Klamath Basin Birding Trail

Grebes on Klamath Lake

2008-07-21T15:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Dr. Lynda Goff for this great information and photos. I know I've seen the grebes dance in Julya few years ago, and this confirms what I saw.
Cindy Deas
KLMS
541-892-0596

Release Date: 7/18/2008 6:47 AM
It was worth the extra 120 miles drive yesterday coming back to Davis from Eugene as I got this shot.Late in the season for this kind of action but maybe they are practicing for next year!This was taken at Moore Park on the south end of Klamath Lake (the big one at Klamath falls). Water is filled withgreen algae and grebes! Thanks to Charlotte for the information of where to photograph this.
male baby-sitter.
Proud Parents. The baby did not manage to eat this big fish that the Mom (on left) had just delivered. After struggling thedad took the fish and the two parents ripped it into small pieces and gave some to the chick. This little chick was not morethan a few days old. He/she spent most of the time on the parent's back (parents took turns being either the nest for thechick or the fisher). The chick only left the back to change parents or to poop in the water. At this point, they do not havedeveloped glands that provide waterproofing to their feathers. The parents rub their heads on the chicks to providesome waterproofing but even with that, the chick only is able to stay in the water (pretty warm about 70F) for 3-5 minutesat a time. I came back 8 days later and this same chick was still on the back but only occasionally. He/she was in the waterfor 10-20 minutes.
Feather eating is really interesting in Grebes. All grebe species seem to do this. Their gizzards are not sufficient tocrush the bones of the fish they eat. The feathers form a partial plug in their pyloric region of the stomach, slowingdown the transfer of the food into the intestine. This provides more time for digestion of the material before it passesinto the intestine where if it were not digested, it could puncture the intestine. Parent start feeding chicks feathersalmost immediately after hatching. The stomachs of some grebe species may be half filled with feathers whichform a dense stomach pellet.
Lynda J. Goff
Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
UC Santa CruzOffice/Voicemail: 831 459 5114Cell 530 574 4409

Birding the Basin

2008-07-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Lots of stuff today. See below.

Thank you,
Cindy Deas
KLMS/KBBT/BRBT
541-892-0596

Hi all, At 6:30 this morning, the adult, probably female, Peregrine Falcon was at its usual location on the poles just east of the refuge maintenance station on Stateline Road.Charlotte Ann

Subject: Breeding(?) White-crowned Sparrow, Klamath Co.From: "Dave Haupt" Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:43:53 -0700OBOL,
Saturday at Williamette Pass ski area on a casual outing I heard the
"pink" call which I've heard a million times in the fall and winter, but
obviously not in the summer in Klamath County, because I had to track
down the source. I had an agitated White-crowned Sparrow calling
repeatedly in an open brushy area in the parking lot of the ski area. I
watched the bird's behavior for ~3 minutes until a member of my party
honked the horn of the van because I was taking too long and they were
all hot. The honk happened to flush a second white-crown from the
brush. Behavior-wise and date-wise (July 19) I'd suggest these birds
were a nesting pair. Checking Steve Summer's book "Klamath Birds," and
"Oregon Birds" I couldn't really find (m)any breeding accounts for
White-crowned Sparrow in the County. Is the species a common breeder
just west of this location? Anyone have WCSP records in the summer in
Klamath County?
Dave Haupt
Klamath Falls Hi all, I just got back from a quick run around Lower Klamath refuge. The adult Peregrine Falcon was perched on the easternmost of the poles that go east from the refuge maintenance station. The station is a half mile east of the main refuge entrance. I entered the refuge by the road that goes by the maintenance station entrance. I found another peregrine along that road about a half mile before Intersection E. This bird had more color to its upper breast than does the Stateline bird. It appeared to be quite large and was also an adult. I took the tour route road back to Intersection A and turned left. It wasn't long before I was treated to the sight of 3 River Otters crossing the road ahead of me. I could see that there was another one wanting to cross but I was too close, so I backed up and gave it room. It was then that a fifth otter stuck its head out alongside the other one. They both crossed the road and joined the ones that had already crossed. I know that I have seen 2 otters together in the basin. I am not sure if I ever saw 3 at one time. Seeing 5 in a single group was an absolute delight.Charlotte Ann

Birding the Basin

2008-07-09T11:58:00.001-07:00

Subject: Peregrine Falcon and Yellow Rails>
Hi all,>
Yesterday morning at around 9:15, A Peregrine Falcon flew across > Hagelstein Park toward the hill on the east side of the park. Last > night, a couple of Yellow rails were heard along Silver Lake Road in the > Klamath Marsh somewhere between the 6 and 7 mileposts.>
Charlotte Ann

Birding the Basin

2008-07-05T13:17:00.001-07:00

This from Mary Ellen Sargent. Last evening, 7/3, we did a quick look at the marsh, shallow open water and mud flats at Meiss Lake. 2 beautiful Bald Eagles surveying 2 Sandhill Cranes working the shallow waters amidst all the puddle ducks (Mallard, Gadwall, Cinnamon Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Northen Pintail, Canvasback, Canada Goose). Highlight of the evening was a flock of Western Sandpipers next to a Killdeer (for comparision)....guess the shorebird migration has begun...Other species seen/heard/in the vicinity: large flock of White-faced Ibis, Marsh Wren, Brewer's and Redwinged Blackbird, several Red-tailed Hawks, American Avocet (one still on nest?) and Black-necked Stilt (and immature), Forster's Tern, Song Sparrow, Western Kingbird, Black-billed Magpie, gulls, Bullock's Oriole, Western Meadowlark, Mourning Dove.
Hi all, A friend and I took spent the better part of the day birding around the southern part of the basin. Some highlights included seeing at least a dozen Swainson' Hawks. Most were along Lower Klamath Lake Road from just north of Township Road to near Fugate Road. There were somewhere between 200 to 300 phalaropes in the flooded field about mile east of Hill Road on East West Road. That is something like 8 times the number of phalaropes I have ever seen in one place before today. A female Barn Owl was back at the hole to which the arrow on Hill Road points just before one gets to the Tule Lake tour route. We could not find any Tri-colored Blackbirds a couple of miles south of that location on Hill Road where something like 400 were seen nesting earlier this season. The lava crater across the main paved monument road from where one turns to go to Schonchin Butte had at least 7 and probably 8 Purple Martins flying about the crater. I do not believe that I have ever seen more than 4 or 5 there before. We saw no wrens or Violet green Swallows, but that may have been due to our getting there around noon.Charlotte Ann

