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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Harry Nehls birding

A Rare Bird: Remembering Harry Nehls

Harry was involved with the organization in one way or another for 64 years, amassing volunteer hours that would take most people three lifetimes. His contributions to Bird Alliance of Oregon were enormous, including writing the Sightings and Field Notes columns in the Warbler for decades, and serving as board president, editor of the Warbler, and volunteer manager, as well as being a trip leader and class instructor.

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Allen’s Hummingbird on water fountain taking bath

How Do Birds Beat the Heat?

During the winter months, birds prepare their bodies to combat the cold and retain their body heat. In summer they must expend heat and keep their body temperature at a safe level. Physically, birds can prepare their bodies to combat overheating in a number of ways.

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Two birders counting birds for Christmas Bird Count with snow

Portland’s Christmas Bird Count: The Results Are In!

On January 2, 2022, Bird Alliance of Oregon held our 96th annual (and second “COVID-safe”) Christmas Bird Count. Because of ongoing risks associated with COVID-19, field teams were once again reduced in size, but a hardy group of 215 field observers and 115 feeder watchers managed to tally a respectable 123 species, right smack in the middle of the 10-year average for the Portland count.

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