Sunriver Scene September 2026 - Flipbook - Page 8
Think Wild releases red crossbill back into the wild near SHARC
By Aysha Wallach
Sunriver is such a closely
integrated community with
nature that residents can enjoy
mountain views, the Deschutes
River, songbirds chirping and
the calls of elk on a frosty
morning. Living near wildlife
also comes with a responsibility: learning how to coexist
with the animals that share
our community and knowing
when, and how to help.
On Aug. 8, a juvenile red
crossbill struck a window in
Sunriver. After observing the
bird, the resident noticed it was
unable to fly and was holding
one wing to the side and called
Think Wild, Central Oregon’s
wildlife rehabilitation center.
The bird was admitted to
Think Wild, where the re-
habilitation team cared for
it for five days. Once it had
recovered, the red crossbill was
released near SHARC, close to
where it was originally found.
Almost immediately, the bird
perched in a tree and began to
sing before flying off, a successful return to the wild.
Living alongside wildlife
comes with its challenges,
but small actions can make a
meaningful difference. Properly placed window decals can
help prevent birds from striking
glass. Turning off unnecessary
lights at night can help migratory birds avoid becoming
disoriented. Using nonlethal
deterrents for wildlife and pests
can help protect animals while
allowing the natural food chain
to continue. Slowing down
while driving, particularly in
the early morning and late
evening, can also help reduce
wildlife-vehicle collisions.
The list goes on, but the goal
is the same: creating a community where people and wildlife
can safely share the same space.
The red crossbill is not the
only animal Think Wild has
rehabilitated and returned to
the Sunriver area. In July, a
North American porcupine was
released back into the wild near
Sunriver. Found injured along
the roadside after being struck
by a vehicle, this critter was also
cared for and rehabilitated back
to health by Think Wild.
Porcupines are particularly
vulnerable to vehicle collisions
because they move slowly and
are often active along roads at
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PHOTO BY AYSHA WALLACH
night. Its release, like that of
the red crossbill, is a reminder
that wildlife is all around us,
and that our choices can have
a direct impact on the animals
living alongside us.
Think Wild works yearround to provide wildlife rehabilitation, conservation education and community outreach
throughout Central Oregon.
Every animal that returns to
the wild represents the work of
rehabilitators, volunteers, com-
munity members and donors
who make that care possible.
To learn more about Think
Wild, its wildlife rehabilitation
work and ways to help protect
Central Oregon’s wildlife, visit
www.thinkwildco.org and follow along with the organization’s work in the community.
Donations help provide the
food, medical care, supplies and
rehabilitation needed to give
injured and orphaned wildlife
a second chance.
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SEPTEMBER 2026 SUNRIVER SCENE
