Should be a good time to go. I will be there then, as will Shep Thorp; we have both volunteered there.

Real question is "do you already know the area?" If not, pick up a Harney County map (available all over,
including at the Narrows RV park right outside entrance) and take it to headquarters and have the
volunteers there point out where there have been sightings recently. Also ask about road conditions. Be
sure and bird P Ranch, and since you will be at Page Springs you can do it early in the morning. Most
people drive down from Burns, get there at mid day, and then wonder where all the birds are. P Ranch,
Page Springs, and the hike to Barnes Springs are all close together and much better early in the morning.
Also, you are allowed to hike around P Ranch now, as long as you stay away from the volunteer house and
the sheds. I removed most of the "keep out" signs last fall. This opens up walks through areas full of snipe
that time of year. Look for Bobolink, also. From Page Springs, hike the trail running north along the canals,
that leaves next to the entrance road bridge. You get close to some good waterfowl rearing ponds.


North of refuge, drive the Silvies River flood plain (map available at headquarters) and ask if there are still
birds at the Burns sewage pond. It has a birding trail along the west side, can be full of birds. Ask at
headquarters if they are still seeing any sage grouse (probably a little late). Might check to see if Steve from
Paradise Birding is there or leading tours to the area while you are there. Very helpful.





From: "Teri J Pieper" <tjpieper at gmail.com>
To: "Tweeters" <tweeters at u.washington.edu>,
"Inland NW Birders" <inland-nw-birders at uidaho.edu>
Date sent: Sat, 14 May 2011 12:08:43 -0700
Copies to: Subject: [Tweeters] Malheur resources

> Hi all
>
>
>
> We are heading to Malheur on the 25th and are wondering if there are
> any good resources for birding info in the area. Going down 395,
> probably stopping near John Day the first night. Planning to stay in
> the campground at the south end of the Refuge for a few days.
>
>
>
> Thanks a bunch
>
> Teri J Pieper and Ken Bevis
>
> Methow Valley
>
>
>
> http://myeverydayphotos.wordpress.com/
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Jerry Broadus
PLS 17660