Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

Oregon · West

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

March-May, September-November

About This Location

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 314 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Trumpeter Swan 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

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

3/6/2026Ruh-Red Rd. (sagebrush habitat only)1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

3/6/2026Malheur NWR--Narrows1 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

3/1/2026Malheur NWR--Narrows1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/1/2026Malheur NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

2/27/2026Malheur NWR--Narrows1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

2/27/2026Malheur NWR--Narrows1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

2/27/2026Malheur NWR--Narrows5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3/5/2026

Mallard

3/5/2026

Northern Pintail

3/5/2026

Bufflehead

3/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

3/5/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

3/5/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

3/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

3/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

3/5/2026

Northern Harrier

3/5/2026

Bald Eagle

3/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

3/5/2026

Ferruginous Hawk

3/5/2026

Great Horned Owl

3/5/2026

Northern Flicker

3/5/2026

American Kestrel

3/5/2026

Say's Phoebe

3/5/2026

Black-billed Magpie

3/5/2026

European Starling

3/5/2026

House Sparrow

3/5/2026

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.

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 March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead. The area supports wetland 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.
What amenities are available at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge?
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.