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Bald
Eagle Viewing
at the Klamath Basin Refuges |
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| In a time when the
majority of United States citizens have never even seen their national symbol, a day of
eagle watching in the beautiful Klamath Basin may become a highlight of anyone’s
winter season. |
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Just as sure as the leaves fall and ice begins to coat
basin wetlands, they will arrive. Each year during the month of November, bald eagles
begin to appear en masse on their Klamath Basin wintering grounds. Having traveled
from as far away as Northwest Territories in Canada and Glacier National Park, these birds
quickly settle into a daily routine of waterfowl scavenging throughout the Basin’s
marshes by day and locating sheltered roosts at night. The best viewing occurs during
January and February when numbers may peak at over 500 birds. During this time, an
observant visitor should be able to easily spot dozens of these majestic raptors along the
Tule Lake and Lower Klamath auto tours. It is not uncommon to see over 50 eagles from one
spot! |
| Why expend the energy to fly from Canada to our area?
The main attraction of the Klamath Basin to these eagles is the extensive marshes with
their abundant wintering waterfowl. Winter is a tough time to be a duck in the Klamath
Basin. With injuries, weakness, and diseases such as avian cholera (see article on page
5) claiming many waterfowl, the table is set for the eagles. It is easy to catch a
dead duck or goose, and the eagles make quick work of them. Feathers fly as the eagles
pluck their prey on the spot. Watch for large numbers of eagles standing on the ice
surrounding the remaining open water areas. |
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| After consuming their fill of waterfowl, most eagles
will leave the valley bottoms by late afternoon and head to sheltering night roosts. These
roosts are invariably timbered with large, open-crowned conifers, providing easy landings
and takeoffs. Located on northeast facing slopes, night roosts protect the eagles from
prevailing winter winds. The most important roost was protected in 1982 as Bear Valley
National Wildlife Refuge. In reality this refuge is not a valley, but an old-growth
forested hillside west of hwy 97 near Worden, Oregon. Although it is closed to visitor
entry, refuge visitors may enjoy the morning "fly-out" of bald eagles. By
situating yourself at the base of Bear Valley Refuge at sunrise, you may thrill at the
sight of 100 or more bald eagles as they leave their communal night roost and fly above
you on their way to the early morning waterfowl buffet. |
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Bald
Eagle "flyout"
Bear Valley Refuge |
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| From December through mid-March, excellent
opportunities are available to observe early morning fly-outs of large numbers
of bald eagles from their night roost at Bear
Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is closed to all public
entry to reduce disturbance to the birds. Best viewing, however, is from
outside the actual refuge. The site is located off Highway 97 approximately
13 miles south of Klamath Falls, Oregon near the vicinity of Worden, Oregon. |
| To reach the viewing area from Highway 97, turn west
onto the Keno-Worden Road just south of Worden. A short distance after the railroad
crossing turn left onto a dirt road. Continue on this dirt road for 0.5 miles and park
along the shoulder. The birds begin leaving their nighttime roost about ½ hour before
sunrise and are most concentrated within the first hour. Look west in the general
direction of Hamaker Mountain for eastbound eagles and other raptors. They will pass
directly overhead and along the ridges to either side. Don't Forget Your Binoculars & Warm Clothing! |
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Flyout
Viewing Area Map
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