a small bird sitting on top of a wooden bird house

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters

Oregon · West

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

March-May, September-November

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 324 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Tree Swallow, Snow Goose, and Greater White-fronted Goose among many others. The diverse terrain supports both resident specialties and Pacific Flyway migrants throughout the year.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/29/2026Malheur NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/29/2026Malheur NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

5/19/2026Malheur NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

16/1/2026

Cinnamon Teal

76/1/2026

Gadwall

16/1/2026

Mallard

16/1/2026

California Quail

26/1/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

16/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

16/1/2026

American Coot

26/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Franklin's Gull

16/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

16/1/2026

White-faced Ibis

36/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

American White Pelican

276/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/1/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Western Kingbird

16/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/1/2026

Common Raven

26/1/2026

Tree Swallow

46/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Early mornings provide the best light and bird activity along the coast.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters for birding?
The best months to visit Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters for birding are March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters?
Notable species at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters include Tree Swallow, Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, American Coot, Killdeer, Great Blue Heron, Northern Harrier. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters?
Birding at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters?
There is no entrance fee at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters?
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.