Wednesday, February 22, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 11 Birding resource is at tips of fingers Community college security officers to stop illegal action By Jim Anderson Correspondent If you’ve been wanting to get into birding, now’s the time. East Cascades Audubon Society (ECAS) and a group of dedicated birders have set up a website, “Oregon Birding Site Guide,” that lists 1,100 birding sites in Oregon, pro- vides directions, highlights birds at each site, and provides maps to all — and it’s right at the touch of your fingers. Go to www.ecaudubon.org to visit the ECAS home page, where you’ll see everything that’s going on with birds in Central Oregon (and some very nice bird photos across the top). In the middle of the page, under the bird photos there’s a state map labeled “Oregon Birding Locations.” Place the cursor anyplace on the map and click. That will open the map and show all 36 Oregon counties and a short paragraph above it explaining what you’re look- ing at and how to make the map work to tell you about birding sites throughout the state. Chuck Gates and Tom Crabtree, worldwide master birders, were discussing their favorite subject — birds — when Chuck suggested they get their heads together and publish a new book on bird- ing Oregon locations, Chuck pointing out the fact that the old book was VERY old, at least 40 years. Pretty soon a couple of PHOTO BY JIM ANDERSON Adult Townsend solitaire. more birders got into the dis- cussion, all of whom agreed with Chuck and Tom, a new birding guide was needed. One big realization was imme- diate: It would be costly to do a book, and it would be easier to access and use if it were done electronically. So Gates created the Oregon Birding Site Guide and installed it on the ECAS website for all to see and use. The guide notes that “This guide gives DeLorme map pages, geographic coordi- nates, Google Maps, and written descriptions on how to locate each birding site. It also offers habitat information and gives the birder a taste of the kinds of birds that can be found at each location. The sites are arranged by county and a map with all county sites is presented at the begin- ning of each page. County names are links to PDF files describing birding locations.” The locations files will open in a new tab at each selection. “In addition to being a site guide for birding the state, this website strives to be a portal for all things related to Oregon birding. Here you will find links to current bird sightings, local bird blogs, a calendar of birding events, field trips, bird projects and surveys that need volunteer participation. “We hope this encour- ages you to visit many of the more distant areas of this state as well as participate in volunteer bird surveys. This page is a joint effort by the Oregon birding community who keep the site relevant and up-to-date.” To contact Jim Anderson with birding questions or dis- coveries (include photos!) call 541-480-3728 or email jimnaturalist@gmail.com. Dr. Thomas R. Rheuben Quality Truck-mounted General, Cosmetic, Implant and Family Dentistry Quality Cleaning 16 years in Reasonable Prices Sisters! ~ Over 22 years Serving Sisters ~ We are preferred providers for Delta Dental PPO and Premier, MODA, Advantage, Pacifi c Source, Cigna and the V.A. 541-549-0109 | 304 W. Adams Ave. | Sisters We’ve Got A New Chef Have you seen the reviews? “We came for dinner and just had to come right back for lunch!” You’ll be amazed with our quality and service. Call 541.516.3030 | lakecreeklodge.com Wed-Sun Breakfast and Lunch 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner 6 p.m., by reservation BEND (AP) — Public safety officers at a Central Oregon Community College who were criticized for inves- tigating cases without having any authority to do so have stopped such action. The Bulletin reported Thursday that following talks with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, public safety officers at Central Oregon Community College will no longer attempt to undertake investigations. District Attorney John Hummel says public safety officials do not have juris- diction to investigate crimes the way campus police do at universities. Hummel said he was concerned with the fre- quency with which campus security had been undertaking investigations. College spokesman Ron Paradis says the campus offi- cers weren’t out of line that frequently, but the school has changed its policy and no longer investigates crimes or makes arrests. Council paves way for Uber, Lyft in Bend BEND (AP) — The Bend City Council has approved a new taxi code that allows ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft to operate in Central Oregon’s largest city. The measure stalled a few weeks ago when councilors decided the draft proposal needed changes, including what kind of crimes revealed through background checks would prevent someone from becoming a driver. A city attorney explained the changes Wednesday, February 15, and the pro- posal passed. The Bulletin newspaper reports councilors must approve it a second time before it becomes law. Lyft has yet to say whether it plans to operate in Bend. Uber has expressed interest and could be operating there by late spring. To all our customers... We Thank You For Your Patr onage Here’s to a year full of showing g your love! ! CARPET CLEANING — Credit Cards Accepted — Look for our deer-proof nursery y opening late spring. . 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