Peregrine Falcon eyas (nestling) is fed by a puppet resembling an adult falcon

Anthropomorphism: The A-Word

Anthropomorphism begins when we ascribe human motives and reasoning to behaviors, and it can lead to a serious disconnect. Through raising awareness and recognizing when we do it, we can unlearn what has been instilled in us and begin to appreciate wildlife behavior in a more authentic light.

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Northern Spotted Owlets on branches

2022 Legislative Session Recap

Although it lasted only 35 days, the 2022 Legislative Short Session resulted in some remarkable gains for conservation in Oregon. Bird Alliance of Oregon’s top two legislative priorities—advancing new stream protections under the Oregon Forest Practices Act and creating a new Elliott State Research Forest—passed with strong support from both conservation and timber interests and with strong bipartisan support.

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Another Season of Drought Approaches at Klamath

The Bureau of Reclamation has announced another year of severe water shortages in the Klamath Basin. Endangered sucker fish in Upper Klamath Lake, endangered salmon in the Klamath River, farmers, and the refuges will all compete again for scarce water, estimated to be less than a seventh of what is typically allocated in a wetter year.

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Black Oystercatcher and chick

State Considers New Drone Rules To Protect Nesting Birds

Drone disturbances have been documented to negatively impact nesting success of many bird species. To minimize such impacts we need to ensure drone rules are informed by the best science and take a precautionary approach given that recreational drone use is a relatively new phenomena and impacts are just beginning to be understood.

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Avian Flu HPAI policy image

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Q&A

The USDA confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two non-commercial backyard flocks in Linn County OR and Pacific County WA, the first confirmed cases of this strain (H5N1 Eurasian strain) of avian influenza in Washington and Oregon.

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A group of kids hike through the Columbia River Gorge. The photo shows them walking on a trail away from the camera with the Columbia River in the background.

A More Democratic Camp: Response to Our New Sliding Scale

Bird Alliance of Oregon Education is dedicated to creating opportunities for all people to connect to nature in ways that are meaningful for them. Summer camp is a vital element of this platform, offering children the opportunity to explore, learn, and delight in nature for weeks at a time, while providing essential child care to families. This year we committed to expand access to camp by piloting a sliding scale payment model.

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An overhead view of West Hayden Island

West Hayden Island—The Time Is Now!

For decades, the 826 acres of wildlife habitat on West Hayden Island has been one of the most conflicted and contested parcels in the Portland metropolitan region. However, an unprecedented opportunity now lies before us to permanently protect one of the largest and most ecologically valuable unprotected natural areas in the region.

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