In 2024, we are offering the full gamut of tours: van-guided; we-lead-you-drive caravans; and self-guided. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy touring by a variety of means – walking, hiking, biking, riding, or driving!
And, in response to festival-goer requests, we’ve changed our tour structure to provide unique experiences with each opportunity! No more differently-named tours that overlap on locations! We are also dispatching several tours directly from Malheur Refuge Headquarters, giving people more time to bird and less time in a vehicle.
Tours are listed below in chronological order.
HARNEY COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM TOUR
The Harney County Historical Museum is one of the county’s hidden treasures. The museum depicts a personal history of the county by the people who have lived here. There are two floors of displays in the museum and the recently added annex has another room full of history and artifacts. Most visitors agree that there are few museums that match the personalized history that is depicted in this great space. The Harney County Historical Museum has exhibits featuring Fort Harney, the City of Burns, ranching history, the history of the lumber industry, Native American exhibits, wildlife exhibits and much more. SELF-GUIDED
$3 – 5 / person, Thursday/Friday/Saturday, April 11/12/13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Harney County Historical Museum, 18 W ‘D’ St, Burns, OR 97720
HARNEY BASIN WETLANDS RESTORATION TOUR
The Harney Basin Wetlands Collaborative is a local group of diverse partners working in Harney Basin and the Silvies floodplain to enhance flood meadows and improve the health of Malheur Lake and its tributaries while creating economic and social benefits for the community. For the past few years partners have been working behind the scenes and they want to show you what they have been doing! Join Ducks Unlimited Director of Conservation Programs Greg Green, SONEC Partner Biologist Samuel Artaiz, and Harney Basin Ecological Coordinator Melissa Petschauer as they take you around the basin for an afternoon of birding and learning about the restoration work being done. Come along for a fun ride and learn what is happening in your backyard! VAN-GUIDED (you ride with us).
$45 / person, Thursday, April 11, 1 to 4 p.m.
Departs from: Harney County Chamber of Commerce, 484 N Broadway, Burns, OR 97720
DOWNTOWN HISTORY WALKING TOUR
Enjoy a chance to stretch your legs between birding tours and learn more about Burns history. This walking tour covers 16 blocks in the downtown area of Burns and focuses on many of the 100+ year old buildings still in use. You will visit and get a brief historical sketch about each building on your path. Finish your tour with a visit to the Harney County Historical Society Museum, open Friday and Saturday from 10 to 4. *Free, but please pre-register by adding this tour to your shopping cart.
Free, Thursday, April 11, 4 to 6 p.m. | Friday, April 12, 4 to 6 p.m. | Saturday, April 13, 3 to 5 p.m.
Departs from: Harney County Library – 80 W ‘D’ St., Burns, OR 97720
NOCTURNAL WILDLIFE TOUR
Come over to the dark side, (with a little light) to see and hear the amazing nocturnal wildlife species that inhabit Harney County. This tour will start at dusk and take you into Malheur National Forest, where your guide will hope to help you find owls, bats, and a variety of mammalian species. Dress for cold weather, wear hiking boots and bring snacks and a small flashlight to aid in walking. This tour is led by Samuel Artaiz, the local SONEC Partner Biologist. Samuel has an extensive background in natural resources and a career focus on birds. VAN-GUIDED (you ride with us)
$55 / person, Thursday, April 11, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Departs from: Harney County Chamber of Commerce – 484 N Broadway, Burns, OR, 97720
SUNRISE BALD EAGLE FLY OUT TOUR
Harney Basin provides habitat for nesting, wintering, migrant and wandering bald and golden eagles. Rick Vetter and Joan Suther will lead a field trip to watch an early morning flyout of bald eagles from one of the largest bald eagle roosts of Oregon… that they have been monitoring for 33 years and counting! This is an early-start tour with a 35-minute drive from Burns. We leave on time, before sunrise, so as not to miss any eagles. The roost is secluded, but we’ll get to watch some of the birds fly out over our heads, from the comfort of our vehicles if it is cold, or outside if you prefer, on a quiet gravel road. As the eagles fly out, they scatter across agriculture fields preparing to search for a free meal, which is one of the main reasons they roost in this particular area. But it comes with a possible deadly consequence, which we’ll discuss, as well as the natural history of the birds in the area.
