Wetland birding habitat

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Route

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Route is a productive birding destination in California, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Canada Goose among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/26/2026Unnamed Road, Tulelake, California, US (41.807, -121.521)1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/25/2026Lower Klamath NWR--Auto Tour Route1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

5/23/2026Klamath Wildlife Area--Miller Island Unit1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

5/18/20264616 Peck Drive, Klamath Falls, Oregon, US (42.202, -121.732)1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

5/16/2026straits drain, lower klamath wildlife refuge1 observed

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

5/16/20265201–5407 E Butte Valley Rd, Macdoel US-CA 41.94974, -121.901681 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Stilt Sandpiper

15/25/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

25/24/2026

Black Tern

55/24/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

25/24/2026

Peregrine Falcon

15/24/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/24/2026

Song Sparrow

15/24/2026

Western Meadowlark

15/24/2026

Canada Goose

405/24/2026

Cinnamon Teal

85/24/2026

Northern Shoveler

45/24/2026

Gadwall

405/24/2026

Mallard

405/24/2026

Northern Pintail

25/24/2026

Redhead

65/24/2026

Ruddy Duck

305/24/2026

Sora

15/24/2026

American Coot

1205/24/2026

Black-necked Stilt

705/24/2026

American Avocet

305/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Route for birding?
The best months to visit Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Route for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Route?
Notable species at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Route include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Cinnamon Teal. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Route?
Birding at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Route is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Route?
Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Route offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.