Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - Malheur Lake

Oregon · West

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

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

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

3/4/2026Greenhouse Ln.1 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

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.