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

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

4/17/202632637–32719 Ruh-Red S Rd, Burns US-OR 43.38130, -118.926231 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

4/17/2026Malheur NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/17/2026Malheur NWR--Narrows1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

4/14/2026Malheur NWR--Narrows1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/11/2026Hwy. 205--Substation Pond2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

54/17/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

104/17/2026

American Coot

34/17/2026

Great Horned Owl

14/17/2026

Tree Swallow

14/17/2026

House Sparrow

44/17/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

34/17/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

4/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

4/17/2026

Canada Goose

34/17/2026

Cinnamon Teal

24/17/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/17/2026

Mallard

44/17/2026

Mourning Dove

44/17/2026

Sora

14/17/2026

American White Pelican

34/17/2026

Osprey

24/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/17/2026

Northern Flicker

14/17/2026

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.