Kent Woodruff says numerous local residents have told him that there don’t seem to be as many birds at their feeders this winter. A recently completed bird count may shed some light on those observations, and the possible impacts of climate change on local bird populations.
Birds
No housing shortage for bluebirds in the valley
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, Western and mountain bluebirds are migrating back to the Methow Valley, and they’re finding new homes when they arrive.
Local residents volunteered time on a recent Saturday morning to install more than 40 bluebird nesting boxes at several sites …
Birds and plants, plants and birds
Biologist and educator Dennis Paulson will present an illustrated lecture exploring the relationships between birds and native plants on June 3 at the TwispWorks Education Station. The program will run from 1-2:30 p.m. The free talk, sponsored by the Okanogan County Master Gardener Program, will demonstrate how the plants in your yard can benefit birds, […]
Eagle 166 migrates from Montana to the Methow — but may move on again
An 8-year-old male Golden Eagle from Montana has been enjoying a winter retreat in the Methow Valley, spotted in early January near Beaver Creek and then in mid-February feeding on a carcass near Gold Creek.
Golden Eagles are typically faithful to their winter territory, so it is unusual that the bird has traveled so far from…
Conservancy hosts holiday party, photo program on North America’s owls
The Methow Conservancy’s annual holiday party and Conservation Awards presentation on Tuesday (Dec. 6) at the Winthrop Barn will be followed by “Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls,” a presentation by award-winning wildlife photographer Paul Bannick. The free events begin with the party at 6 p.m., offering appetizers and drinks, the […]
Community news briefs: May 27, 2015
Aero Methow honors Reiber Aero Methow Rescue Service in Twisp will host an open house on Saturday (May 30) to acknowledge Rob Reiber’s 26 years of volunteer service. The free event will be from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Parking will be available at Cascade Bible Church. For more information, call 997-4013. Our treasured landscape The Methow Valley Interpretive […]
Nice Nests coming to a neighborhood near you
Patrick Hannigan has been interested in birds and building things since he was a child. At some point, the two interests overlapped, he said, “and building nest boxes just seemed like a natural confluence.” Hannigan now builds and sells Nice Nests, boxes made from salvaged scrap wood and reclaimed hardware, designed specifically to provide functional …