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

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

4/14/2026Malheur NWR--Narrows1 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

4/13/2026Malheur NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

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

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/11/2026Malheur NWR--Narrows1 observed

Sandhill Crane (Greater)

Antigone canadensis

4/10/2026Malheur NWR--Buena Vista Ponds1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/5/2026Malheur NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

504/15/2026

Cinnamon Teal

84/15/2026

Mallard

24/15/2026

Northern Pintail

44/15/2026

American Coot

34/15/2026

Black-necked Stilt

14/15/2026

Killdeer

14/15/2026

White-faced Ibis

304/15/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

54/15/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

304/15/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/15/2026

Eared Grebe

74/15/2026

Western Grebe

64/15/2026

Clark's Grebe

24/15/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

14/15/2026

Snowy Egret

14/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/15/2026

Northern Harrier

14/15/2026

Barn Swallow

64/15/2026

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.