Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters

Oregon · West

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

3/1/2026Malheur NWR--Narrows1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/1/2026Malheur NWR--Headquarters1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

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

Tree Swallow

153/3/2026

Snow Goose

103/1/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

53/1/2026

Canada Goose

103/1/2026

Tundra Swan

23/1/2026

American Wigeon

503/1/2026

Mallard

153/1/2026

Northern Pintail

803/1/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/1/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

23/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

43/1/2026

Killdeer

33/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/1/2026

Northern Harrier

23/1/2026

Bald Eagle

13/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

33/1/2026

Great Horned Owl

13/1/2026

Northern Flicker

33/1/2026

American Kestrel

13/1/2026

Say's Phoebe

13/1/2026

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.