As birds embark on their seasonal migrations, over 350 different species travel the Pacific Flyway. The Klamath Basin in southern Oregon serves as a rest stop for these travelers, making it a perfect spot for bird watching. Fliers don't frequent the basin only because of its location; the basin holds a wide array of habitats, from sagebrush grasslands to forest floor marshes.
With its ever-changing scenery and distant locale, the basin serves as an ideal respite for more than just birds. The area hosts a rare collection of diverse wildlife.
The wildlife you witness in the basin will depend on the season you visit. If you happen to visit this summer, you will see more than 200,000 ducks, egrets, herons, and grebes laying eggs and preparing for the next generation of their flock. If you wait until the winter you'll have the opportunity to visit the largest flock of bald eagles in the lower 48. During this time, the flock of eagles number around 500.
New to ornithology and not sure where to start? The Klamath Basin Audubon Society (www.eaglecon.org) serves as a great place for beginners. The society hosts field trips throughout the year which hit the birding hot spots of the basin.
For more information on birding in the Klamath Basin, consult www.klamathbirdingtrails.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Klamath-Basin-National-Wildlife-Refuge-Complex/105636376137427# For more information on visiting the Klamath area, go to www.discoverklamath.com.
