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.
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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.
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.
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