Gratitude by Bailey deIongh, FOMR Volunteer
One of the many gifts the Malheur gave me is a month of being in a state of constant awe: from its many diverse glorious sunrises to its unbelievable sunsets and moonscapes; from the morning cranes to the evening great horned owls; from its coyotes and badgers to antelope; from the butterflies to the dragonflies; from its dusty volcanic desert to the waters of its streams and hot springs; and from its first people, the Indigenous stewards, to recent arrivals and visitors who treasure the area. Maybe most importantly, I returned home committed to experiencing awe in my own backyard!
Play-Pals by Dan Streiffert, FOMR Volunteer
One of the best parts of being a FOMR volunteer is living at Headquarters. This provides the opportunity to roam around after hours and enjoy chance encounters with critters that you would not have otherwise. Last June I encountered the three Owletts exploring the grounds. I just sat down on the ground and started taking photos. Check these out!
by Alice Elshoff, FOMR Board Member
by Lynn Faucher, FOMR Volunteer
Everyday I’m very grateful for what Malheur NWR gives me. But one extra special moment this year the Refuge gave me was reuniting me with two fantastic USGS biologists’ that I have worked with during my career here! During my first couple of years here I got to work with Desmond (Des) Mackell at Summer Lake Wildlife Area banding and putting backpack transmitters on cinnamon teal! Fast forward to 2022, I had the privilege of working with Andrea Mott to do the same thing but with white faced ibis! Now for 2023 both of these biologist came out to Malheur NWR together where we trapped for American avocets and were able to band and place a transmitter on each. It was really special reunion to work with these two incredible people again and for them to be present on another first for me. Thank you Malheur for all the opportunities and memories. 
