Calendar features "Birds of Central Oregon'

The beautiful pine grosbeak is the cover bird for the 2016 Birds of Central Oregon Calendar, released this week. It is now available in Sisters.

This is the sixth year that Oregon wildlife photographer Douglas Beall has created Wings & Feathers calendars depicting his wildlife photography. Sales benefit the Turtle Ridge Rehab Center in Salem. Beall, who lives in Camp Sherman, makes these calendars "to share what I see, and the beauty of Nature." All of the birds pictured in the Central Oregon calendar have been photographed this year in their native habitat.

Calendars are $20, and are available at Sisters Gallery & Frame Shop, Paulina Springs Books, and Wild Birds Unlimited in Bend. The calendar is printed on photo paper, so once the year is done, any of the images can be framed. However, Beall also suggests that you donate your used calendars to a school of your choice for study purposes. You can also order large prints from Beall's website, www.abirdsingsbecauseithasasong.com.

This year's cover bird was photographed on the Pacific Crest Trail, just off Highway 20. Beall spends hours at a time patiently waiting for the birds to come. Each bird shown in the calendar is described, along with its location.

Beall encourages others to follow in his footsteps, but with due respect to the environment. "Bird photography is fulfilling, but these frameable moments can be a little overwhelming," he said. "My goal - my passion - is getting the best possible image."

He loves just being in the wild, even when he has to wait hours for the right shot.

"I actually enjoy the bad weather," he said.

Beall, who writes the "Birds of Sisters Country" feature for The Nugget, has a favorite bird from this year's calendar - the Barrow's goldeneye on Clear

Lake.

"It's an uncommon bird, and quite unusual to see the male and female together. They do a sort of head-bob dance, which is a form of communication."

While he enjoys the uncommon birds, he also takes great pleasure in getting a really special shot of a common robin.

"You would not believe the color variations in the robin," he said, "and their song is unparalleled. It inspires me."

For more information visit www.abirdsingsbecause ithasasong.com/gallery/oregon-wings-and-feathers.