Summer 98 Newsletter

Bear Valley
Habitat Improvement Project Begins
by John Beckstrand, Wildlife Biologist

Even if you've been around the Klamath Basin Refuges for a while you may not be familiar with Bear Valley Refuge, or know where it is for that matter. Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), (4,178 acres) is located several miles north of Highway 97 near Worden Oregon. It was established in 1978 as a communal roost for wintering bald eagles. Bear Valley NWR is the most important eagle roost site in the Basin. Early in the morning from November to April bald eagles may be seen flying out of Bear Valley to feed in basin wetlands or agricultural habitats. Night roosting eagles seek the shelter of the large trees and protected valley that Bear Valley Refuge provides during the cold winter months.

However, once the refuge was purchased it became apparent that management would be required to maintain its suitability as an eagle roost over time. Years prior to acquisition by the Fish and Wildlife Service much of Bear Valley was selectively logged with the largest and best trees taken. Additionally, fire suppression in the area has greatly altered the forest in terms of number of trees, tree species composition, and tree age distribution. Prior to settlement, the forests in the region consisted of 70% ponderosa pine. A healthy ponderosa pine forest of large, open spaced trees was maintained by periodic ground fires that remove under story brush and invading shade-tolerant firs. The fire frequency in pre-settlement ponderosa pine forests in the region was at 30-50 year intervals.
Today, because of fire suppression much of Bear Valley Refuge has been converted from fire-resistant, open-grown ponderosa pine to relatively dense stands of fire-intolerant white fir, Douglas-fir, and incense cedar. This is part of the “forest health” issue that affects most east-side forests in the Northwest. Prior to fire suppression wildfires consisted of relatively "cool" ground fires that might kill a few large trees, but would maintain an open canopied forest. Today, the higher elevation areas of the refuge average 470 trees/acre, with nearly 70% in the 0-6" diameter breast height (DBH) range, of which a high percentage are white fir. With so many small trees to spread fire and carry it into the tree tops, as well as a thick layer of needles on the ground the potential for a catastrophic wildfire is great. The desired stand structure is 130 trees/acre of mostly ponderosa pine and Douglas fir.

Prescribed fire was used in the late 1980's in Bear Valley with limited success to alleviate some of the wildfire and forest succession problems. In the lower elevation, ponderosa pine forests, controlled burns have reduced fuel loads and encroaching under story vegetation. However, most of the 4 bald eagle subroosts within the refuge are located at higher elevations containing a greater density of trees. At these sites prescribed fires often laddered into the forest canopy and killed all trees involved. Because of the danger to the roosts, the use of prescribed fire was stopped until safer methods to reduce fuel loads was found. The answer was several years in the making culminating in a Environmental Assessment (EA) Bald Eagle Habitat Improvement Project completed in 1996. Of several possible alternatives identified in the EA, the preferred one proposes to use a series of timber sales to "thin" the forest to desired specifications and then use prescribed fire to maintain the forest over time. The treatment and monitoring strategy identified in the EA was developed with the help of forestry experts with the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, as well as eagle biologists from Oregon State University, Oregon Eagle Foundation, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Timber sales would take place over a 10-15 year period and treat 1,500-1,800 acres.

Bald eagles prefer tall, large diameter, open branched trees for roosting. Criteria best met by ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. The objectives of the thinning operation are to: reduce fuel concentrations, reduce tree stocking to sustainable levels which will help produce more open grown ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir for future roost trees, and restore a more natural stand structure and composition.

Because of the need to protect nesting bald eagles in the area, the first timber sale is scheduled for late July, 1998. By that time all the young bald eagles have fledged. In order to ensure that the thinning is not aversive, two prescriptions will be tried for the first sale with one of them subsequently used in additional treatment areas. Prescription A will leave approximately 121 trees/acre with a range of 72-171 trees/acre, and an average of a 20 foot spacing between trees. Prescription B is identical except no trees over 14" DBH will be removed regardless of the spacing. A study design identified in the EA has been established to evaluate the effect of each type of cut on roost tree use by bald eagles. The objectives of which are: to determine if silvicultural treatments are negatively impacting eagle use of roost trees, and to determine if treatments are impacting survival of known roost trees.

