Klamath Basin For Winter Birds

by Betty Burridge

One of the nation's most glorious and exciting mid-winter birding destinations lies within an easy day's drive of Sonoma County. It is the Klamath Basin on the Oregon border of northeastern California, a congregating place for Bald and Golden Eagles, Tundra Swans, numerous hawk and falcon species, and a great variety of waterfowl.

Two national wildlife refuges, Lower Klamath Basin NWR and Tule Lake NWR, are easily accessible by well-marked roads and trails. This is a photographer's paradise, with dramatic weather patterns and great flocks of birds occasionally rising to wheel through the skies. To hear the extraordinary sounds of these thousands of birds is, in itself, a haunting and fascinating experience.

Bald Eagles and other raptors are drawn to the region in December, when most of the open water freezes, crowding the waterfowl into the remaining open water areas where sick or injured birds become easy prey.

Great numbers of swans also are seen in the Basin. While the vast majority are Tundra Swans, birders should watch and, especially, listen closely for the sonorous single or double trumpet-like call signaling the presence of the rare Trumpeter Swan. Sightings of these birds should be reported to the Trumpeter Swan Society. (See sidebar)

At Tule Lake NWR Headquarters, birders will find extensive interpretive and educational material, along with recent bird census numbers, public telephones, and clean rest rooms. There is a log for reporting bird sightings, so you can find out the latest news on rarities or your favorite birds. On occasion, porcupines have been seen in the trees lining the road near the Headquarters. Great Horned Owls roost in the cliffs to the west, and raptors soar on the updrafts created by the warmth of the morning sun on the rocks.

The Klamath Basin can be a wonderful birding area all year long, and the breathtaking congregation of winter birds is usually present from December through March.

On the four-day Presidents' Weekend each year, Klamath Falls Oregon hosts a Bald Eagle Conference. This year's conference will be held February 13-15; for information, please call (541) 883-5732.

To reach the Klamath Basin: Plan on at least six hours of driving time from Santa Rosa to Tule Lake. Go north on I-5 to the Highway 97 exit at Weed and proceed north-east through the small town of Dorris. Three miles past Dorris go east on Highway 161 , which is also called State Line Road, along the wetlands of the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. Be sure to pull well off the pavement when you stop to view the birds, as fast-moving 18-wheelers make up much of the traffic on that seemingly quiet two-lane road. After about 14 miles on Highway 161, turn right on Hill Road, which leads to the refuge headquarters and dirt roads out onto the refuge.

There is at least one modest motel in the town of Tule Lake, but most people prefer to stay in Klamath Falls, Oregon, just a few miles to the north. There is also an excellent campground at the Lava Beds National Monument just south of the Tule Lake Refuge.