Bald Eagles gathered along the Klamath Basin in winter

Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges

Oregon · West

Habitat
WetlandMarshGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

November-February

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

The Klamath Basin refuges along the Oregon-California border host the largest wintering concentration of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states. The basin's wetlands also support one of the largest waterfowl migrations in North America, with millions of ducks and geese passing through.

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

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

6/2/2026Wingwatchers Lake Ewauna Nature Trail2 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

6/1/2026Klamath Wildlife Area--Miller Island Unit1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

5/30/2026Klamath Wildlife Area--Miller Island Unit1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

86/2/2026

Northern Shoveler

16/2/2026

Gadwall

146/2/2026

Mallard

126/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

46/2/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

16/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

16/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

46/2/2026

American Coot

46/2/2026

Sandhill Crane

16/2/2026

Black-necked Stilt

66/2/2026

American Avocet

26/2/2026

Killdeer

66/2/2026

Caspian Tern

16/2/2026

Forster's Tern

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/2/2026

Northern Harrier

36/2/2026

Bald Eagle

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    February hosts the Winter Wings Festival for guided eagle tours

  2. 2

    Lower Klamath and Tule Lake refuges have the best auto tour routes

  3. 3

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  4. 4

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges for birding?
The best months to visit Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges for birding are November-February. The best seasons are Winter and Fall.
What birds can I see at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges?
Notable species at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges include Bald Eagle, Tundra Swan, White-faced Ibis, American White Pelican, Tricolored Blackbird, Canada Goose, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports wetland, marsh, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges?
Birding at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges?
There is no entrance fee at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges?
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Auto Tour Route.