Birding the Basin

2008-06-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

June 30, 2008

While birding at Moore Park this Saturday I made the following interestingobservations: Several sightings of Acorn Woodpeckers including two adults doing a food exchange A pair of Ash-throated Flycatchers "investigating" a nesting box with an enlarged hole A pair or possibly more of Evening Grosbeaks seen on two occasions Distant drumming of what sounded like Ruffed Grouse Nest feeding observations of several House Wrens, one Pygmy Nuthatch and the nest of a Western Wood Pewee ? (I think) about 35 feet up in a ponderosa. Adult apparently incubating eggs with only head and tail visible.Dave Menke

Fieldtrip to Klamath Marsh

2008-06-26T17:46:00.001-07:00

Field Trip to Klamath Marsh Refuge Yields 85 Species

On June 14, the Klamath Basin Refuges hosted a field trip to Klamath Marsh as part of a monthly series of events celebrating 100 years of Refuges in the Klamath Basin. The twenty-five participants on the Refuge’s monthly field trip saw or heard a total of 85 bird species. The trip which began and ended in Klamath Falls included a brief stop in Hagelstein County Park where interesting observations included Green Herons, Green-tailed Towhees, a Cedar Waxwing and several Bullock’s Orioles. Shortly after entering the extensive grassland and marshes at the Refuge, interesting birds including Long-billed Curlews, Savanna Sparrows, Ring-necked Ducks, Cinnamon Teal and many wood Ducks were seen along Silver Lake Road.

In the Wocus Bay area, in addition to some of the most spectacular views in the Klamath Basin, participants were able to find Olive-sided Flycatchers, Mountain Bluebirds and Black Terns in addition to more common species. The highlight of the trip for many birdwatchers was a great look at a Red-naped Sapsucker (a rare species in the Klamath Basin). Towards the late afternoon hours a drive through marshes along Military Crossing Road provided looks at American Bittern, several warbler species and many Black-crowned Night Herons.

Several participants stayed until dark to hear the calls of the rare Yellow Rail. Klamath Marsh is one of the few locations west of the Rockies where this species breeds. At least five yellow rails responded to an imitation of their call which is very similar to the sound of clicking two rocks together.

The tired but satisfied group of hard core birders returned to Klamath Falls after this memorable experience.

During Lower Klamath Refuge Centennial (2008), the refuge staff is hosting programs for the public each month. Upcoming events include an July 19th Field trip to Clear Lake Refuge and the Centennial day celebration for Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge on August 8, 2008. Contact the refuge at (530) 667-2231 for a schedule of monthly events.

______________________________________________
Photo Captions:

Klamath Marsh Refuge Manager, Carol Damberg points out one of several birds seen from the Wocus Bay shoreline.

Wood Ducks are more commonly seen at the Klamath Marsh during the summer months than any other Klamath Basin location.

The secretive Sora is one of several rail species found at Klamath Marsh.

Birding the Basin

2008-06-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone:

Here are some hightlights.

Happy Birding!
Cindy Deas
KLMS/KBBT/BRBT
541-892-0596

Special story on a falcon from Charlotte.

http://www.falconcam.med.ualberta.ca/stories.html

Klamath Basin Bird News,

Hi,Dave Haupt mentions a somewhat rare bird for the area. Rare because they aren't normally found east of the Cascade Divide. But near the divide is a good chance of encountering one. See below.
Kevin Spencer =============
Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:45:11 -0700
From: "Dave Haupt" <dhaupt@tulelake.k12.ca.us>To: <obol@oregonbirdwatch.org>
Subject: [obol] Klamath Co. BAND-TAILED PIGEONOBOL,

During a survey conducted on 23 June in the BLM forests of SurveyorMountain, an area between Keno and Ashland along the Cascade crest, Ihad a single cooing BAND-TAILED PIGEON. I got a visual on he bird,which was perched high atop a bare-limbed conifer. It postured muchwith neck extensions and head bobs and then took off. I know of nobreeding records within Klamath County, yet it's occurred in the KlamathRiver Canyon area. Other birds of note in these forests during recentsurveys include: GRAY JAY, WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER, PILEATED WOODPECKER(juvenile), WINTER WREN (another species not typical of summer in theCounty), N. PYGMY OWL, and MOUNTAIN QUAIL. In this same area among anotherwise contiguous coniferous forest are some extensive spring-fedbogs of willow and bog birch which supported WILSON'S WARBLER, COMMONYELLOWTHROAT, YELLOW WARBLER, MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER,LAZULI BUNTING, CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD, RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD, WILLOWFLYCATCHER (gathering nest material), WARBLING VIREO, and BLACK-HEADEDGROSBEAK - a pretty nifty area birdwise. Looks like it could harborNorthern Waterthrush, Least Flycatcher, Veery, Gray Catbird, but no suchluck this time. Enjoy, Dave HauptKlamath Falls

