Vast marshes with Steens Mountain backdrop at Malheur NWR

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

Oregon · West

Habitat
WetlandMarshDesert
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-June

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Malheur NWR in southeastern Oregon's high desert protects vast marshes along the Donner und Blitzen River, serving as a crucial breeding ground for waterbirds and a staging area for migrants. Over 320 species have been recorded in this remote and spectacular landscape.

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

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

6/3/2026Malheur NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron (American)

Nycticorax nycticorax

6/1/2026Malheur NWR--Central Patrol Rd.--Buena Vista Rd to Diamond Rd.1 observed

Savannah Sparrow (Savannah)

Passerculus sandwichensis

6/1/2026Malheur NWR--Wright's Pond1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/29/2026Malheur NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/29/2026Malheur NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/29/2026Malheur NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Pheasant

16/2/2026

Franklin's Gull

46/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Swainson's Hawk

16/2/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Least Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Western Kingbird

26/2/2026

Bank Swallow

36/2/2026

Tree Swallow

26/2/2026

Cliff Swallow

156/2/2026

European Starling

56/2/2026

American Robin

16/2/2026

House Sparrow

66/2/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

66/2/2026

Bullock's Oriole

26/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

76/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

36/2/2026

Western Tanager

36/2/2026

Cinnamon Teal

66/2/2026

Northern Shoveler

66/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    The Central Patrol Road offers excellent marsh birding

  2. 2

    Visit in May for peak breeding activity and wildflowers

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Bring waterproof boots and scan the marsh edges for rails, herons, and bitterns

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Malheur National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Malheur National Wildlife Refuge for birding are May-June. The best seasons are Spring and Summer.
What birds can I see at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge include Sandhill Crane, Trumpeter Swan, Long-billed Curlew, Bobolink, Greater Sage-Grouse, Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, American Coot. The area supports wetland, marsh, desert habitats.
How difficult is birding at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge?
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Auto Tour Route.