Hi tweets,

My wife, Marianne, and I are planning a four-day trip (including
driving) to Malheur NWR from Sept 4 to Sept 7. Being new to birding (a
little less than a year) and never having been to Malheur, we have lots
of questions. We appreciate any help you can give. Our questions:

The first and biggest question - Is early Sept a good time to go?

I read a post by Hugh grant about a trip in May where he said that the
Malheur lake water level was very low. Does anybody know if the water
level has gotten lower? If so, will this present a problem?

Any good places to stay (decent quality, reasonable price)? Is it
reasonable to stay in Burns and commute to Malheur? Anything closer?
Any commuting tips?

We are planning to take our dog Sammy. Although Sammy will never be off
a leash, some places wildlife refuges don't allow dogs at all. I could
not find ANYTHING online about pet rules in the Malheur. Are there any
rules about pets?

Are there any "must see" places in Malheur? Great places for raptors,
especially owls? Shorebirds?

We don't own a spotting scope. Is a spotting scope strongly recommended
for Malheur? Not recommended? Anything else to take (beside bins)?

Any other issues?

We appreciate any help.

Thanks and regards,

Dan and Marianne.