Two dogs on the beach disturbing a nesting Snowy Plover

Coastal Birds Face a Growing Threat: Wildlife Disturbance

Vulnerable birds, like threatened Snowy Plovers, that use our coastline have evolved over thousands of years to deal with the hazards of near-constant wind, rip tides and storm surges, hot and cold weather, and predators stealing eggs and young. Only in the last century have they had to deal with a high volume of people recreating directly within their nesting areas.

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American Dipper

Dippers Who Don’t Dip

Scientists have been pondering dipping for some time. Some species will bob, like a Rock Wren, or teeter, like a Spotted Sandpiper, but nothing dips quite like a dipper—not even some dippers. There are five species of dipper in the world, and two, the South American species, don’t dip. They are also the only ones that don’t habitually forage underwater.

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A Tufted Coquette, a tiny and brilliant orange and green hummingbird is sipping nectar from a magenta flower.

The Nature of Being

Why must there be a deeper connection? At this pivotal moment in time, there cannot be too many environmental stewards. Those who speak for nature can theoretically include every one of us, and this is what passively observing nature induces. Specifically, this practice of being in nature encourages the observer to see beauty and commonality in all things.

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Group of people on pathway in forest with dusk sunlight filtering through the trees

New Free Outings!

This spring, Adult Education’s free Outings program is getting a fresh update! We have heard from many Outings participants and leaders that you wanted a change, and that feedback has birthed Portland Audubon’s new, free, Standing Outings, offered once every month using a lottery-based registration.

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Black-capped Chickadee puffed up and perched on white branch with snow in the background.

Winter Warm-ups!

Many birds migrate away from the colder regions in winter, but our friends spending the season here have myriad creative adaptations for staying warm.

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Anna's Hummingbird perched on wire with snow and ice

Tips for Assisting Anna’s Hummingbirds in Cold Weather

Many wonder how our wildlife neighbors, Anna’s Hummingbirds, survive the cold weather. The amazing thing is Anna’s Hummingbirds are quite resilient in snow and freezing temperatures and are uniquely adapted to handle the cold. However, if you’d like to assist, here some tips for how you can do so safely.

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Juvenile American Kestral preening its feathers

Feather Light but Super Strong

Feathers are fascinating from how strong and flexible they are, to how light and protective they are. They’ve even been studied by engineers for their adhesive properties.

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