February Malheur Musings

On Friday January 24th water arrived at The Narrows! Thanks to FOMR Manager Jill Bachman for capturing and sharingthis image.

Greetings Janelle,

My opening messages in this newsletter are usually a place to share my own personal musings, historically full of optimism and romanticism about Malheur NWR and the work of our Friends group. At this time, in light of a flurry of directives coming from elected officials in Washington, it is important to remember that the Refuge budget is a part of the annual federal budget. It is FOMR’s job to stay keenly aware of the impact that federal decrees may have on Malheur.


An enormous amount of information is circulating in the news media right now, and it easy to get lost in this tsunami of fact and opinion. Focusing on the national wildlife system, here is what FOMR is concerned about:


1. That "the majority of federal agencies are likely to be downsized through restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force” and that we must anticipate the FWS will very likely be affected

2. That all federal hiring is frozen and likely to remain so for an indeterminate period.

3. That federal employees are being encouraged to resign as offered in a recent letter titled, “A Fork in the Road,” which was sent to ALL federal employees.


FOMR is deeply concerned about possible negative impacts of these trends on MNWR and we are following the situation closely. Please watch this newsletter monthly as we work to keep you informed.


As we deal with all this uncertainty, I like to remind myself of our mission:


To promote the conservation and appreciation of Malheur NWR's cultural and natural resources through outreach, advocacy, and on-the-ground stewardship.


It is my belief that when we work together to support our refuge in all the many ways we do, that we continue to be a positive contributor to the future of the place we all love.

In Service to Malheur,

Janelle Wicks

Executive Director

Conservation Corner

Water Update: Lake January 2025

Written by Peter Pearsall

Photo by Zack McCoy, MNWR P Ranch Substation Manager


A recent period of above-average temperatures in late December/early January, combined with rain, have melted snow at lower elevations of the Refuge, swelling the Blitzen River. 


“Normally in winter, the river’s flow rate averages about 30-50 cubic feet per second (cfs), said Ed Moulton, Malheur Refuge Maintenance Supervisor. “But with this recent weather, we’ve had several nights where it was running at around 1,000 cfs.” Read More

CCP Kick-off Meeting

Written by Janelle Wicks

Photo by Dan Streiffert



The first public meeting for the Refuge’s new Comprehensive Conservation Plan, affectionately being referred to as CCP 2.0, took place on Wednesday January 29, 2025. The primary goal of this meeting was to bring diverse stakeholders of the refuge together to share their biases and various perspectives on the importance of the Refuge as they see it and secondarily to learn about this planning process. Much like the development of the original CCP which was finalized in 2013 after a total 14 years of development, this plan is being cultivated through collaboration. This next plan will be facilitated by High Desert Partnership and Oregon Consensus.



You might be wondering, what exactly is a Comprehensive Conservation Plan or CCP? In short, the purpose of a CCP is to specify a management direction for the Refuge for the next 15 years. The goals, objectives, and strategies for improving Refuge conditions, including the types of habitat to be provided, partnership opportunities, and management actions needed to achieve desired conditions, are described in the CCP. Read More

Cranes are on their way!

Written by Gary Ivey PhD Photo of Oak and Sara by Bob Steelquist


Greater Sandhill Cranes begin returning to Malheur Refuge in mid-February. Some of the early arrivals are eager to get back to prevent other pairs from encroaching on their previously established territory. Crane pairs are very loyal to their nesting territories and marked pairs have been found in the same refuge field for many years.


I served as a Refuge Biologist at Malheur for 15 years and during that time, I captured and marked over 200 cranes at Malheur, after learning to be a craniac from my mentor, the late Carroll D. Littlefield (C.D). CD began studying cranes at Malheur for his Master’s in 1966 and he remained passionate about Malheur’s cranes his entire life. I am writing to tell stories about some of those marked cranes. Read More

Species Spotlight: Golden Eagle

Written by Peter Pearsall

The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. With eyesight four to eight times better than that of humans, powerful talons, and the ability to reach up to 320 km/h (200 mph) during high-speed dives, this raptor is a top predator in many ecosystems. 



Dark brown with golden feathers on the head and nape, golden eagles have a wingspan of 6-7 feet and can weigh 6.5 to 14 pounds. They can take down prey as large as deer fawns and domestic livestock but generally hunt medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, and marmots. Read More

Volunteering with Friends

Volunteer Birding for Science!

Written by Janelle Wicks Photo of 2024 Tribal Stewards crew members participating in snowy plover survey along the south side of Harney Lake Playa


There is no lack of need for knowledge around bird species abundance and diversity utilizing habitat throughout the Harney Basin. Collecting this data is a calculated endeavor with survey protocols that were once only accessible to and entrusted with resource professionals. Increasingly, ornithologists are reimagining the ability to collect necessary information by organizing ‘blitz’ style survey efforts with the help of volunteers. 



