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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/15/2026Wingwatchers Lake Ewauna Nature Trail1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

4/15/2026Bliss Road Wetland2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/13/2026OIT GeoTrail4 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/12/2026Dad's House2 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

4/12/2026Lower Klamath NWR--Auto Tour Route1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/11/2026Aspen Lake Rd--Caledonia Canal2 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/11/2026Putnam's Point2 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

4/11/2026Home Rosemont Court1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

44/14/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

44/14/2026

Cliff Swallow

54/14/2026

European Starling

134/14/2026

American Robin

24/14/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

174/14/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

1004/13/2026

Canada Goose

404/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

44/13/2026

American Coot

124/13/2026

Black-necked Stilt

124/13/2026

Great Egret

14/13/2026

Osprey

24/13/2026

Northern Harrier

14/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

84/13/2026

Cinnamon Teal

94/13/2026

Mourning Dove

24/13/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

84/13/2026

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.