Birding the Basin

2008-06-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

June 21, 2008

Hi all, Friday morning, I took a jaunt around Lower Klamath Refuge and saw more Great Egrets in a few minutes than I had ever seen outside of Texas or Florida. The water level in Unit 3 was down. Unit 3 is the lake area south and east of the tour route exit. Starting at the exit and heading east on Stateline Road, I estimated that there were at least 200 Great Egrets there. It wasn't until after I drove the tour route and came out back at Stateline did I double my estimate. There were no fewer than 400, and maybe many more, Great Egrets in an area from just west of the tour route exit road and incorporating the area both south and east for a mile or so. The trees lining the exit were simply brimming with egrets. There were many ibis, pelicans and a lesser number of Snowy Egrets in the area. An unexpected bonus was seeing an American Bittern flying across the tour route road near the exit. There was still a Swainson's Hawk on the nest in the juniper to the north side of Stateline Road between Merrill Pit Road and South Merrill road. This report has no really rare birds, Great Egrets are common, but it is the sheer number of them at Lower Klamath that prompted me to send this to the group. Please share anything you may have with the others on this contact group.Charlotte Ann

June 23, 2008
FYI there was a male rose-breasted grosbeak on our feeder this morning at Klamath Marsh NWR. I thought I'd forward this info on as it is listed as accidental in the area. Also, it has a (+) symbol in the Klamath Basin Birding Trail booklet indicating that its appearance in the area should be considered problematic. Doug Doug DambergKlamath Basin NWR ComplexHC 63, Box 303Chiloquin, OR 97624Office: (541) 783-3380 Fax: (541) 783-3382

Birding the Basin

2008-06-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone:

See below for recent sightings.

Thank you,
Cindy Deas
KLMS/KBBT/BRBT
541-892-0596

OBOL and Klamath Basin Bird NewsAfter completing the Davis Lake BBS I stopped by the Little Deschutes River at Hwy 58. At least two singing NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH. One could be seen across the river from the closest parking area to the bridge, on the ne side of the bridge (the bird then was on the nw side). From that location look west and note a dead topped lodgepole with numerous cones. It was singing continuously there. I also heard a LEAST FLYCATCHER singing about 150 meters downstream from the bridge. Kevin Spencerrriparia@charter.net

Hi all, Yesterday, the refuge held an all-day field trip to the Klamath Marsh. Some of the highlights were Green-tailed Towhees on the hillside across the road from Hagelstein Park as well as a Green Heron at the southern part of the park. The Klamath Marsh was productive. There was a Red-naped Sapsucker below the main residence. This was the same location one was seen five years ago at the refuge's centennial celebration. Rails included Sora, Virginia and, after it got dark, at least five Yellow Rails were heard from near the six mile post. On the drier ground on the west side of the refuge, a good number of Long-billed Curlews were seen.Charlotte Ann

We saw a mockingbird yesterday in a draw just east of the O on OIT hill.Anne and Karl Wenner

Female Bunting

2008-06-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Subject: Bunting (Indigo?) K. FallsFrom: "Dave Haupt" Date: Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:51:07 -0700OBOL,
Encountered a female bunting in the yard on 4 June. The bird struck as a
female Indigo upon a 10-15 second observation before b-lining to the east.
General ground color was brown overall (reminiscent of female cowbird color),
with the the mantle, head and wings richer brown. The bird showed no indication
of wing bars; throat was whitish tan contrasting with face and breast. The
breast had some faint streaking; some suffusion of bluish in flank/tail base
area; hint of pale supercilium. It did not have any buffy tones in breast. It's
only the second bunting I've had in my yard in 8 years in a county with Lazuli
as a fairly common breeder. Timing is good for Indigo. I know the two bunting
females can be difficult to separate. Any thoughts or experiences out there to
help satisfy my ID?
Dave Haupt
Klamath Falls

Fieldtrip to Klamath Marsh - June 14 & 15

2008-06-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

June 14 &15 Tour Features Wildlife and Scenery on
Klamath Marsh Refuge

On August 8, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt established Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge as the Nation’s first refuge set aside for migratory waterfowl and marsh birds. To celebrate the 2008 Centennial of Lower Klamath, employees and friends of the Refuge are hosting a series of monthly public events. On Saturday June 14th, the public is invited to tour Klamath Marsh Refuge to learn about Refuge programs and view the scenery and wildlife of this remote refuge in Northern Klamath County.

There will be no charge for the trip but participants are asked to make reservations by calling Dave Menke at (530) 667-2231. Transportation and meals will be the responsibility of participants. Trip guides will meet participants at the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Office in Klamath Falls on Oregon Avenue at 8:30 am the morning of Saturday June 14th.

The guided trip is expected to last until the mid afternoon at which time participants may elect to return home or reassemble later for evening wildlife viewing after taking time out to eat dinner. This trip is expected to provide views of some of the Basin’s most spectacular scenery in addition to searching out Mountain Bluebirds, Western Tanagers, Black Terns, Wood Ducks, Sandhill Cranes and many other interesting species. An early morning guided Refuge birding trip will also be available the following day (Sunday, June 15th), for those who choose to camp or make arrangements to stay overnight in the area. The morning tour on Sunday is expected to conclude about 11:00 am.

Everyone planning to attend should to bring lunch, snacks, drinking water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a light jacket, sturdy shoes and raingear (just in case!) . This opportunity is open to everyone, including families and beginning birdwatchers. Additional information, including directions to meeting locations may be made by calling (530) 667-2231. For a complete list of future month’s Centennial events in 2008 visit the refuge web site at “fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges.” Klamath Marsh Refuge was established in 1958 to protect this high elevation marsh. The Refuge offers stunning views of Mt. Thielsen and Mt. Scott across vast expanses of marsh.

