LAKE COUNTY Resident nesting duck species are abundant and broods of all species are available for viewing. For shorebird viewing, Lake Abert and the Warner Valley lakes are the best locations. All the resident nesting raptor species are present in appropriate habitats. The highest diversity of raptor species is associated with the major valleys in the county.

SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING Harney County Waterfowl migration has stopped and most waterfowl found now will be breeding pairs on territories and initiating nesting sites. Sandhill cranes can be found in agricultural fields throughout the Harney Basin. Shorebird migration is slowing. Birding will be more difficult as birds begin to initiate nesting. Lesser yellow legs, killdeer, avocets, black-necked stilts, white-faced ibis, curlews, willets, pelicans, egrets and a variety of grebes species are a few of what can be seen. Forester’s terns, black terns, franklins, ring-billed and California gulls can also be found.

Klamath Wildlife Area Effective Jan.1, 2013, a Wildlife Area Parking Permit is required to park on the Wildlife Area. Cost is $7 daily or $22 annually. Free with purchase of hunting license. Waterfowl Great Basin Canada geese are evident with goslings in tow. Mallard, gadwall and teal can be seen with ducklings as well. White pelicans can be seen foraging for fish in many of the ponds and waterways.

Klamath Falls Area Flooded pastures around the basin offer great viewing for white-faced ibis as they forage on earthworms and other insects. These birds are colony nesters and utilize wetland vegetation to nest. American white pelicans, killdeer, western grebes, Clark’s grebes and several swallow species continue in their nesting season in the Basin. The courtship rituals of both western and Clark’s grebes are both distinct and visually stunning and should not be missed by those with an appreciation of such things. Upper Klamath Lake is currently home to thousands of grebes, and viewing opportunities exist along the shore as well as from boat.

SOUTHEAST ZONE VIEWING Harney County Waterfowl migration has stopped and most waterfowl found now will be breeding pairs on territories and initiating nesting sites. Sandhill cranes can be found in agricultural fields throughout the Harney Basin.