Social Opportunities
Just looking for social opportunities? Find them here! Socials are a great way to gather with fellow birders, compare sightings, learn places to go and what to see, meet new people, and have fun. Come and join us!
WETLANDS HAPPY HOUR
Ever wonder why birds use some areas more than others? What entices birds to rest and nest at different locations? Curious to know more about wetland restoration? Join Harney Basin Wetlands Collaborative partners for this casual and educational gathering. Come learn more about the work being done by High Desert Partnership, Bird Alliance of Oregon, Ducks Unlimited, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge staff, and other local stakeholders to improve wetland habitat while supporting the local economy. Come when you want. Stay as long as you want. Led by Harney Basin Wetlands Collaborative. High Desert Partnership will provide refreshments and appetizers, including alcoholic beverages.
Free, Thursday, April 16, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Harney County Chamber of Commerce, 484 N Broadway, Burns, OR 97720
BIRDERS CONNECT – COFFEE HOUR
This early bird gathering is designed to provide space for birders to socialize over coffee and pastries. Gather with other birders, friends, Art Show vendors, or whoever you want and swap stories, point out hot spots, compare sighting notes, and plan the day ahead!
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 17/18/19, 6 to 7 a.m.
Location: Geno’s Youth Center – 135 E Washington St, Burns, OR 97720
BIRD TRIVIA & EVENING SOCIAL
Are you a Bird Nerd? Think you’re the nerdiest Bird Nerd? Come test your bird nerdiness at our Bird Trivia and Happy Hour. Janelle and Teresa Wicks will be your co-hosts. Teresa has been a bird nerd since entering the world, spreading bird nerdery for all to hear since learning to talk. Janelle does not self-ID as a bird nerd but has been bird nerd adjacent for much of her career, particularly since meeting Teresa in 2015.
We’ll start gathering for trivia at 5:30. You’ll have about a half-hour to order food (the Elks’ Lodge serves hamburgers on Friday evenings – $7-12ish) and/or drinks (full bar!), find a seat, join your team, etc. Trivia will get started around 6:00. This pub trivia will be run “rank choice” style, meaning each round YOU decide how many points each question will be worth (1-5 points). There will be four rounds, including an audio round, plus a “Photo ID half-time”. We’ll wrap up with a Bonus Question, where you can risk it all to steal the feather crown. Not interested in Bird Trivia but want to socialize and watch the activities? PLEASE JOIN US! *FREE, but please PRE-REGISTER so we have a headcount!
Free, Friday, April 17, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Location: Burns Elk’s Lodge – 118 N Broadway, Burns, OR 97720
BIRD’S THE WORD: A PLAYFUL NIGHT CELEBRATING BIRDY POETRY
Join us Saturday for a fun, casual celebration of all things feathered and poetic! Enjoy food, conversation, and laughter as we feature one or two exceptional poets for readings, discussion, and Q&A. You’re invited to share your own bird-inspired words too! The evening will also include a lively Bird Call Competition, bird trivia, prize drawings from our amazing supporters, and plenty of spontaneous fun.
Participation is optional—come to watch, listen, and mingle, or dive in and join the games. Either way, it’s a night to celebrate birds, poetry, and community!
$40 / person, Saturday, April 18, 5 to 9 p.m. | 60 spots available
Location: Valley Golf Club – 245 US-20, Hines, OR 97738
BRUNCH WITH THE BIRDS
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is a morning must-stop for every birder in the area during spring migration. You never know what will arrive to seek shelter among the small oasis of trees that surround the remarkable CCC-era buildings. Join Teresa Wicks, Portland Audubon’s Eastern Oregon Program Manager, for a walk of the grounds followed by a catered brunch hosted by the Friends of Malheur NWR at the Crane’s Nest Nature Center Pavilion along the Marshall Pond Trail. Participants should indicate dietary restrictions.
$40 / person, Sunday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | 20 spots available
Location: Malheur Refuge Headquarters Lawn, 36391 Sodhouse Ln, Princeton, OR 97721