Birding the Basin

2008-06-02T11:52:00.001-07:00

May 31, 2008

OBOL and Klamath Basin Bird News,I observed a female PURPLE MARTIN this morning as it was foraging on a hillside near the A Canal and not far from the Link River. It was seen from the USF&WS office parking lot in Klamath Falls. This is the first sighting of a Purple Martin in Klamath County in more than 20 years. Previously, they were known to nest in Chiloquin. None however, have been seen since the mid to early 1980's. I, unfortunately was the only person in the group to see the bird. Others were excited enought that they vowed to get home and get a martin box up ASAP. Also at that same location was a CALIFORNIA TOWHEE. They have been regular at that location for more than a year now.I'll report other sightings from a trip to Wood River Wetlands, later.Kevin Spencerrriparia@charter.net

June 1, 2008

Klamath Basin Bird News:After noting a Purple Martin observation in Klamath Co., I was correctly reminded by Mike Neuman that Purple Martin is a nesting species at the Lava Beds National Monument, not too far to the south. They have been a consitent nester there historically. And besides that location I have also seen at least one nesting location in Lassen Co. So, at least to the south of Klamath Co. it appears that Purple Martin is having some success at hanging on to its traditional nesting locations. My reference to Purple Martin not being sighted for at least the last 20 years was strictly for Klamath Co. I know political boundaries are not observed by wildlife, but as far as eastside Oregon goes, Purple Martin is an extremely rare occurance. If the bird on Saturday were of a nesting population on the eastside, and not an overshoot from a CA population, hopefully it finds this year's nesting season a success. That to me was the most exiting part of seeing that bird. It was the thought that it might be possible that they could make a comeback. Kevin Spencerrriparia@charter.net

Birding the Basin

2008-05-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Thanks to everyone who attending Klamath Wingwatcher's Spring Fling on Saturday. Here are recent bird sightings.

Thank you,
Cindy Deas
KLMS/KBBT/BRBT
541-892-0596

Hi all, This from Kathy Larson.Re: Chat - we saw this rather large, brightly YELLOW breasted bird hopping around on the ground in our backyard in the Moyina Heights area, Friday evening (May 23) about 5:30 pm. It was rainy & cold, and 44 degrees F. We got several good views of it, with our binoculars, since it stayed around about an hour, but flew into the trees, the several times Ron opened the patio door & poked his telephoto lens out to photo it. When it returned to the ground about 15 minutes later, it paused several times in the open, where we got a good look at the bright YELLOW front extending to under the chin, and the distinct white belly area below, contrasting with the yellow; olive greenish back; and "white spectacles." We used to see Chats when we lived it Georgia, but it is the first time in the 10 1/2 yrs. we have lived in Klamath Falls that we have seen a Yellow-breasted Chat.Kathy : )

BLACK SWIFT, 2-3, Odell Lake, Klamath Co., May 26.While returning to Klamath Falls from Portland, and finding Salt Creek Falls reststop blocked by snow, I stopped at Odell Lake at the viewpoint, roughly mid-lake along Hwy 58. I stopped there since it was late May and overcast. Steve Summers and Mike Robbins stopped at Lake Odell, during a big day I think, maybe 20 years or so ago, on a likely similar day, and observed Black Swift flying over Lake Odell. So, I tried that tactic today (actually, I've tried it several times in the past), and WHA-LA! I was able to observe at least 1 for several minutes at least twice as it traversed across the lake not far from shore. Two others pushed by once. Kevin Spencerrriparia@charter.net

Birding the Basin

2008-05-18T17:46:00.001-07:00

May 18, 2008
Hello,While letting the dog out on Friday night I heard a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD in the next neighborhood over. I went on a walk on Sat. morning and found it atop of a house at 5479 BASIN VIEW DRIVE. It could likely be at another house, but I'd bet it would be near that location. They roam around a neighborhood, but there's probably a center to their territory. They can be easily tracked down if they are singing. Sounds that it's imitating: Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Robin calls, Tree Swallow, Western Kingbird... among others. Mockingbirds sing at night, and it's a bird I miss, being away from growing up further south. But the last two nights..... Ahhhhhh! the sounds were great!OBOL has changed its address and I haven't subscribed yet, so you won't see this on OBOL unless someone forwards it.Kevin Spencerrriparia@charter.net

May 18, 2008
On an outing on Friday to the marshes on Bliss Road, we found the American Bittern, but the Cattle Egret was gone (this is a follow up to the sightings of Sunday, May 11th for the NAMC). It was in the middle of the day, very hot, and there was very little life on the water.

Mary Ellen Sargent

Birding the Basin

2008-05-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

May 9, 2008

This from Mary Ellen Sargent.
Hi all,

Just wanted to give you some results of birding the area today:

Thanks, Kevin, for the directions to the Tri-colored Blackbird site in Malin. We were able to study the birds in the blackberry bushes.

Thanks, Charlotte, for the location of the Swainson's Hawk over the ridge on Hwy 161. The dark morph was fence sitting. On a related note, I saw a light morph on the Hwy 66 side of town.

For those of you who like hawks, there's a Red-tailed nest on the Lost River in Merrill in downtown, right by the Main St. bridge.....3 downy babies peaking out. Another nest is across from Diamond S meats on Hwy 39 and another is off Hwy 66 just before Lawanda Hills.

White Lake area had a beautiful Bald Eagle. While cruising down Hwy 161, we saw large, I mean large, flocks of White-faced Ibis heading to the refuge. We also were able to compare Caspian and Foster's Terns.

Indian Tom Lake had lots of Western Kingbirds.

Miller Island hosted over 5 Black Terns by the boat launch, and the resident Great Horned Owl and a Yellow Warbler, both in the picnic area.

Mary Ellen Sargent

Tricoloured Colony Saved!

