How is El Nino affecting High Desert bird populations?

Our El Nino weather pattern has given us an early spring, and has also affected bird migration patterns in Central Oregon.

Wild Birds Unlimited specializes in supplies for bird-lovers, but founders Kevin and Jen Lair are also passionate about watching and learning more about our local birds.

“There’s a lot of different birds that people can see in the area, and a lot of different species that they can attract to their own backyard,” Kevin Lair said.

The warmer temperatures brought hummingbirds here a little earlier than usual. According to Kevin Lair, winter is a more active viewing time:

“When we have inclement weather, and there’s a lot of snow, and it’s really cold, we have a lot of activity at the feeders,” he said.

An early start to spring has changed the tempo of the local wildlife:

“It’s a busy time for the shop, and it’s a busy time for the birds,” Lair said. ” They’re returning from migration, a lot of them. They’re setting up a territory, attracting a mate, defending that territory.”

The early spring does mean that we’ll have a chance to experience a lot more birds a little earlier.

The Lairs are keeping up with the busier season, and hope that others take advantage of the benefits of birdwatching:

“I think ultimately if people get excited about all the cool birds … hopefully they will get a greater appreciation for birds and wildlife in general,” Ken Lair.