Ducks concentrate in open water areas at the display pond at headquarters and Benson and Knox ponds north of the P-Ranch. Malheur also hosts an array of raptors. Watch for raptors on power poles and in open fields and stay alert for the occasional merlin or peregrine falcon. In addition to the abundance of birds using the refuge, mule deer are common. Refuge headquarters and the southern Blitzen Valley are a couple of their favorite spots.
Pronghorn antelope are also in the area, and elk are occasionally observed.
November - January Warblers have gone south for the winter, but some sparrows remain. Careful observers may find American tree sparrows along the snow lined roads, and if they are lucky, longspurs or snow buntings. Many species of ducks, geese and swans use the refuge in winter, but their numbers are reduced compared to other times of year because of cold temperatures and few areas of open water. Check the display pond at Headquarters, the Blitzen River, Knox Pond and the Narrows. Search for Barrow's and common goldeneyes, and mergansers , as well as, the rare Eurasian widgeon .