2008-05-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

Tricoloured mega-colony saved
Birdlife/ www.birdlife.org
08-05-2008
Audubon California has announced that it has reached an agreement with a farmer to safeguard a single colony of about 80,000 Tricoloured Blackbirds Agelaius tricolor – nearly a third of the world’s population of this Endangered species.
The estimated global population of Tricoloured Blackbirds is 250,000 to 300,000 birds, with at least 95% of these occurring in California. Tricoloured Blackbirds have declined dramatically in the past century as native wetland habitat has been lost and the species has consequently been classified as Endangered. Tricoloured Blackbirds form just a few large nesting colonies each year, and in most cases these occur in crop fields. This puts the colonies in grave danger when farmers cultivate the field before young birds are able to fly.
“This is really a great victory for conservation, and an example of how conservation and agricultural interests can work together to find real solutions”, said Graham Chisholm, director of conservation for Audubon California. “The Tricoloured Blackbird is an important part of California’s natural beauty, and this agreement, combined with other conservation measures, will help to ensure that it has a healthy future.”
Through a cooperative agreement with Audubon California, the farmer will delay the harvest of 65 hectares where the colony is nesting. This delay will provide enough time for the young to leave the nest, ensuring the success of the state’s largest breeding colony. Because the delay in harvesting will reduce the market value of the crop, Audubon California has agreed to compensate the farmer for any lost value.
“This is really a great victory for conservation, and an example of how conservation and agricultural interests can work together to find real solutions” —Graham Chisholm, Audubon California
“Audubon is grateful that this farmer was willing work with us to craft a solution to save this mega-colony of Tricoloured Blackbirds”, said Chisholm. “We’ve found that the more we talk about these issues, the more we understand that we don’t necessarily have to choose between the protection of important species and the economic interests of farming communities.”
Public and private land managers are working to manage habitat for Tricoloured Blackbirds in order to encourage the birds to nest in wetlands and other secure habitats as opposed to agricultural fields.
Audubon California is part of a statewide working group, including public agencies, farmer and rancher organizations, conservation organizations, researchers from UC Davis and others to develop a comprehensive strategy to protect Tricoloured Blackbirds.
The funding for this agreement was made possible thanks to private funds and a grant from the California Department of Fish and Game through the Landowner Incentive Program.See how Tricoloured Blackbird and other threatened birds are faring on May 19 with the launch of the 2008 IUCN Red List for birds.

Klamath Wingwatchers Spring Fling!

2008-05-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

Klamath Wingwatchers, Inc.

Invites you to join us
at our Klamath Wingwatchers
Spring Fling Taste of the Arts Fundraiser
Saturday, May 24 of Memorial Weekend 3-8 pm
Stefan Savides, world renowned artist and taxidermist, is opening his home and large backyard pond filled with migratory birds for the pleasure of Wingwatcher supporters.

* Feast your eyes on the birds and the artistic talents of Stefan and his friends * Tickle your palette with Portland St. Market's specialty foods
and wine and beer tastings from 3-7:30 pm
* Fill your ears with wonderful music
* Enjoy relaxed conversation with friends
Tickets are $20 for Wingwatcher Members, $25 for non-members. Members buy tickets for friends at member price. Only 60 tickets will be sold, so get your tickets soon.

Know someone who is not a member who would like to join us? Wingwatcher memberships are $15/person, $25/family, or $35/business.

You can buy your ticket and your membership by calling Leslie Lowe at 882-6509 or
emailing inharmony46@charter.net.
Directions to Savides home/studio: Go south on Washburn Way past Joe Wright Road about 1/2 mile. Stefan's home/ studio is on the left side at 7901 Washburn Way.

Birding the Basin

2008-05-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone:

Here are the recent bird sightings. Remember that Klamath Falls International Migratory Bird Day is Saturday, May 10th at Veterans Park. Hope to see you there!
Thank you,
Cindy Deas
KLMS/KBBT/BRBT
541-892-0596

04/27/08
Hi all, Today at the southern part of Unit 6 on Lower Klamath tour route, there were around 30 Franklin's Gulls soaring about. If you take the main entrance and then turn right at Intersection A, they were about a half mile past where the "totem pole" owls were this winter. That is about a mile Past Intersection F.Charlotte Ann

5-2-08

Sorry, I didn't paste Dave Menke's message. It is below.The evening of May 1 I observed and photographed a single Harris's Sparrow near the recently cut large willow tree aong the Wingwatchers Trail. Great birding along the trail right now. Many other good looks at sparrows (Lincoln's, Savannah, Song) and Warblers (yellowthroat, yellow and yellow-rumped) along the trail. Photo attached. Dave Menke
Sunday, May 4: A EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE was hanging around the west side of Chiloquin. Also, a SOLITARY SANDPIPER was in the wetlands near the RR tracks at the old Chiloquin Millsite.

Other nice birds: a pair of CINNAMON TEAL at the Millsite wetlands, WILSON'S SNIPE (ditto), GRAY and DUSKY FLYCATCHERS (Spinks Park area), BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE (Millsite wetlands), COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Millsite wetlands), and LARK SPARROW (Millsite).

--
Wes Stone
Chiloquin, OR
http://wesweb.homestead.com/birding.html

Birds and Other Items of Interest

2008-04-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone:

Once again, I've been pretty busy so I got a little behind on postings. Please see new items below.

