crowned Night-Herons and Yellow-headed Blackbirds.  Shorebirds will abound, including American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts and Wilson’s Phalarope; there is also a chance we may find one of the inland populations of Snowy Plover that nest near these alkali lakes. 

The habitat surrounding these lakes is home to many desert species including, Sage Thrasher, Rock Wren, and the strikingly patterned Black-throated Sparrow.  We’ll search for the Juniper Titmouse near Adel, the only place in Oregon where they nest. A visit to nearby mountains may turn up Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Green-tailed Towhee.  A special night time excursion will be made to see the Common Poorwill.  Our last night is spent in Bend so we may stop in the Ponderosa Pine forests around Sisters on our way home.  This habitat is ideal for White-headed Woodpecker, Calliope Hummingbird and Pinyon Jay.

Trip Details

Dates:  June 19 - 23, 2013
Leaders:  Dan van den Broek
Fee: $695 members / $795 non-members
Deposit:  $300 to secure your space
Register: To register, contact Dan van den Broek at 971-222-6105 or dvandenbroek@audubonportland.org

What is included:  All ground transportation from Portland.  Four nights lodging based on double-occupancy, all your meals except dinners, the services of your experienced Audubon Society of Portland leaders.