These community science opportunities in the Harney Basin and more specifically at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge are as abundant as the birds and YOU can help. The efforts differ depending on the focal species, seasonality, etc. but largely just require an enthusiasm to go birding! Read More

The 2025 Stewardship Schedule


Sunday, April 13th - Giving Back to the Birds; A half day stewardship session with FOMR as a wrap up to the Harney County Migratory Bird Festival.


May 29-31 - Spring Spruce up and Migrate Through Malheur Event; In addition to taking care of various stewardship commitments across the Refuge FOMR will hold its annual public outreach event on Saturday 5/31.


August 8-10 - Sod House Ranch; Every year the historic Sod House Ranch site must be prepared for visitors in advance of its August 15th opening date. Other tasks will be taken on as time and energy allows.


September 19-21 - Stewardship tasks TBD


October 17-19 - Stewardship tasks TBD


If you have any questions or would like to sign up for a Stewardship Weekend, please email friends@malheurfriends.org

Outreach & Events

Be sure to check out the incredible opportunities below and see our website's event calendar for more. Click the links below to learn more about these programs and sign-up!

February 14th HC Migratory Bird Festival REGISTRATION OPENS


DATES: April 10-13th, 2025


Spend a weekend witnessing the spectacular spring migration in the Harney Basin of Southeast Oregon. View migratory birds as they rest and feed in the wide-open spaces of Oregon's high desert. From waterfowl to shorebirds, cranes to raptors, wading birds to songbirds, you'll see them all! The festival offers non-stop birding activities as well as historical and cultural information sure to entertain. Whether you're a beginner or a life-long wildlife enthusiast, the festival has something for everyone.

March 13th The Joy of Spring & Summer Birding

4:00 PM via Zoom | SIGN UP HERE


Dr Thomas Bancroft explores the joys of spring and summer birding. From birds passing through on their migratory journey or those arriving to begin the process of establishing territory, courting, and breeding there is MUCH to see as spring transitions to summer. Spend this hour learning about some special species you might expect - or not! - during your next birding adventure.


Photo of summer tanager at Refuge Headquarters by Dan Streiffert

For more Events and Programs Visit FOMR's Online Calendar

December's Most Popular

Every month there is excellent content on the Friends Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages. Here we will feature the most popular post of the month.

January 6, 2024 - This year’s Christmas Bird Count at Malheur Refuge turned up five species of wren: Bewick’s, marsh, canyon, rock, and Pacific. Photo of marsh wren by Dan Streiffert, others by Peter Pearsall


Follow the Friends of Malheur on Facebook and Instagram at Malheurfriends

Amazon Wish List!

The needs of the Friends and Refuge's programs are changing all the time. This Amazon WishList will be updated seasonally with items supporting the Biology Dept, Volunteer Program, Stewardship Projects and general operational needs!

Membership

Membership does more than contribute funds that sustain our work in service to Malheur NWR. FOMR's 1300+ Members demonstrate a strength in community and that's community's passion for Malheur NWR.

If you are unsure of your Membership status you can email us at friends@malheurfriends.org today!

Not a Member or need to RENEW?

Simply visit OUR WEBSITE!


Prefer to send a check? Easy.

Fill out THIS FORM and mail it with your dues to:

Friends of Malheur NWR

36391 Sodhouse Lane

Princeton, OR 97721


Photo (left) burrowing owl family by Volunteer Photographer Lane Wintermute

Crane's Nest Nature Center & Store

Physical store REOPENING MARCH 1, 2025

NEW ONLINE STORE - LIVE NOW!

This has been a LONG time coming and we are excited to finally announce that you can now shop the ENTIRE inventory of our in-person store at Refuge Headquarters ONLINE!


All of the classic Malheur apparel and keepsakes, books, gifts, and more are now available through our new and improved online store.

FEBRUARY FEATURED ITEM: Aspects Jewel Box Window Hummingbird Feeder

This little feeder has suction cups to adhere to the outside of your window for up-close hummingbird observation! The feeder slides easily off of the frame by lifting it upwards which makes it simple to clean and refill.

Malheur HQ Visitor Center

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON - REOPENING MARCH 1 2025

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Renewing Member Sign-up
Make a Donation Today
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Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

malheurfriends.org 

friends@malheurfriends.org 

36391 Sodhouse Lane

Princeton, OR 97721 

541.493.4230

Tax ID #: 93-1261322

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