KBAS Shorebird field trip

[rrip...@charter.net]

Hello All,

 

The KBAS Shorebird field trip turned out to be a trip where everything that was out there was found mostly in one area. It happened to be in one large flooded field at the Straits Drain of the LKNWR on the Oregon side. Four participants along with myself didn't have to search for very long before hitting the shorebird jackpot. The diversity was good, and there were other gems during the day.

 

Shorebirds that were seen included: Black-necked Stilt, Dunlin, and Greater Yellowlegs. Those two accounted for more than 80% of the all the shorebirds seen. Other shorebirds seen that were seen by picking through those more numerous species included: American Avocet, Black-bellied Plover, Marbled Godwit, Least Sandpiper, Willet, and Killdeer. The one shorebird that was the most difficult to find was the Lesser Yellowlegs. The two that were seen blended in well with Greater Yellowlegs but their tiny bills gave them away. The larger wading birds that mingled with the shorebirds were the White-faced Ibis. Gasps from the participants were heard as they saw the irridescent green and reds show in great sunlight. 

The thrills or gems included two immature Golden Eagles along with some adult Bald Eagels. About one hundred Eared Grebes were near the road for about a mile between intersections A and B on the LKNWR Tour Route on the California side. Along the west side of the LKNWR CA side and a bit north of the old willow row, there was an abundance of waterfowl, mostly ducks. Some handsome male Redhead Ducks were seen along with Ruddy Ducks. Most were in full breeding plumage.  The last bird on the trip was a neat and tidy Swainson's Hawk along Township Road.  I may have missed some personal favorites from others during this trip. It's hard to give credit to everything! 

Afterwards we all departed after having ample appreciation for the multitudes of birds that have not been  seen in many years as there is much water now at LKNWR. In the next month it will only get better!

Thanks to: Barry,  Viginia,  Gali, and Katelyn for your participation. See you all on the next trips!

See the attached for the checklists of what was seen at each site. 

 

and Good Birding!

 

Kevin Spencer

Klamath Falls, OR