Thank you,
Cindy Deas
KLMS/KBBT/BRBT
541-892-0596
Hi all, Normally I don't send these things out to you, but this one is really something. There are other videos that can be seen at this site. Some of them are pretty good.Charlotte Annhttp://youtube.com/watch?v=DwepjctCkL0

Hi all, This From Dave Haupt. No mention as to where in Tulelake it was seen, but they have been seen in town before.Charlotte AnnSubject: G-t Grackle, TulelakeA singing male Great-tailed Grackle was present in the town of Tulelake yesterday. Tulelake is in California, ~ 6 miles south of the Oregon border. There were several present in late fall/winter this year - could be a straggler that might want to breed nearby - it's only a matter of time. Also a movement of Savanna Sparrows among others.Dave HauptKlamath Falls

4-23-08
Hi all,
Yesterday morning, I drove down the south part of Unit 4 on Lower Klamath refuge by taking the main entrance road, going left at Intersection B and continuing well past Intersection E. Just to the north the quarry, there is a dirt road that go off to the left. Some of you were there on the last Audubon field trip. An immature male Peregrine Falcon was first seen chasing blackbirds on the hill and a little later, heading off toward the Sheepy East Unit. I would imagine that from there, it worked its way up towards White Lake. While waiting for the visitor center to open, I scoped the Great Horned Owl in the hole on the cliff. The female had a fairly large prey item that she was feeding to at least two young. My best guess was that it was formerly a live coot. Behind the center, a flycatcher appeared in the closest tree. It was there for quite some time, giving excellent looks, but it still was not an easy identification for those of us seeing it. The bird most like it in the field guides was Dusky Flycatcher. A male Rufous Hummingbird was there as well. Bonaparte's Gulls were seen in breeding plumage at the Tee intersection at the end of the English Channel on the Tule Lake tour route. At the parking area at Captain Jack's Stronghold another flycatcher was seen, It looked identical to the one seen at the visitor center.Charlotte Ann

Hi all,
The Lower Klamath refuge is working its long range plans. If any of you want to be part of a group that will present ideas for non-consumptive use on the refuge please contact me. I will be working on a list of ideas that I think will make Lower Klamath and the other local refuges more birder friendly. Even if you do not wish to take an active part in this, please send me any ideas you think should be incorporated into the refuge's planning. A few of my ideas include a lower speed limit, mileage markers, getting heavy trucks off the tour routes, more attention to the habitat requirements of birds other than the hunted ones, walk-in observation blinds and other lots of things I could list. I am certain that every one of you has other good ideas that you believe should be incorporated in future planning. It will be a while before public input is asked by the refuge, but by then, we should be well prepared to submit our thoughts. I would like to see a core group of four or five folks gathering ideas for submission, but any level of help would be greatly appreciated. If any of you have other contacts beyond the 40 or so folks on this e-mailing list, by all means contact them for any ideas they might have. Once we get a core group, we should have a brainstorming meeting. I hope to hear from many of you with your suggestions for improving non-consumptive use on the refuge.
Charlotte Ann

Birding the Basin

2008-04-14T12:09:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone:

I've been attending the Governor's Tourism Conference, so am a little behind. Here is what I have so far:
Thank you,
Cindy Deas
541-892-0596
Klamath Basin Bird News: Went down into Klamath River Canyon today. Drove to campground; biked for 3 mi. and back. Nice day. Most interesting was a pair of WILD TURKEYs. Jake and Jenny. (second time I've observered species in county; 1st time last fall) Other birds: Green-winged Teal,1, White-headed Woodpecker, 2, Acorn Woodpecker 3, Lewis's Woodpecker, 7, Northern Flicker, 4, Violet-green Swallow,1 , Red-tailed Hawk, 2, Golden Eagle, 1 imm., Turkey Vulture, 8, Oak Titmouse, 3, White-breasted Nuthatch, 2, Golden-crowned Kinglet, 4, Brown Creeper, 2, AMERICAN CROW, 2, American Robin, 15, Northern Yellow-rumped Warbler, 25 Sort of still quiet as spring hasn't really kicked in yet.Also of note: Ness Lake has shorebirds. Scoping from Hill Road might be interesting. Kevin Spencer rriparia@charter.net
Woodpecker Tours
Greetings Central Oregon birders,Most of you should have received my recent announcement of the first annual Woodepcker Wonderland Festival, to be held June 6-8 in Camp Sherman. Many of you may be waiting to register for the event, thinking there will be plenty of time. I have been promoting this event in Central and Southern California, and in Texas, since January, and some of the tours are already filling up, so I want to give you fair warning. In a large part, this event is for you -- our friends in the Central Oregon birding community. I have tried to keep the costs minimal to make it accessible to the broadest audience possible. Field trips will be led by some of the best birders in Oregon to areas I know most of you have never explored. And our keynote presentation promises to be an evening to remember. I am excited that so many out-of-state folks are interested in the festival, but I hate to see you miss out on the fun. If you are interested in attending, please get your registration in as soon as possible, as space is limited for all parts of the event. Registration forms can be downloaded from here: http://www.paradisebirding.com/wwfest08.pdf If you have any trouble with the forms or if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with my by email or phone (408-1753). I look forward to hearing from you and to sharing our quickly-becoming-infamous Woodpecker Wonderland!Steve Shunk

Tule Geese

Hi all, On the field trip today on Lower Klamath, the highlight was seeing a pair of the "Tule Goose" form of Greater White-fronted Geese. The were way down on the south end of the refuge. You go in the entrance and veer left at Intersection B, proceed straight ahead well past Intersection E and take the dirt road that goes left just before you come to the quarry. Take that road until you come to what almost could be called a viewing mound. The geese were on an island to the north of the mound. Also, at Intersection B, the were some more that could well have been Tule Geese, but the sun was beginning to get to me so I retreated to my vehicle and did not scope them, but they appeared to be Tule Geese. An adult Swainson's hawk was seen early this morning perched on the fence on the top of the hill on the north side of Stateline Road just to the west of the notch between Merrill Pit Road and the trailer park. They have nested in the largest juniper on the hill for several years now. I did not see the hawk when I went by there in the early afternoon. That is about all I have, but I'll bet that some of you have something to share with this group. I encourage you to please do so.Charlotte Ann

