A male great western sage grouse.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge made international headlines this year as the site of an armed standoff between a self-described militia group and federal law enforcement officials. But for the 108 years preceding this winter's occupation, the refuge was known for something else entirely: its birds.
And birds, as it turns out, don't pay much attention to news headlines. Though the refuge headquarters complex remains closed to the public, the birds are back — and with them, an explosion of enthusiastic birders.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Harney County Migratory Bird Festival — and Think Out Loud will be there! We'll hear from record-holding bird enthusiast Noah Strycker, senior naturalist Duncan Evered, Chamber of Commerce executive director Chelsea Harrison, and more.