Birds of Malheur NWR

Birds are a big reason to visit Malheur. The first time I visited the refuge on an Audubon Birdathon I logged about 25 lifers. Eastern Oregon species are a treat to see and I always start getting excited when I cross the line into high desert and see my first Magpie. Sure, some of these species can be found west of the Cascade Mountains, but seeing them in the desert is just great.

Western Kingbird
My namesake, for those of you who know me well.

Northern Harrier

House Wren
There's a nest in this box.

Sage Thrasher
Not easy to find until you know its song....thanks to Bird Songs of the Pacific States!

Great Egrets

Franklin's Gulls, Ring-billed Gulls, American Avocet, White-faced Ibis
Ibis are cool. That's all there is to say.

Wilson's Phalarope
A customer once told me how excited he was to have seen "Fa-lair-o-peez" at the coast. I have never forgotten that pet name and use it to this day.....so much so that poor Ms Nut was unsure as to which one was the correct pronunciation. "Are those more Pha....uh,....Fa....uh, what was it again?? You've ruined me!"