Birders across Oregon are using a collection of messaging app groups as ways to share real-time bird information. These groups offer a faster, more convenient way to share information, and are particularly helpful in sharing info about the location of rare birds. While each group has its own guidelines, they generally ask that birders use those channels specifically for birds of that area. For statewide rarities and general discussion of bird behavior, status, and so on, OBOL is the preferred venue. For sharing photos, Birding Oregon is preferred, and for regular ID questions, “What’s This Bird?” is recommended. For more casual regional bird related conversation, the Open groups are preferred. Please note OBA is not affiliated with any of the following mobile groups.
Mobile Groups
To begin using these groups, you only need to download WhatsApp (free on iPhones and Android) and follow the link or instructions below (from your smartphone):
Portland Area Birders– Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Columbia counties
Clatsop/Tillamook – email David Bailey your first and last name and your phone #
Lincoln county – contact Liz Holencik
Mid (Willamette) Valley – Yamhill, Polk, Marion, Benton, and Linn counties – contact Bill Tice, Hendrik Herlyn, Jamie Simons, or Liz Holencik
Malheur area – Malheur, Harney, and Lake county – Contact Aaron Beerman
NE Oregon – Umatilla, Union, Baker, and Wallowa counties – Contact Aaron Beerman
Lane County — Contact Sally Hill
Rogue Valley – Josephine and Jackson counties
Columbia Gorge and Plateau – Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, and Morrow counties – contact Brodie Cass Talbott
Central Oregon – Jefferson, Deschutes, and Crook Counties – Contact Steve Kornfeld
Coos/Curry – Coos and Curry counties – Contact Russ Namitz
Klamath Basin – Klamath County
Open Communication Groups
The statewide and regional Open groups welcome any and all conversation related to birding. This can include, but is not limited to, First of Year/Season sightings, road conditions, identification questions, tips on birding spots, etc. The Open groups are inclusive and diverse spaces, welcoming birders of all skill levels and backgrounds. Bullying of any kind is not tolerated. To begin using these groups, you only need to download WhatsApp (free on iPhones and Android) and follow the link or instructions below (from your smartphone):
Open Oregon Birders covers the whole state, and is a great way to meet birders in other areas.
Lane County Open Birdchat covers the entirety of Lane County.
Open Midvalley Bird Chat covers Benton, Linn, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties.
Open Eastern OR Bird Chat covers the entirety of Eastern Oregon, including but not limited to Harney and Malheur counties.
Open OR Coast Bird Chat covers all coastal areas of Oregon, from Curry to Clatsop.
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