Moore Park Birding
On April 11 I observed multiple sightings of White-headed Woodpeckers,Red-breasted Sapsuckers and 1 or more Acorn Woodpeckers at Moore Park.Most were in mature ponderosa near the junction of the closed loop roads.Anna's Hummingbird at same location as last year. Merlin on eagle perch(dead snag along nature trail).Dave Menke

Birding the Basin

2008-03-31T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hi All:

I've been a little busy - but here are recent updates - Enjoy! Thanks, Cindy

Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2008 4:59 PM
Subject: Tri-colored Blackbirds>
Hi all,>
Today, I finally found the Tri-colored Blackbird flock on the > eastern entrance of Lower Klamath Refuge. I saw about 80 birds, but > other blackbirds were in the area so I probably missed a bunch. There > have been reports of around 200 being seen near the east entrance. If > one takes Lower Klamath Lake Road south from Stateline Road, you go past > the entrance to the trailer park and then about another 2 and a half > miles farther south on LKLR, you will see a line of telephone poles > cutting across the field on your left. The blackbirds were on the wires > right next to the gravel road. I did not see any cranes along that > portion of LKLR. If any one you have seen or learned anything you think > might be worth sharing with this group, please contact Julie, Marilyn, > Kevin or me.>
Charlotte Ann

Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:05 PM
Subject: FW: Press Release Condor lecture
Subject: Press Release Condor lectureAttached, please find a press release and photo regarding an upcoming lecture (April 3rd) sponsored by the Coos Historical & Maritime Museum. Suggested photo caption: A California condor displays its impressive wingspan. The history and future of condors in Oregon will be the subject of a talk sponsored by the Coos Historical & Maritime Museum on Thursday, April 3, 7:00 p.m. at the North Bend Public Library. Thank you.

Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 1:22 PM
Subject: Sunday morning birding>
Hi all,>
There was a group of 70+ Greater yellowlegs at the same pond as I > reported a few weeks ago. That would be the southern pond along > Stateline Rd., about a half mile east of Highway 97. There was a Prairie > Falcon circling around Petroglyph Point which gets me hoping that they > will nest there. A Northern Shrike was seen about a quarter mile east of > interpretive sign #6 on the Tule Lake Tour route. This bird had me going > as to what species it was. It finally dawned on me that it was an > immature bird just beginning to get its adult plumage. There was still a > good deal of brown where the black of an adult should be, but the bird > was not the overall brown color of juvenile birds, it had some of the > gray of an adult.. Great Horned Owls were seen at the usual spot on the > cliff at the visitor center and also just east of where the Peninsula > drops off in the old nest they have used before. If you are at the > easternmost area on which you can drive near the highest cliff face, > scan the smaller cliff to the east. You should be able to see momma > right on top of the old nest about mid-way to the top of the cliff. Your > best view will be from the paved road and not from the gravel road. > That's about all I have, but we all are interested in learning what you > are seeing, so please pass along anything you might wish to share..> Charlotte Ann

Birding the Basin

2008-03-16T16:10:00.001-07:00

Hi all,
This morning, I headed over towards Lower Klamath. Along Stateline Road, just a little east of Indian Tom Road, in the pond on the south side of Stateline, there were right at 80 Greater Yellowlegs pretty much acting like a flock. Three hours later, when I came that way again, there were only 7 there. I think that first number was something like 4 times larger than any number of yellowlegs I had ever seen at one place before today. About 200 Sandhill Cranes were spread all along Lower Klamath Lake Road from about a mile south of Stateline down to a bit past where that road makes a hard right turn. On Lower Klamath Refuge, I watched an immature Golden Eagle (Probably a male) attack a pair of immature Bald Eagles (probably female). The Golden drove them away them easily. At the very northwestern portion of Unit 6, a Eurasian Wigeon was in the canal on the right side of the tour route road. That is as you are taking the long route and have just turned right after passing the old crane on the left side of the road. Say's phoebes are regularly being seen, grebes are becoming more frequent, Cinnamon Teal are seen more commonly and Rudy ducks are showing blue bills. Spring must be just around the corner.
Charlotte Ann

Birding Report

2008-03-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

Check this out -
Thank you!
Cindy Deas
KLMS/KBBT/BRBT\
541-892-0596
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin Spencer" <rriparia@charter.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 1:58 PM
Subject: Forwarded Trip summary>
Klamath Basin Bird News,> The following is a summary of a recent trip by Eric Horvath. Enjoy.> > Spent 7-13 March birding the Klamath Basin. >> highlights >> Clark's & Western Grebes both closely seen on Tule >> Lake >> White Pelicans--some on Tule Lk, and in lower >> Klamath NWR along >> stateline rd >> Ducks--all the regular species are in abundance. >> the geese and swans >> flocks are all over Redhead was hard to find except >> in the eastern >> portions of the Lower Klamath Auto Tour route. >> Eurasian Wigeon turned up in the big wigeon flocks >> between township rd >> and stateline rd--in flooded fields >> Red breasted Merganser--2 males at Putnam Pt on >> Upper Klamath Lake >> hooded Merg--1 male at Putnam Point on Upper Klamath >> Lake >> Bald Eagle--flyout still good at Worden, with 151 >> bald eagles on 11 >> March >> Golden Eagle--2 at flyout on 11 March >> Merlin --1 in Moore Park on 12 March, eating a junco >> Prairie Falcon--showed up at Coppock Flag cliff >> (east of Petroglyphs by >> half a mile) on 9 March, and was at Petroglyphs on >> 12 March >> Mountain Quail--nice flock of 8 at Thompsons B&B >> coming to feeders. >> This is by Moore Park. The heavy snow cover >> brought them in from the >> park. They did not have a perfectly reliable time >> when they showed >> up, but evening seemed to be the pattern. >> Spotted Sandpiper 1 along Link River >> Greater Yellowlegs 5 at white Lake, they were not >> here on 8 or 9 March, >> but had arrived by 11 March. >> Barn Owl--one tucked into a crevice along sheepy >> Ridge south of Visitor >> ctr >> White-headed Woodpecker--in pines at Moore Park, 10& >> 13 March >> Loggerhead Shrike--1 along Sheepy Ridge, 9 Mar & 12 >> Mar >> Northern Shrike--1 at Williamson River Delta >> Preserve on 13 Mar >> Oak Titmouse --there were several of these at Moore >> Park, 9 & 12 March. >> Played Juniper T tape, and no response, but they >> did respond to Oak T >> tape. >> Canyon Wren--1 at a quarry along Sheepy Ridge >> Varied Thrush--one near Tule Lk visitor ctr >> Fox Sparrow--Moore Park >> Tricolored BB--a few in with the redwings in the big >> flocks at >> feedlots, 9 &12 Mar >> Yellow-headed BB 4 males in a big redwing flock on >> 12 Mar, halfway >> between stateline rd and Tule Lk vis ctr >> Cassin's Finch-1 male at thompson's b&b in Kfalls >> Mink--link River >> Otter--in a canal along Township Rd >> >> Lots of snow still in Klamath this year! >> --Eric Horvath >> horvath@pioneer.net