There will also be opportunities to identify and watch numerous other raptor species, including one of the longest winged hawks in the U.S. And on the return trip to Burns, we’ll stop at the Crystal Crane Hot Springs for additional birding. Plan and dress accordingly for cold morning temperatures, any sustenance needs, and a potential swim at the hot springs if you choose! CARAVAN (We lead, you drive).
$30 / vehicle, Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13, 5:15 to 9:30 a.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan, Burns, OR, 97720
BASIN BIG DAY TOUR
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. Peter Olsoy and Katie Sorenson will be your leaders. Peter is the eBird reviewer for several counties in Idaho and he and Katie have lived and birded in Harney County for about a year. 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. VAN-GUIDED (you ride with us).
$140 / person, Friday, April 12, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. | $130 / person, Saturday, April 13, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan Burns, OR, 97720
BIRDING THE HOT SPOTS TOUR – NORTH
If you are new to the area or just want someone else to do the driving and take you to all the “hot spots,” this is the tour for you! Guides will answer all of your birding questions and provide insight into the habitat needs of many of our spring migratory birds. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to quiz an expert and discover the best birding around! Family friendly. On Friday, this tour will be around Burns and to the NORTH. On Saturday, this tour will be around Burns and to the SOUTH. (One to the north and one south on Sunday). A different experience each day! Led by retired (or almost retired!) BLM biologists Matt Obradovich and Rick Hall. Each has over 30 years of experience in natural resources, birding, and conservation. VAN-GUIDED (you ride with us).
$45 / person, Friday, April 12, 7 to 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Sunday, April 14, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan Burns, OR, 97720
BIRDING MALHEUR REFUGE HQ TO BUENA VISTA TOUR
This tour travels along the northern part of the Malheur Auto Tour Route (Central Patrol Road). This region of the refuge is often more sagebrush than wetland so this tour is a great opportunity to not only look for upland bird species, but to look for families of river otter, awesome geographic features, and one of Malheur’s uncommon (but awesome) black deer. Tara Lemezis is Portland Audubon’s Assistant Director of Adult Education and has been visiting Malheur for about a decade. As this tour approaches Buena Vista, you’ll likely encounter an increasing number of waterfowl, waterbirds, and cranes. This trip covers two of the Bird Crawl stops, so you could get two stamps for your passport while on this tour! VAN-GUIDED (you ride with us).
$45 / person, Friday, April 12, 8 to 11 a.m.
Departs from: Malheur Refuge Headquarters, Crane’s Nest Store – 36391 Sodhouse Ln, Princeton, OR, 97721
BOCA LAKE HIKING TOUR
Enjoy a leisurely 5-mile birding hike to one of the hidden gems of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Candace Larson, Master Naturalist with the Portland Audubon Society, guides you through this beautiful sub-basin of the Blitzen Valley, exploring the wetlands and surrounding habitats of the 600-acre Boca Lake, a portion of the Refuge normally closed to the public! You can expect an abundance of water birds and plenty of upland species as you walk the road that circumnavigates the lake. This is a terrific opportunity to combine birding and exercise with an adventure to a very special place. VAN-GUIDED HIKING TOUR (you ride with us).
$95 / person, Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan Burns, OR, 97720
DOUBLE 0 LLAMA HIKING & PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
Hiking + birding + llamas to carry your stuff = FUN! The Double-O ranch is a busy part of the Malheur National Wildlife refuge. As many as forty species may be seen in the area during the bird festival – great for photography! This hands-on llama event puts you in the middle of it all! When you join us for our day-long tour, you will have the opportunity to choose a llama companion who will carry your field gear and help you spot wildlife. You may assist with saddling and are encouraged to lead your llama during the tour. The route follows level tracks through sagebrush hills on trails that are otherwise closed to the public.
