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.
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.
Taken from the Klamath's National Wildlife Refuge web page.
Excellent Yamil, I am glad to see you made the trip to Klamath, wish I could have been there! I like the fact that you were able to overcome the elements and get the perfect exposure of the Eagle.. Great Job....
Nice shot of this great bird, I like his posture with his head turned over his back. I think this could be a stronger if the contrast was boosted somewhat. Thanks for the information you provided.
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