More Birding the Baisn

2008-03-08T12:27:00.000-08:00

See birding info below -
Thanks,
Cindy Deas
KLMS/KBBT/BRBT
541-892-0596

Hi all, I took a quick jaunt down to Butte Valley today. Only Sheep Mountain Road had much to offer in the way of raptors. The best bird was an immature Northern Shrike seen on a small sprinkler along Shady Dell Road. If one is coming from Highway 97, first there is a good-sized tree about a half mile or so east of 97. Some of you will remember it for the bobcat that was in it a few years back. About a half mile past that tree, the shrike was seen on the north side of Shady Dell. I don't recall seeing the immature plumage of Northern Shrike this late in the season. I checked with my Sibley and indeed, they may retain the immature plumage up until April.Charlotte Ann

Klamath Basin Bird News, and OBOLVisitors and locals should know that at least 1 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER is still being seen. This species is on the rare side, although, it seems to be averaging 1 per year lately. The location is included below. "On Jan. 22, my husband and I saw one male and one female Red-breasted Merganser on the Link River near the Oregon Street bridge. We were viewing them from the parking lot at the Link River trailhead (north end). On March 3, we saw one male Red-breasted Merganser on the Link River in the area just before the log jam above the dam (north end of Link River). I suspect the female might have been there also, but we weren't able to positively pick her out." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michele Nuss

Also, an AMERICAN CROW is likely around; one seen near the Klamath Creamery, a local beer joint downtown, (getting leftover suds no doubt), last weekend.The Merrill area has thousands of geese, Snow, Ross's, White-fronted, and Canada (sp.) near the highway on both sides of town. I suspect Miller Island is gaining popularity of late for them also. Turkey Vultures, singles have been reported lately; normal increase is first week of March.
Kevin Spencer
rriparia@charter.net

Birding the Basin

2008-03-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone:
See details about tour below.
Thank you,
Cindy Deas
KLMS/KBBT/BRBT541-892-0596

----- Original Message -----
From: "Charlotte Ann Kisling" <kiss@cot.net>
To:
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 12:38 PM
Subject: refuge event>
Hi all,>
If anyone out there wants to bring a spotting scope, along with their > birding knowledge, to this event, it would be greatly appreciated by the > refuge staff. I plan on attending, but another one or two scopes couldn't > do anything but improve viewing opportunities for the public.> Charlotte Ann>>

Celebrate Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge -- 100 Years>>
Reply to: Dave Menke 530-667-2231
For Immediate release 3/4/08> dave_menke@fws.gov>>>

March 15 Tour Features Habitat and Wildlife on> Lower Klamath Refuge>>
On August 8, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt established Lower Klamath > National Wildlife Refuge as the Nation’s first refuge set aside for > migratory waterfowl and marsh birds. To celebrate the 2008 Centennial of > Lower Klamath, employees and friends of the Refuge will host a series of > monthly public events.
On Saturday March 15th, the public is invited to > tour Lower Klamath Refuge and learn about wildlife habitats while viewing > the spring migration in progress. There will be no charge to participate. > Mid to late March coincides with the peak of the spring migration of > ducks, geese and swans through the Klamath Basin. Refuge employees will > explain how habitats are managed to serve large flocks of migrating birds > each spring and fall. Local birding experts will be setting up spotting > scopes so that all participants will have the opportunity to observe and > identify many of the different species of waterfowl and other birds found > on the Refuge. In recent weeks, more than 800,000 ducks, geese and swans > have been tallied on Lower Klamath and nearby Tule Lake National Wildlife > Refuges. Raptors including Bald Eagles, Great Horned Owls, Northern > Harriers and Rough-legged Hawks should also be visible during the tours.>>

This event is open to everyone, including families, beginning birdwatchers > and other nature lovers. Participants will meet at the Lower Klamath > Refuge entrance parking area at 8:15 for the first field trip which will > depart promptly at 8:30. A small bus will be available to transport tour > participants but space on the bus will be available on a first reservation > priority basis. Those not getting a reservation on the bus are welcome to > follow in their private vehicles. A second tour of the refuge will depart > from the Lower Klamath entrance at 1:15. Participants should bring snacks, > drinks, warm clothing and binoculars. Spotting scopes and bird > identification guides will be available for group use.
Morning and > afternoon tours will conclude at 12:30 and 4:15 pm respectively. All > participants should contact the Refuge office at (530) 667-2231 for > confirmed trip reservations.>> Additional information, including directions to the starting point may be > made by calling (530) 667-2231. For a complete list of month-by-month > Centennial events in 2008 visit the refuge web site at > “fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges.”>>