Trip Report

This was my fourth time as extended trip leader to Mahuer National Refuge. I look forward to this and enjoy sharing it with others. With Rick Ahrens as our resident naturalist we saw approximately 70 species of birds and various wildlife. The weather was pleasant allowing us to enjoy our time outdoors.
The weekend started out on Friday with each car load traveling on their separate journeys. My group was exceptional company and made this trip a delight. Just south of Burns is the Narrows. When we had our first sightings with a Sandhill Crane and some white Pelicans, we knew we were in for some special treats. Stopping at Malhuer Headquarters we gathered information about recent sightings and headed on our way to the French Glen Hotel.
We met that evening for dinner at the hotel and enjoyed good food and pleasant company. An evening walk afterwards let us stretch our legs after a long ride.The view of Steens Mountain and a beautiful sky provided us with a serenity that is hard to describe. The fresh air and smell of sage cleared our minds of the stresses of living in the city and soon we found ourselves crawling off to bed.
Saturday was spent along the Central Patrol road stopping at various ponds along the way. Lunch at Benson Ponds provided shade trees but with many of them damaged by the beavers the grove may soon be diminished. In one tree was an owl with two babies. The best view was achieved by a walk to the other side of the stream. One little guy looked squished but soon popped its head up to see what all the action was about.
Saturday night showers made the early morning walk pleasant with its mixtures of smells. We drove to the Page Springs campground and took our walk by the creek. Rick Ahrens helped us identify the different sounds and special markings of the various birds and answered our many questions. We so appreciate his knowledge and wonderful personality.
We returned to the hotel, ate our breakfast and said our good byes. On our return trip we took Hotchkiss Road which provided us with an up close view of two Sandhill Cranes and fields of Camas. It is a must do. It is hard to explain how relaxing Eastern Oregon is and what draws us back to this place. If you have never been I do hope you put it on your short list to do one day. I'll miss this place and the group of 13 that made this trip so enjoyable. Many thanks to all of you for making this adventure so wonderful. MC