Raptors Eagles Waterfowl in the Klamath Basin

[rrip...@charter.net]

Hi All!

 

The Tule Lake CBC was last Saturday, the 4th. With about 10 participants, the count managed near average number of species, 89. While most areas reported low numbers for passerines, there were 3 Sage Thrashers at Gillem's Camp on the Lava Beds section of the count circle. About a dozen Mountain Bluebirds  and a single California Towhee were there too.

Up were the numbers of waterfowl. Over the past few years with low water on the Sump 1A and 1B impoundments at Tule Lake NWR, the numbers of waterfowl was low.  The water this year is near levels not seen in several years. The waterfowl has responded with increased numbers of swans, Snow Geeese and American Wigeon with higher numbers. Several Eurasian Wigeon and two Trumpeter Swans were the high lights. Northern Harriers were common, but only one Rough-legged Hawk was tallied, which is likely related to increased alfafa crops in that area, and decreased post harvest grain fields which Rough-legged Hawks favor. American Coots were plentiful, and serve as a favorite for Bald Eagles to dine on. There were about 17 Bald Eagles tallied on this count, but I would expect that number to rise dramatically with waterfowl coming into the Klamath Basin. I am expecting that most of the Bald Eagles will head over to Tule Lake with a majority of the waterfowl being there. Many geese species, Swans, ducks, and coots numbers are building over there. 

 

 

 The Lower Klamath NWR on both sides of Stateline Road have been getting water in the last couple of weeks. There are some waterfowl, but not in great numbers, yet. Once the numbers of waterfowl pick up at those locations Bald Eagles will follow. I saw at least 9 Rough-legged Hawks along Oregon Drain down there, a Prairie Falcon on a pole along Township Road, a Ferruginous Hawk in permanent pastures east of the six mile marker on Township Road, and a family group of Trumpeter Swans with Tundra Swans at the north end of Straits Drain, which is on the Oregon side of Lower Klamath NWR, in the lease lands. After seeing nearly 200 Ring-billed Gulls in that area I now know why Lake Ewauna is so empty of gulls. They are all down there! Short-eared Owls have been plentiful on the Oregon side of the Lower Klamath NWR, especially after sunset and along Straits Drain. 

 

 

Miller Island had a report of an American Tree Sparrow.  Back in December, the day after the Klamath Falls Christmas Bird County (CBC), a Northern Waterthrush was seen along the Ken Hay Trail, low in the willows on the pond closest to the Hwy 97 overpass. Since it's winter, it most likely is still around. 

 

For Bald Eagles, there are numerous locations to view them. They are quite dispersed at this time, but their numbers are increasing as the waterfowl numbers build.  Tule Lake has the most waterfowl at this time, so go to the Tule Lake tour route. Following the tour route from Hill Road the tour route eventually will intersect at a T junction. Turning right will follow the tour route along the south side of Sump 1B and eventually exit out on the Lava Beds road at the SE part of the refuge. There are several trees along the route where Bald Eagle may be seen perched. Turning left at that junction will follow along the north side of Sump 1B. There are two junctions where turning left is possible and both drive north into the Tule Lake lease lands. Bald Eagles are often standing on the ground or on irrigation lines that are near concentrations of waterfowl. So, a strategy to find out where Bald Eagles are, is to check where large flocks of waterfowl are staging. Often Snow Geese get up, and their white bodies can be seen for miles . They likely are flying around because an eagle flew over the flock? Find those flocks  and Bald Eagles will be there!

I would advise stopping by the Tule Lake Headquarters, and visiting. You might be able to get a refuge map and the latest information.

Other areas where I have seen Bald Eagles has been:

Miller Island (Klamath Wildlife Area south of Klamath Falls), Lower Klamath NWR (mostly Oregon side, but also California side), Oregon Drain (north to south gravel road west of Straits Drain and between Township Road and Stateline Road), and that area had 9 Rough-legged Hawks on Jan 11.  Township Road (can be busy with very little shoulder; not advisable to pull off on this road). There was 1 Ferruginous Hawk in a permanent pasture on the east end of that road on Jan 11.

 

This should get you started on a full day of viewing birds in the southern part of the Klamath Basin!

 

Good Birding!

 

Kevin Spencer

Klamath Falls, OR