Lake birding habitat

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Malheur Lake

Oregon · West

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

March-May, September-November

About This Location

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Malheur Lake is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

5/28/2026Center Patrol Rd, Princeton US-OR 43.13187, -118.873781 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

5/19/2026Malheur NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

85/31/2026

Cinnamon Teal

25/31/2026

Gadwall

25/31/2026

Common Nighthawk

15/31/2026

Killdeer

25/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Burrowing Owl

15/31/2026

Common Raven

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

45/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/31/2026

Savannah Sparrow

15/31/2026

Western Meadowlark

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/31/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

25/31/2026

Northern Shoveler

15/31/2026

California Quail

15/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

35/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

45/31/2026

American Coot

45/31/2026

American Avocet

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Malheur Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Malheur Lake for birding are March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Malheur Lake?
Notable species at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Malheur Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Malheur Lake?
Birding at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Malheur Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Malheur Lake?
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Malheur Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.