MALHEURN WILDLIFE REFUGE
One of the highlights of our trip was this wildlife refuge in the middle of Oregon. We spent two days driving gravel roads that cut through the center of the enormous expanse of refuge. We'd spend at least half a day traveling 15 miles of road with stops whenever we spied something interesting. Here are some examples of the plentiful birds we saw as well as fantastic views of the refuge, including from a small overlook. We also witnessed dramatic weather changes throughout our travels through the refuge.
Before we even arrived at the Refuge, we saw hundreds of White-faced Ibis in the fields in the nearby town of Burns, Or that had recently been flooded.
Here they are in the Refuge, closer to us, with their colorful plumage.
A stop at the Refuge's Visitor Center introduced us to Yellow-headed Blackbirds, which I had never seen before. There were 100's congregated around feeders.
These are Blue-wing Teal and Cinnamon Teal in the skies.
Here is a closeup of a pair of Blue-wing Teal.
This is a Cinnamon Teal pair and a male Green-wing Teal. Their colors are gorgeous.
It feels good to stretch those wings.
Even placid looking ducks have skirmishes!
A Horned Lark:
Harriers were abundant in the Refuge — this one is soaring over the eastern area of the Refuge. We also saw an Osprey guarding its nest and chasing a Harrier away from the area. Lots of bird interaction going on throughout the Refuge.
The landscape is variable –wetlands, flat fields, hills, and surrounding mountains still with snow. This gives many ecosystem choices to the birds.
You are probably familiar with quacking Mallard ducks — they tend to talk all the time while flying. This bird is no exception!
To add to the plethora of waterfowl, we also spotted three Trumpeter Swans. Swimming alongside are Shoveler ducks.
In this scene are a number of different birds: Shoveler ducks, Cinnamon Teal, a Stilt, and some coots. The wetlands offer shelter and food for the migrating and resident birds.
And, of course just to complete the awe and wonder of all we had seen are White Pelicans.
Check out the breeding knob on his beak.
A bit of bright color — an Orange-crowned Warbler and an Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler.
A bit of color in the bushes -- an Orange-crowned Warbler and an Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler.
We saw many Pheasants in one area. The beauty of the males is staggering.
Another unusual bird we saw are Black-necked Stilts — very striking.
Turkey Vultures were abundant, keeping the ecosystem clean.
A Red-tail Hawk soaring to look for food.
As we were leaving the Refuge to continue on with our travels, I was lightly bemoaning the fact that we had not seen cranes. Just as we were driving out, I’m looking at the map since I was navigator, and Rog says, “Is that an ostrich in the road?” Seriously! I look up and see one Sandhill Crane in the road and two by the side of the road. I barely had time to grab the camera and get some less than good shots as they flew off to a field. We took a gamble that we could find them along the gravel road through the refuge and with not too much effort, we did find 2 of the 3. So fun tracking cranes!
Just to top it off, a Harrier flew over the Crane as well as the nearby Yellow-legs hiding in the grass in the next photo.
How does this Yellow-legs manage that beak? It was picking up fluff, perhaps for a nest?
Both days of our exploration of the Refuge, the weather took turns being stormy or sunny. This produced the most magnificent skies.
There were so many creatures and scenics to see in Malheurn Wildlife Refuge and many more photos to share but I will leave it at this and hope you thoroughly enjoy looking at the abundance of wildlife in one small area of Central Oregon.