Each spring, McNary Wildlife Area near Hermiston, Oregon, invites birders and nature enthusiasts to engage with one of the region’s most vibrant and accessible birding destinations. The event, known as Birding Days, offers an immersive introduction to the area’s diverse habitats—riverbanks, wetlands, and shrublands—each fiercely alive with winged activity. The Columbia River, constant and daring, edges the wildlife area, pushing visitors to pause and listen to the call of migrating waterfowl and raptors.

The trails through McNary provide a practical adventure that suits both casual explorers and serious birders. Miles of mostly flat terrain stretch across approximately 5 miles of accessible paths, with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for all skill levels. Expect a mixture of dirt and gravel surfaces, occasionally soft with spring moisture. Early mornings reveal sharp, crisp air carrying the subtle rustle of feathers and the splash of water as birds settle and take off.

During Birding Days, informational stations and guided walks supplement the natural experience, empowering you with identification tips and knowledge about local species like the northern harrier, western meadowlark, and the elusive grasshopper sparrow. Bring binoculars—essential for transforming distant flashes of color into clear, detailed glimpses of birds in action.

Hydration is vital; though the terrain is gentle, Oregon’s sun in late spring can catch you unaware. Wear sturdy, water-resistant footwear—morning dew and occasional wet patches remain on prairie grasses and trails. Starting before dawn maximizes sightings. The warm hues of sunrise set a perfect stage, the river mirroring brisk light while birds claim the skies.

Understanding the seasons heightens your experience. Spring boasts peak migration and breeding activity, while fall presents another migration wave punctuated by different species. Summer quiets somewhat, as resident birds settle and the area warms. Winters are harsh but reveal raptors and waterfowl that rely on the shelter and food resources here.

McNary Wildlife Area Birding Days is more than birdwatching. It is an opportunity to match wits with nature’s fierce rhythms and respect a place that thrives by its own rules. Each call, each flutter, becomes a lesson in patience and observation. For adventurers prepared to listen, the wildlife area offers not just views, but moments of connection with a world relentlessly active yet quietly sustained.