Applegater Spring 2017
11
BIRD EXPLORER
Rare winter visitors
BY PETER J. THIEMANN
We live in an area with a mild winter
climate, and every year some rare bird
species shows up that comes from the
far north or the cold east or that forgot
that it was time to head south.
The Vermilion Flycatcher,
with its exotic red coloring, is a species
one would expect to find in summer in
southern California, Arizona, or south
Texas, with its wintering grounds in
Mexico. But this year, a male Vermilion
Flycatcher was seen regularly at the
Crescent City Harbor, next to the Marine
Mammal Center, where he caught flying
insects all winter long. If you go there
right now, you may still be able to see
this exotic wild bird in the willows at the
ocean—a truly spectacular bird.
The Red-naped Sapsucker is
another brilliantly colored rare bird in
Vermilion Flycatcher
Save money. Save energy. Stay comfortable.
Install an energy-efficient ductless heat pump
Could this be
the year you make
your home more
comfortable while
reducing your utility
bills? In 2017, Jackson
and Josephine County
homeowners and small
businesses have a unique opportunity to
invest in energy-efficient heating and
cooling technology at a reduced price.
With a ductless heat pump, you can save
25 to 50 percent on your heating costs
when compared to a traditional electric
heating system.
Energize Rogue is a group
purchase program that reduces
the regular price of a ductless system,
simplifies the entire installation process
for customers, and
provides guidance
on incentives and
financing. In addition
to cost savings through
the group purchase,
customers of Pacific
Power are also eligible
for an $800 rebate if upgrading from
another electric heating system.
Ductless heat pumps are
highly efficient zonal heating and
cooling systems that have at least one
head unit indoors (see photo), usually
placed high on the wall, a compressor
located outside, and a refrigerant line
connecting them. Because there are
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installed within a day.
our area that comes from the cold interior
west. He has been seen since October
2016 on a single large gum tree off a
parking area at Emigrant Lake recreation
area near Ashland. That gum tree has
many small drinking holes that this
sapsucker shares with the common Red-
breasted Sapsucker and several Anna’s
Hummingbirds. The tree is very mature
and healthy and provides plenty of sap.
Finally, there is the Lapland
Longspur, a tundra bird from Siberia,
Alaska, and Canada that can be seen with
large flocks of Horned Larks that also
Red-naped Sapsucker
Energize Rogue is a
community-driven campaign that
utilizes two volunteer committees, one to
conduct outreach about this opportunity
to save energy and money, and another to
choose an installation contractor through
a competitive bidding process. A locally
owned company, Allied Comfort Pro,
is the selected contactor for Energize
Rogue, and the ductless systems are
manufactured by Mitsubishi, which
has an excellent reputation for superior
technology in the industry.
Fo r h o m e ow n e r s a n d s m a l l
businesses to be eligible for the Energize
Rogue group purchase, the first step
is to participate in a free community
workshop. Participants will learn more
about the group purchase program,
hear from installation professionals
and program partners, and have an
opportunity to ask questions.
come from the
north. Mudflats
of lakes like Lost
Creek are good
places to look for
this handsome
Peter J. Thiemann
rare bird.
So, next winter take your binoculars
and spotting scopes and look for exotic
rare winter visitors. You may find a
surprise or two.
Peter J. Thiemann
peterjthiemann@gmail.com
Bird photos by Peter J. Thiemann.
Lapland Longspur
The nonprofits Rogue
Climate and Northwest
SEED (Sustainable Energy for Economic
Development) have teamed up to bring
Energize Rogue to our community,
partnering with businesses, energy
professionals, and volunteers to boost
awareness and provide considerable cost
savings. This project is made possible by
a US Department of Agriculture Rural
Business Development Grant.
To attend a free Energize Rogue
workshop, visit energizerogue.org or call
541-236-5027.
Upcoming Workshops
Register in advance
Tuesday, March 14
Ashland Library, 6 - 7 pm
Tuesday, April 11
Central Point Library, 6 - 7 pm
