Hundreds of thousands of migrating birds following the Pacific Flyway are descending on the rich habitats of Harney County, where they find sanctuary among the wetlands, meadows and open spaces of Oregon's high desert.

The Harney County Migratory Bird Festival, now in its 35th year, is an annual highlight for the county, where tours and birding activities are happening throughout the weekend.

The festival, which runs through Sunday, comes on the heels of the armed occupation of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The headquarters at the 187,757-acre federally owned reserve remains closed, but the rest of the refuge is open to visitors.

"We want to come here and support the community and the event," she said. "Harney County is very welcoming. It's sad, what's gone on here."

Still, she said, "The birds don't mind as long as there's vegetation and water."

The festival kicks off the county's tourist season and provides a substantial boost to the area economy. People visiting the refuge spend estimated $15 million annually, according to the nonprofit Friends of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

"This is an incredibly special place," Trainer said. "And it's open to everyone."

-- Beth Nakamura 503-221-8218

Twitter: @bethnakamura

Instagram: @bethnakamura