Bald Eagles by the Hundreds

Feb. 8, 2011 - PRLog -- Klamath Falls, Oregon – February 8, 2011 – Hundreds of bald eagles fly from their roosts at dawn and spread across the Upper Klamath Basin on the Oregon-California border.  They are hunting for food – that’s why they come here. Although there are hundreds of eagles, the casual visitor may only see a few.  Knowing when and where to look is the key.  

Jerry Haugen, "Pathfinder" for Global Creations Explore! the free eMagazine for adventure and exploration, says: “The best time of year to see bald eagles here is winter, specifically January and February, although there are a few bald eagles in the Basin year around.  They congregate in the Basin after following migrating waterfowl to the area.”

Haugen recommends an outstanding tour starting at the southeast side of the Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge just before dawn.    Over 300 bald eagles have been counted roosting in the refuge on a single night.  Every morning, about a half-hour before dawn, they fly from their roosts toward the area’s wetlands.  Haugen says that you can watch the eagles fly over your head for about an hour.

Next, a leisurely drive across the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge on Township Road, between US-97 and Lower Klamath Lake Road is usually productive.  A hundred eagles were seen at one time hunting for rodents in just one field this winter.  Others will rest on power poles and irrigation lines where they can watch geese and swans on the adjacent wetlands.

The auto tour routes through the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges also offer great opportunities for viewing the eagles in the wetlands and trees.

At dusk, the eagles return to their roosts.   Haugen reports that the best place to actually see eagles flying to their roost trees is near Laird’s Landing on the south side of the Lower Klamath Refuge.   You’ll want to stay far away to avoid disturbing the birds – bring your binoculars or a spotting scope.

Haugen has published a detailed article along with photos and a video of Klamath Basin bald eagles.  You will find it in Explore! at http://explore.globalcreations.com

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Global Creations LLC publishes Global Creations Explore! the eMagazine for adventure and exploration. The firm also publishes The Mushroom Growers' Newsletter in print and provides website development and related services to an exclusive clientele.