In early June, we visited Summer Lake in Eastern Oregon to explore some areas new to us. We have driven through this high desert basin many times on the way to visit relatives near Lakeview, but never spent time there, and it was not a disappointment. The ODFW Summer Lake Wildlife Area is 18,941 acres in size, “with a goal of supporting wetland dependent wildlife and a diverse array of other wildlife and plant species for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.” 

In summer, Audubon members are often out enjoying birds and the outdoors, traveling far and wide. 

Since sitting indoors when there’s still daylight is less attractive, LCAS takes a break from presenting programs in June, July and August.

Our regularly scheduled programs will resume on the fourth Tuesday of the month, September 26, with a long-awaited talk (and slides) by the intrepid local but international birder, Noah Stryker.

The weather was rainy and cool on May 13 for Lane County Audubon Society’s International Migratory Bird Day event, staged in Alton Baker Park in collaboration with Nearby Nature and Cascades Raptor Center. Despite the weather, several families stopped by the picnic shelter at Alton Baker Park, where our educational activities were being staged, and then continued on to Nearby Nature’s Learnscape area. IMBD-LCAS volunteers led family-friendly bird walks, Raptor Center staff displayed a live Peregrine Falcon, and Nearby Nature staff conducted more nature-related activities for kids. 

During the Migratory Bird Day morning event, three of our volunteers rescued a Canada Goose from fishing line tangled around its leg and foot.

Rachael noticed it and sat with the bird, feeding and talking to it.

LaRue got a blanket and Kyle used it to catch the goose. He then used his Leatherman tool to cut off all the fishing line. The goose was released, fluffed it’s feathers and continued to graze nearby, free of its shackles and unharmed.

Thanks to Rachael, Kyle and LaRue for the extra effort in helping this goose!