Malheur Wildlife Tour | Expert Guide in Burns, OR

Malheur Magic: Birding Bonanza in Burns, Oregon

Get ready for a full day of feathered fun at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge! This 8-hour trip with Darrel DeNune Nature Guide is your ticket to some of the best birding in the Pacific Northwest. We'll cruise through diverse habitats, from marshes to sagebrush plains, spotting everything from elegant White-Faced Ibis to secretive Black-Crowned Night Herons. May and June are prime time, when the refuge is teeming with migrants and breeding birds. At just $95 per person, it's a steal for a day packed with world-class wildlife watching. Grab your binoculars and let's go birding!

A Day in the Field

Our adventure kicks off early to catch the morning bird activity. We'll meet up in Burns and head out to Malheur NWR, about 30 miles southeast. The refuge is massive – over 187,000 acres – so we'll hit the hotspots for maximum diversity. Expect to see tons of waterfowl, waders, and raptors throughout the day. We'll take our time, stopping at key viewing areas like Benson Pond and the Center Patrol Road. I'll help you spot and ID birds, share cool facts about their behavior, and make sure you're comfy (bring layers – the weather can change fast out here). We'll take breaks to stretch our legs, use restrooms, and snack, so pack a lunch and plenty of water. By the end of the day, your bird list will be bursting and you'll have a whole new appreciation for this incredible ecosystem.

Binoculars at the Ready

This trip is all about visual birding, so sharp eyes and a good pair of binoculars are your best tools. Don't worry if you're new to birding – I'll teach you how to spot movement, use field marks for ID, and tune into bird calls. We'll do most of our watching from the vehicle or short walks, so the terrain is pretty easy. If you have a spotting scope, bring it along for those distant shorebirds and raptors. A field guide is handy too, but I'll have extras if you need one. The refuge has some loaner binoculars, but it's best to bring your own if you can. Pro tip: practice focusing your binoculars before the trip – it'll make a huge difference in the field!

Target Species

White-Faced Ibis: These glossy, dark birds with their distinctive white facial markings are a real treat. In May and June, we often see flocks of hundreds feeding in wet meadows. They use their long, curved bills to probe for insects and crustaceans. Fun fact: their plumage takes on an iridescent sheen in breeding season – absolutely stunning in the right light!

Great Egret: You can't miss these tall, snow-white birds stalking through the marshes. They're patient hunters, often seen standing motionless before striking like lightning to catch fish or frogs. In breeding season, watch for their lime-green lores (the area between eye and bill) and the wispy plumes on their backs. These "aigrettes" were once highly prized for fashion, nearly leading to the species' extinction.

Black-Crowned Night Heron: These stocky herons are most active at dusk, but we often spot them roosting in thick vegetation during the day. Adults have striking red eyes and black caps, while juveniles are streaky brown. Listen for their loud "quock" call in the evening. They're known for their varied diet, even eating other birds' eggs and chicks!

Sandhill Crane: With luck, we'll spot some of these tall, gray birds with bright red caps. Their bugling calls can be heard from miles away. In spring, watch for their elaborate courtship dances – leaping, bowing, and tossing vegetation. Sandhills often nest in the refuge's wet meadows, and seeing fuzzy colts (baby cranes) is always a highlight.

Northern Harrier: These low-flying raptors are a common sight, cruising just above the marshes and fields. Look for their distinctive white rump patch and owl-like facial disk. Harriers rely on their keen hearing to locate prey in dense vegetation. Males are gray while females are brown, leading to their old nickname "gray ghost" for the males.

Why Birders Flock Here

Malheur NWR is a birder's paradise, especially in spring. The mix of wetlands, grasslands, and desert creates a perfect storm of biodiversity. Over 320 bird species have been recorded here! It's a crucial stopover on the Pacific Flyway, so you never know what rare migrants might show up. The wide-open landscape means great visibility, and the refuge's water management creates ideal habitat for all kinds of birds. Plus, the quiet, rural setting lets you really soak in the natural world without distractions. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, Malheur offers something special for everyone.

Time to Spread Your Wings

Ready to dive into the wonderful world of Malheur's birds? This full-day trip is the perfect way to experience one of Oregon's top birding destinations. You'll see a ton of species, learn about their fascinating behaviors, and gain a deeper appreciation for this unique ecosystem. At just $95 per person, it's an incredible value for a day packed with world-class wildlife watching. May and June dates fill up fast, so don't wait to book your spot. Whether you're a hardcore lister or just love being outdoors, this trip will leave you with memories (and photos) to cherish. Let's go birding at Malheur – your next life bird is waiting!