Those of us who enjoy wandering the arid landscapes east of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada know a secret about these places that is missed by many. Although dry by coastal standards, the emptiness of the Great Basin provides an absolutely essential pathway for huge numbers of migratory birds. And these birds rely on the region’s numerous terminal and often saline lakes – places like Malheur and Harney lakes.
Written by Peter Pearsall/Photos by Dominic Bachman, MNWR Fish Biologist As Malheur Refuge endures a prolonged drought that has intensified over the past two years, Malheur Lake has shrunken from
“This was definitely my most memorable moment…the tenderness of the parents towards their young, the little ones energy and eagerness all backdropped by a beautiful sunset…it was a heartfelt scene to say the least, that touched me so deeply I drove away crying, tears of beauty, tears of gratitude.” – Calley Lovett
I got the Malheur Wildlife Refuge seasonal job in the spring of 2020 to work on a water nutrient project with US Geological Survey (USGS) being the lead. Along with nutrients I had heard that the refuge hosts a program that involves multiple partners to round up common carp and remove them from the Donner und Blitzen River.
Seen commonly in wetlands and flooded agricultural fields throughout the west, the White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) is easily recognizable by its subtly beautiful iridescent plumage and comically long bill. The ibis has become the poster child for biological diversity among the arid and semi-arid wetland habitats being threatened by climate change.
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