We will visit small Martha Lake where the birds can’t help but be close by, and we will lunch at large Derrick Lake with its expansive views and large rafts of waterfowl. Our route back takes us along a canal where ducks often linger at close range. Hiking distance varies depending on the interests of the group, but generally is from three to five miles. Camera gear, scopes and collapsible tripods can be accommodated, but should be well protected against possible jostling. Small folding chairs can also be taken along. Travel distance from Burns to the birding site is about forty miles and is a birding opportunity in its own right. Bring snacks, lunch and drinks. A birding guide will join this tour for expertise! CARAVAN TOUR (We lead, you drive).
$100 / person, Friday, April 12, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan Burns, OR, 97720
WATERFOWL ID TOUR
Time to put your new knowledge to the test! Using what you learned in the Waterfowl ID class, we will go out and identify waterfowl in the basin. This is a great opportunity to try out your new knowledge, ask questions and see waterfowl in their natural habitat. Please dress for the weather, as we will be in and out of the van. This tour is led by Melissa Petschauer, Harney Basin Ecological Coordinator for High Desert Partnership. Her career has been based in avian research with a focus on waterfowl. VAN-GUIDED (You ride with us).
Tour-goers who attended the Waterfowl ID Workshop will have priority for seats available on this tour.
$40 / person, Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13, 9 to 11 a.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan, Burns, OR, 97720
BIRDING BY BIKE – HALF THE WHEELS, TWICE THE FUN
Interested in combining some moderate exercise with excellent Harney Basin birding? Join our guide, Karen Jacobs on flat, gravel bike rides along the Wildlife Parkway in Burns/Hines (Friday) and along the East Canal (Saturday/Sunday), at the south end of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. You will need to bring your own bike (and binoculars are recommended!). Layer your clothing, as the weather could change from one end of the thermometer to the other. Be sure to carry water and anything else you need to be comfortable on a 3-hour bike ride. BIKING TOUR (meet at the starting location).
$20 / person, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 12, 13 and 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Friday – Burns/Hines Nature Trail – meet at Harney County Fairgrounds – 69660 S Egan, Burns, OR, 97720; Saturday and Sunday – Malheur Refuge East Canal – meet at Page Springs Campground at the base of Steens Mountain.
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FOREST BIRDS TOUR
Join us on a birding experience in Malheur National Forest, the 1.7 million acre forest is diverse and includes high desert grasslands, sage, juniper, pine, fir and other tree species, and hidden gems of alpine lakes and meadows. This diverse forest provides habitat for an array of bird species, we can hope to see (or hear) pileated woodpeckers, dusky grouse, Cooper’s Hawk, and many many more! Please dress for the weather, and wear comfortable shoes as we will be walking in uneven forest terrain. This tour is led by Melissa Petschauer, Harney Basin Ecological Coordinator for High Desert Partnership. Her career has been based in avian research and is excited to take folks on this tour. VAN-GUIDED (You ride with us) Friday, CARAVAN (we lead, you drive) Saturday.
$45 / person, Friday, April 12, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. | $40 / vehicle, Saturday, April 13, 12:30- to 3:30 p.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan, Burns, OR, 97720
BIRDING BENSON POND TO P-RANCH TOUR
Join Tara Lemezis, Portland Audubon’s Assistant Director of Adult Education, on this tour traveling the southern region of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge’s Auto Tour Route. Tara has been birding at Malheur for nearly a decade and knows all the birdy spots along this route. You’ll travel past many of the refuge’s best wet meadow habitat, past several ponds, and along woody riparian habitat. This route travels along the Blitzen River, so ther are plenty of opportunities for viewing riverine bird species (such as mergansers) and several mammal species, including mink, otter, and sometimes beaver. This tour stops at two of the Bird Crawl stops, so be sure to bring your passport! VAN-GUIDED (You ride with us).
$45 / person, Friday, April 12, 1 to 4 p.m.
