Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon
Copyright © 1996, Don Baccus (dhogaza@pacifier.com)
Copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
All images copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
The Center Patrol Road (or "the CPR") bisects the Malheur Refuge lengthwise. The central part of the refuge narrows into a waist which consists of several rimrock buttes. This waist is so narrow and rugged that the CPR wasn't built through it, and thus splits it into two, disconnected portions. The section of the CPR which lies to the north of this barrier, connecting the Narrows-Princeton road with Diamond Lane, is often referred to in this guide as the "northern portion" of the CPR, while the section connecting Benson Pond with P Ranch is referred to as the "southern portion".
This section of the CPR is reached from the north by turning east from State Highway 205 at the sign for Refuge Headquarters. After travelling three miles on this paved road, you'll come to a gravel road leading south, marked "Malheur Field Station". This is the northern terminus of the CPR. From the south, this section is reached by turning east at Buena Vista Station, following the gravel road until it terminates at the CPR.
Just south of the Malheur Field Station, the road borders marshes and ponds for a bit. It then traverses a dry section of sagebrush, and then enters the large marsh at Buena Vista Station.
From the north, take the turnoff from 205 marked "Krumbo Reservoir". The CPR is the first road to the right. Watch carefully as the sign for Krumbo Reservoir is not very large. The south end is reached by heading east from Frenchglen, and the signage is much clearer.
Immediately south of the road to Krumbo Reservoir, the CPR passes by Benson Pond, well worth a visit. After passing the pond, the road follows the main canal through various managed marshes and ponds, finally terminating at P Ranch .
The northernmost section, with its marsh, ponds, and ditches, contains an amazing variety of birdslife, along with mule deer, mink, long-tailed weasel, and other mammals.
Waterfowl and pied-billed grebe are especially plentiful in this section. The deeper ponds just south of the Malheur Field Station are the best spot on the refuge to see ruddy duck, and the shallow marshy fields are often full of white-faced ibis. The first-time visitor may well be delighted to learn that short-eared owls have nested at the first intersection south of the Malheur Fields Station for several years. Northern harrier are abundant along with all the common marsh passerines.
The drier, central portion of the road may appear somewhat lifeless in comparision, but dry-country birds such as sage thraser, Brewer's sparrow, and golden eagle are frequently seen. You may also see a coyote or pronghorn along this stretch.
The south end of the road intersects with the road to Buena Vista Station, and most visitors take this turnoff rather than continue the short distance to Diamond Lane. Sandhill crane can be found nesting in this marsh, along with all of common marsh birds. The cliffs and buildings along the west edge of the marsh are home to large colonies of cliff swallows, while barn swallows nest under the small road bridges that dot the area.
The above description only hints at the wide variety of bird and other wildlife to be seen while driving along this section of the CPR. Most of the action lies to the east, so the photographer will want to rise early and drive from north-to-south for the best light.
The birding and wildlife viewing opportunites along this strecth of the CPR are outstanding. The marsh contains all of the usual marsh birds, such as waterfowl, sandhill crane, and northern harrier. The willows lining the CPR are filled with yellow and Wilson's warbler. This is one of the best places on the refuge to find Eastern kingbird. Just north of the P Ranch one is likely to see or hear boblink.
There are many mule deer in the fields bordering the road, and the careful observer may stumble across a mink or long-tailed weasel.
The portion of the CPR from the P Ranch north to the first road which connects with State 205 generally provides the best opportunities for the photographer. The road is east of the marsh along this stretch, so get an early start.
