Bird most of Harney Basin habitats from the majestic old growth ponderosa pines on Malheur National Forest to the spring fed ponds on Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Everyone gets a window seat on this tour and there are plenty of birding stops with short walks to stretch legs and smell the sagebrush. Local wildlife biologists Rick Vetter (U.S. Forest Service, retired) and Howard Richburg (U.S. Forest Service) lead this exciting tour and also provide discussions on habitat management and threats to native birds. Plan on a full day of birding various habitats such as burned and unburned forests, juniper woodlands, sagebrush, agricultural fields, hot springs, wetlands, rimrock, floodplains, backyard hot spots and even sewage ponds. High quality spotting scopes available for use, and tour leaders can provide support for photography, digi-scoping and birding apps including eBird. Forest parts of the trip are weather dependent.
FOREST TO WETLANDS AND HABITATS INBETWEEN | Friday 4.6.18 | 6 AM - 7 PM
Full refunds before March 23. No refunds on or after March 23.
All tours depart from Burns High School. TRANSPORTATION IS PROVIDED – no caravanning or driving your own vehicles except for the llama tours and the overnight Sage-Grouse excursion that begins in Frenchglen. Please arrive early, check in at Bird Central (located in the gymnasium at Burns High School), and be prepared with your own amenities. Most tours travel to remote areas. Bring snacks, lunch and water, and dress for changing weather conditions - “fowl” weather gear and sturdy shoes or boots are advised. There may be long stretches between restroom stops and the birds will only be as visible as they choose! Tours depart at the scheduled time.
Participants with limited mobility should contact the Harney County Chamber of Commerce prior to booking tours to assure accessibility and accommodations. Must be 10 years or older to participate unless otherwise noted in the tour description as “family friendly." Pre-registration is REQUIRED.