Departs from: Malheur Refuge Headquarters, Crane’s Nest Store – 36391 Sodhouse Ln, Princeton, OR, 97721
CRANE CARAVAN TOUR
Discover the world of Sandhill Cranes with biologist Gary Ivey of the International Crane Foundation. This tour will focus on finding sandhill cranes and learning about their biology and migration. Gary is a Research Associate at the Foundation and works on research, monitoring, environmental education, and habitat conservation projects for the sake of crane conservation. You will be driving yourself, and only six vehicles will be permitted per tour. Carpooling is encouraged. Bring water and snacks and plan for a few stops where you’ll be getting out of your vehicle to gather, observe, etc. This tour may go to areas similar to other tours, but the focus will be all about Cranes! CARAVAN TOUR (We lead, you drive).
$30 / vehicle, Friday, April 12, 2 to 4 p.m. | Saturday, April 13, 8 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. | Sunday, April 14, 8 to 10 a.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan Burns, OR, 97720
GOLDEN EAGLE NEST VIEWING TOUR
Rick Vetter, retired U.S. FWS and U.S. Forest Service Biologist, leads this fascinating discussion about Golden Eagles: the largest, fastest, nimblest raptor in North America and most widely distributed eagle in the world. Participants will drive themselves, meet in the field, observe a large nest (hopefully with nesting birds!) and share conversation with Rick. Bring binoculars or scopes, and something to sit on if you’d like! CARAVAN TOUR (We lead, you drive).
$30 / vehicle, Friday, April 12, 2 to 5 p.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan Burns, OR, 97720
BIRDING BY EAR TOUR
Practice your new birding by ear skills on a walk in the Ponderosa Pine forest of Idlewild Campground. We’ll make time for practicing with and without technology on a short walk from the Snow Park parking area, looping through the campground, and making our way back up to the parking area. There may be snow during this walk, so come prepared for variable conditions including snow, mud, and dry forest floor. CARAVAN TOUR (We lead, you drive).
Tour-goers who attended the Birding By Ear Workshop will have priority for seats available on this tour.
$30 / vehicle, Saturday, April 13, 7 to 9 a.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan Burns, OR, 97720
BIRDING THE HOT SPOTS TOUR – SOUTH
If you are new to the area or just want someone else to do the driving and take you to all the “hot spots,” this is the tour for you! Guides will answer all of your birding questions and provide insight into the habitat needs of many of our spring migratory birds. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to quiz an expert and discover the best birding around! Family friendly. On Friday, this tour will be around Burns and to the NORTH. On Saturday, this tour will be around Burns and to the SOUTH. A different experience each day! (One to the north and one south on Sunday.) Led by retired (or almost retired!) BLM biologists Matt Obradovich and Rick Hall. Each has over 30 years of experience in natural resources, birding, and conservation. VAN-GUIDED (you ride with us).
$45 / person, Saturday, April 13, 7 to 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Sunday, April 14, 7 to 10 a.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan Burns, OR, 97720
WORKING RANCH TOUR
Travel with members of the Harney County Cattlewomen to working cattle ranches just outside of Burns. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about local history, learn about the coexistence of wildlife and ranching in the Harney Basin and listen to local range scientists from the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center. Bring water. A beef-centric lunch by the Harney County Cattlewomen is included with the tour. CARAVAN TOUR (We lead, you drive).
TOUR – $50 / vehicle, Saturday, April 13, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan, Burns, OR, 97720
BIRDING BENSON POND TOUR
Named for Malheur’s first “game protector”, George Benson, Benson Pond provides access to a diversity of habitat types, many of which are associated with the Civilian Conservation Corps era. Benson Pond provides open water for viewing waterfowl including duck species, swans, and geese; emergent vegetation good for finding Marsh Wrens, Sora, and the occasional mink; and the CCC era willows and homestead era cottonwoods provide ample opportunities for finding Great Horned Owls, a variety of passerines, and as a migrant trap the fairly regular appearance of wayward passerines. This tour leaves Malheur HQ at 8:00 and will provide approximately 1.5 hours of birding the .75 mile trail with Tara Lemezis. Tara is the Assistant Director of Adult Learning & Engagement at Portland Audubon and has birding at Malheur for nearly a decade and has been leading trips to Malheur for Portland Audubon since 2019. VAN-GUIDED (you ride with us).
