100 Birds of Summer: Mindful Birding – Pride Edition

Join Teresa Wicks, Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Eastern Oregon Field Coordinator for 100 Birds of Summer, a series of family and beginning birder-friendly programs connecting people to birds and nature. Over the course of the summer, we’ll aim to see 100 bird species, from forests to wetlands, and places in-between. But don’t be fooled, this series isn’t only for serious listers, we’re aiming to create community while exploring the birds and ecosystems that Harney County has to offer. Binoculars will be available.

Mindful Birding – Pride Edition

Spend the morning of Harney County’s Pride birding at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. We’ll meet at 8:00 in the headquarters parking lot. Then we’ll cover the basics of mindful birding and spend time casually and mindfully walking the paths of Malheur NWR Headquarters, observing the many bird species found there. We’ll do our best to find a rainbow of bird colors, and a mixtape of bird songs. Mindful birding doesn’t require expert birders or an ability to identify every species you see. Instead, it encourages being present, noticing different sounds and colors and textures of birds, and the nature around you. This program is a great opportunity to bring out your sketch books, poetry skills, cameras, and an interest in connecting to birds and nature while creating community.

Length: 1.5 miles

Accessibility: There is a wheelchair and stroller accessible paved trail from the parking lot, through headquarters, around Marshall Pond. There is are some some hills and some graveled paths, but otherwise the trail is flat and paved. There is also an option to bird from the deck at headquarters.