Birds of Malheur

The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is home to shorebirds, waterfowl and songbirds, like this marsh wren. Major songbird migration begins in late-April and reaches its peak in mid-May. Credit: Craig Miller

Few experiences will put you in touch with the rhythms of the natural world quite like watching an avian migration.

In Oregon, we’re lucky to witness one of North America’s greatest animal migration paths right in our backyard. Each spring and fall, billions of birds migrate along the Pacific Flyway, a route stretching from Alaska to Patagonia, and pass through Oregon’s high desert on their way. Spots like the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge are essential for hundreds of thousands of birds to eat, drink and refuel in the region’s extensive marshes and wetland vegetation.

Located roughly 30 miles south of the city of Burns in southeastern Oregon and adjacent to iconic Steens Mountain, the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is a vast wetland surrounded by high desert habitat. Encompassing over 187,000 acres of varied terrain, the refuge’s abundant food and water provide breeding and nesting grounds for more than 340 species of birds — well over half of all bird species found in Oregon.

The Malheur Refuge was established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds, and today, the refuge is one of the most productive waterfowl breeding areas in the United States. The area is a birder’s delight and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in deepening their connection to the natural world.

What to Expect

The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is primarily managed to protect birds — like this greater sandhill crane — and to provide birding opportunities. Credit: Tom Koerner

The birds you are likely to see at the Malheur Refuge depend on when you visit. Migratory waterfowl and shorebirds begin arriving in late winter, while songbirds wait until later in the spring to arrive. March and early April bring an influx of sandhill cranes, snow and Ross’s geese, tundra swans and colorful waterfowl such as northern pintail, ruddy duck and cinnamon teal.

In late April into May, shorebirds and neotropical migratory birds arrive. You can expect to see specialties such as the American avocet, black-necked stilt, white-faced ibis, American white pelican, yellow-headed blackbird, western tanager and Bullock’s oriole at this time. You might also see the American bittern, marsh wren, common yellowthroat, Virginia rail and bobolink, though they can be a challenge to find.

When to Visit
March, April and May are the best months to see the greatest numbers of birds in their most colorful breeding plumage — the pattern and color of feathers on a bird, which changes during breeding. Come late May, mosquitoes begin to outnumber the birds, lasting through mid-August.

When September rolls around, the southbound Pacific Flyway migration peaks and attracts many birders again. In October, hunting season begins and birds become scarce until the following spring.

Where to Go
First-time visitors will not want to miss a visit to the refuge headquarters. While there, be sure to visit the seasonally operated visitor center to check out what birds are being seen where and pick up a bird checklist.

As the old adage indicates, early birds get the worm. Early mornings are the best time to observe wildlife, as well as late evenings. While there are many trails to explore — including paved, universally accessible options — your vehicle is also an excellent way to observe birds throughout the refuge, and binoculars are encouraged to allow you to get a closer look without leaving your vehicle.

For a good overview of the refuge’s terrain, drive the Center Patrol Road from the headquarters down to P Ranch at the south end of the refuge, stopping for birds along the way. Don’t miss Benson Pond, where you can usually see trumpeter swans, and consider a hike on Buena Vista Overlook Trail for awe-inspiring views of the Steens Mountain and excellent opportunities for bird watching.

At 187,757 acres, one may not be able to cover the entire refuge in a single day. Fortunately, many lodging and camping options are available within a half hour of the refuge.

Stewardship of the Refuge

ONDA volunteers have pulled unneeded fences off the refuge for more than 20 years. Credit: ONDA Staff

The Malheur Refuge is of vital importance to the birds and wildlife that rely on it, and this landscape is also a natural treasure beloved by generations of Oregonians. While the refuge benefits from existing protections, ongoing caretaking is needed to sustain the health and vitality of the ecosystem.

Oregon Natural Desert Association has been working on the refuge to support conservation management since the 1990s and has led various restoration projects, including making necessary barbed-wire fences wildlife-friendly, removing obsolete fence and collecting data. These thoughtful stewardship efforts support a sustainable future for this stunning and ecologically vital landscape.

Renee Schiavone is the communications manager at Oregon Natural Desert Association, a nonprofit organization that protects and restores Oregon’s high desert public lands and waters.

This article appears in The Source Weekly January 9, 2025.