We proceeded to the south end of Malheur and stayed in the thriving metropolis of Frenchglen, population 8. Very cute hotel.

We started by looking for the Virginia Rail.  This is all I saw at first: his reflection while hiding in the bushes Reflection of a hiding Virginia Rail Then a peek-a-boo look at him in the bushes Virginia Rail hiding in the shadow Finally he came out into the open Virginia Rail Second, we got to see a pheasant. Really beautiful birds. Pheasant

There were lots of Black-necked Stilt Black-necked Stilt And Northern Harrier building their nests Northern Harrier carrying nesting material Ruddy Ducks in their breeding plumage Ruddy Duck in breeding plumage Redheads Redheads And last, but not least, very cute ground squirrels Belding's Ground Squirrel  

Soo and I joined a wildlife photography tour to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.  The tour was run by Trogon Tours. It was a first time for both of us to Malheur.  The first few days were spent in the north section. Here are some of my favorite photos:

Burrowing Owl in flight:

Burrowing Owl in flight Sage Thrasher was a life bird for me Sage Thrasher Meadowlarks were everywhere Meadowlark There were still some Sandhill Cranes around. This guy was dancing, but his mate just stood and watched Sandhill Crane

We saw at least 3 Great Horned Owl nests while on the trip Great Horned Owl Swainson's Hawk, another life bird Swainson's Hawk Long-billed Curlew, my first time seeing them up close Long-billed Curlew There were huge flocks of White-faced Ibis, another life bird White-faced Ibis White-faced Ibis Male Northern Harrier, the Grey Ghost.  I have never seen one perched before Male Northern Harrier

Redhead Redhead duck Willet Willet Franklin's Gull Franklin's Gull

Black-necked Stilt Black-necked Stilt Sora Sora Wilson's Snipe Wilson's Snipe My one and only flight shot of the Long-billed Curlew Long-billed Curlew I will get part two of the trip assembled soon (southern section).

Soo Baus and I got a change to witness an Anna's Hummingbird nest from hatching to fledging. This was from May 9th to June 4th 2017. We had excellent visibility into the nest, and were able to work slowly and carefully so as not to disturb mama.  The video is 11 minutes long, so grab a cup of coffee and enjoy.