In this absence of the symphony of bird song, the flight speckled sky, the waters swirling with paddling, dabbling, plummeting divers, and trees ornamented by a rainbows coloring of birds, I understood these species are not just visiting.
It is because of my experiences through Friends of Malheur-as a Volunteer, I have come to know and appreciate this unique and important part of our state, and also its significance in the greater ecosystem. I have had opportunities to get to know the people and community of Burns and the surrounding area. It is more important than ever to see and experience people whose lives are different from our own and find what we have in common.
Written by Valita Volkman, FOMR Volunteer / Photo by Valita Volkman When I first met you, I was blown away by your beauty. I had never seen anything quite
In December we had the opportunity to be part of the Refuge Christmas Bird Count (CBC). We were stationed for three nights at the historic P Ranch with Rick Vetter and Joan Suther, two of Harney County’s finest birders, and Henry Burton who developed his excellent birding skills and his love of the Refuge by coming with his family ever since he was a small child.
This year, 14 field birders enjoyed near record breaking warm temperatures and mostly clear skies all day, with gorgeous views of the Steens mountains and Frenchglen cliffs to the west where golden eagles were already checking out nest sites for breeding season, just months away.