$45 / person, Saturday, April 13, 8 to 11 a.m.
Departs from: Malheur Refuge Headquarters, Crane’s Nest Store – 36391 Sodhouse Ln, Princeton, OR, 97721
DOUBLE O UPLANDS LLAMA HIKING & PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
Join us for a real llama hiking adventure. On this day-long tour you will have the opportunity to choose a llama companion who will carry your field gear. They will also be on the alert for wildlife as their sensitive eyes and ears will spot coyotes before you do. Their high-pitched alarm call will make sure you don’t miss it. You may assist with saddling and are encouraged to lead your llama during the tour. We begin by hiking along Goulden Canal watching for where ducks, herons, swallows, and water creatures. Then we climb the bluff above the lakes for an expansive view of the Harney Basin. Snowy Steens Mountain rises in the southeast while massive Harney and Malheur Lakes spread out before you. This is an awe-inspiring view that gives you a true sense of the magnificent breadth of this wild country.
Clambering through the sagebrush topside takes you into the northern edge of the Great Basin fault block geology where pronghorn and wild horses roam. The ascent up and along the top is a cross-country route requiring study footgear and hardy lungs. You will climb some 350 feet at a 15% grade to an elevation of about 4500 feet and descend in a similar fashion.
Camera gear, scopes and collapsible tripods can be accommodated, but should be well protected against possible jostling. Small folding chairs can also be taken along. Travel distance from Burns to the birding site is about forty miles and is a birding opportunity in its own right. Bring snacks, lunch and drinks. Hiking experience is strongly recommended. A birding guide will join this tour for expertise! CARAVAN TOUR (We lead, you drive).
$100 / person, Saturday, April 13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan Burns, OR, 97720
RAPTOR ID TOUR
After the Raptor ID Workshop, take your new found skills out to the Harney Basin. Matt Hanneman, Burns Paiute Tribe’s Wildlife Program Manager, will take you to visit some of the Harney Basin’s best raptor hotspots. This tour will travel from Burns to Crane along Hwy 78, Then you’ll continue along Hwy 78, south to Crane, then to “Raptor Alley” which travels along agricultural fields on The Narrows-Princeton Rd. VAN-GUIDED (You ride with us)
Tour-goers who attended the Raptor ID Workshop will have priority for seats available on this tour.
$45 / person, Saturday, April 13, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan, Burns, OR, 97720
BIRDING P-RANCH TOUR
Located at the southern end of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, P-Ranch was once a local headquarter for the French-Glen Cattle Company. Join Tara Lemezis on this walk around the homestead era cottonwood and apple trees, the historic Long Barn, and along the Blitzen River. Tara is Portland Audubon’s Assistant Director of Adult Education and has been birding at Malheur for about a decade. The diversity of habitat types at P-Ranch make it particularly birdy and can provide opportunities to view nesting Bald Eagles, Great Horned Owls, mergansers, myriad songbirds, waterbirds, and waterfowl. VAN-GUIDED (You ride with us).
$45 / person, Saturday, April 13, 12 to 3 p.m.
Departs from: Malheur Refuge Headquarters, Crane’s Nest Store – 36391 Sodhouse Ln, Princeton, OR, 97721
WONDERFUL WATERFOWL TOUR
Harney County is an important stopover for migratory birds, during this tour we will focus on the waterfowl that use this area as an important refueling site and resident birds that stay here to rear their young. We will look for the numerous species of waterfowl that use the flooded wet meadows in the Silvies floodplain. This tour is led by Melissa Petschauer, Harney Basin Ecological Coordinator for High Desert Partnership. Her career has been based in avian research with a focus on waterfowl. VAN-GUIDED (you ride with us).
$40 / person, Sunday, April 14, 7 to 9 a.m.
Departs from: Harney County Fairgrounds Memorial Building – 69660 S Egan, Burns, OR, 97720