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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (June 7, 2017)
28 Wednesday, June 7, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon KILLDEER: Mother feigns broken wing as decoy Riding for a cause By Kathryn Godsiff Continued from page 15 from the nest trying her best to get the attention of the per- son, dog, cat, whatever, all the while extending her “bro- ken” wing and doing her best to convince the intruder she’s about to die and the intruder should follow her. If that strategy doesn’t work, she’ll then put herself in jeopardy by approaching the intruder closer and closer and putting on the broken wing act with even greater drama. Once, on a warm day when I accidentally dis- turbed a momma killdeer on her nest, I stuck with her through her whole magnifi- cent routine, slowly walking toward her nest. At that point I was filled with guilt, as she all but threw herself right at me to turn me away from her eggs. And speaking of eggs, most ground-nester, at least all the plover, eggs are unique in that they have a pointed end. I once asked a young man on an OMSI field trip years ago why that was as we stood looking at them in a nest over near Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. He didn’t hesitate: “There has to be room for the beak.” Actually the pointed eggs keep the eggs from rolling out of the nest… Ya’ know, that young man went into OSU wildlife management school when he graduated high school, grad- uated from OSU and went to work for Idaho Fish and Game, and is now retired. And here I am, headin’ for 90 and I still remember that day. Correspondent Riding down the horse trails out of Sisters Cow Camp on the first Saturday of June is a tradition some riders won’t miss. Especially when they know that every mile they ride brings much needed and appreciated dol- lars to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee. This year’s Saddle Up for St. Jude ride was no excep- tion, with between 50 and 60 riders heading out at their own pace on a cool morn- ing to wind their way on a marked trail for either 10 or 13 miles. The trail followed the Metolius-Windigo for a while, then branched off, headed up a ridge and through a cool, grassy forest toward Pole Creek, eventually tying back into the Metolius- Windigo across another ridge with expansive views to the west. When riders got back to camp, hamburgers and home- made cookies were available for purchase. The fellowship around the table was free. The Central Oregon chap- ter of Oregon Equestrian Trails organizes the ride. OET is a group of horse people who advocate for responsible trail use, maintain and build horse camps and maintain multi-use trails. And raise money for worthy causes. For 18 years, Sisters Cow Camp has been the site of the ride. Pat and Rhonda Marquis, and a team of sturdy helpers, have been in charge for 13 years. S t . J u d e C h i l d r e n ’s Research Hospital was founded in 1962 by enter- tainer Danny Thomas and from its humble beginnings it now ranks as one of the leading research and treat- ment hospitals for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases of children. The hospital treats all patients at no charge and those patients come from every state and many foreign countries. “The hospital does great things and has a very high cost to run,” said Pat Marquis. Requiring over a mil- lion dollars a day to oper- ate, it needs every dollar that comes in through fundraising efforts. The Saddle Up for St. Jude events occur across the country and typically are trail rides but can also be horse shows or rodeos. They join a multitude of other sporting events that enhance bequests and other forms of public support. For the past five years, Saddle Up for St. Jude sup- porters Zane and Susan Smith PHOTO PROVIDED Saddle Up supporters brought a check from the Local 290 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. have brought in a substantial donation from Local 290 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union. This year a check was presented for $1,000. The Smiths are both retired steamfitters from Terrebonne, and each year submit an application to the charitable fund of Local 290. The appli- cation makes its way through the system, eventually being voted on by the union membership. Pat Marquis recalls that one time a family arrived at the registration table. They weren’t riding, but had recently lost a child to a childhood disease and wanted to make a donation through a Saddle Up event. Combining good hearted people, horses, and a beauti- ful forest ride is an effective way to raise money. Marquis is grateful for the riders who took time to gather sponsors, make donations and ride for a cause. Serving Sisters Since 1994 D ESIGNERS & B UILDERS of D ISTINCTION 541-549-1575 CCB#194489 CUSTOM HOMES • RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PROJECTS John P. Pierce 541-549-9764 CCB# 159020 CCB# 16891 Becke W. P ierce Arne J. P ierce General Contracting LLC 541-647-0384 General Contracting LLC 541-668-0883 CCB# 190689 CCB# 208020 HOWELLS REALTY GROUP Own a Piece of The Ranch Serving the Sisters Area Since 1976 Strictly Quality Horse Properties with Spectacular Cascade Views! Golflf l Course Go C o ou u Condo 103 • $75,000 1/5 interest partial share listings! On the 18th Fairway – mls 201703441 66955 Gist Rd., Bend • $925,000 4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 3,876 sq. ft. | 9.55 acres, 7 irrigated Home has been updated with a beautiful kitchen, granite, hardwood fl oors, “man cave.” Master has 2 walk-in closets. 8-stall barn with water, 2 tackrooms, heated wood rack, 62x72 indoor arena. 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Don Bowler, President and Broker 971-244-3012 Gary Yoder, Managing Principal Broker 541-420-6708 Dick Howells, Principal Broker 541-408-6818 Phil Arends, Principal Broker 541-420-9997 Carol Dye, Broker 541-480-0923 | Joe Dye, Broker 541-595-2604 Ross Kennedy, Principal Broker 541-408-1343 541-595-3838 The Ranch • 541-549-5555 in Sisters see all our listings at blackbutte.com