The first sale will treat approximately 250 acres and parts of roost 2 and 3 (out of 4 total). Six monitoring plots have been established. One plot each for prescription A and B in roost 2 and a control plot (no treatment) outside of the sale area, with the plots duplicated for roost 3. Within each plot a minimum of 20 roost trees have been marked with a numbered tag, identified by species, D.B.H. measured, crown and canopy classification determined (snag, dead top, dominant, co-dominant etc.), and the number of castings counted and removed from the site. Castings or pellets are the indigestible parts of prey that eagles regurgitate similar to owl pellets. Castings under a tree identify it as a roost tree. At Bear Valley most castings consist of waterfowl feathers or mice and vole fur. The monitoring plots have been surveyed in the spring of 1996, 1997 and 1998. After the sale they will be surveyed again and the number of castings in pre and post treatment and control sites compared to see if a change in use has occurred. In post treatment, we will again assign a canopy and crown class value to each roost tree and compare it to it’s pre-treatment value to see if a deterioration in tree condition has occurred from the logging operation.

If evaluation of forest thinning indicates improved habitat conditions for eagles as well as healthier forests, the next sale will follow in several years. As areas are treated, controlled burning will again be used to return the area to a healthy, sustainable roost for bald eagles and a variety of other forest wildlife. {top}

Beetlemania
by Sam Johnson, Refuge IPM Coordinator

Wetlands throughout the western United States (including Tule Lake Refuge) are currently experiencing an invasion of a plant called Purple Loosestrife, Lithium salicaria. Although it produces beautiful purple flowers, loosestrife is not attractive to wetland managers. Considered a noxious weed, loosestrife develops into dense stands which displace desirable resident plant communities, choke up canals, and degrade habitat for wildlife...in particular, waterfowl.

Although now widespread across North America, purple loosestrife is native to Eurasia. It was believed to have been introduced into the United States by seeds present in soil used as ship ballast during the early 1800’s and possibly by seeds present on imported raw wool or sheep brought from Europe.

Currently, there are no chemical or mechanical methods that provide long-term control of purple loosestrife. Attempts to control it with aerial spot applications of a herbicide at Tule Lake NWR have met with very limited success, while a biological control program (using the plant’s natural enemies) at Basket Slough NWR in Oregon has shown much promise.

A similar biological control program was recently initiated at Tule Lake Refuge. Two species of small Galerucella beetles have been discovered in northern Europe which may be purple loosestrife’s worst nightmare. These quarter-inch long beetles are voracious leaf-eaters, and they are specific to loosestrife! Both species have been thoroughly examined for host specificity by USDA scientists. Tule Lake Refuge was provided with a large number of these beetles by the Oregon Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the California Department of Food & Agriculture and the US Bureau of Reclamation.

In May, 400 loosestrife-munching beetles were released in affected areas at Tule Lake Refuge. A second release of 3000 occurred in early July. Clear evidence of leaf feeding by the beetles was recently observed after the second release.

Refuge personnel will continue to closely monitor beetle activity and the effects on purple loosestrife. {top}

Lick a Duck!…(stamp)

The 1998-99 duck stamp is now available at the Refuge visitor center. The $15 federal stamp has been issued as a continuous series since 1934 and is required for all waterfowl hunters, and prized by many collectors.

This year’s stamp features a Barrow’s goldeneye drake by California artist Robert Steiner. Although Mr. Steiner has designed a total of 47 duck stamps, this is the first time his design has been featured on the federal stamp.

This year for the first time the duck stamp is being issued in two formats. Along with the traditional lick & stick stamp, comes a new self-adhesive style which comes on its own informational card. Protective sleeves and commemorative certificates of appreciation are available by request. To make mail order arrangements or check on availability of stamps contact Dave Menke or Tom VandenBerg at (530) 667-2231

Funds generated by the sale of these stamps have been used by the Fish & Wildlife Service to protect over 4 million acres of wetlands for waterfowl and other wildlife. {top}

Trashed?
By Jackson Sillars, Refuge volunteer

Last winter I worked and lived in Washington, DC. I had a temp job at a law firm that just about fried my brain it was so boring. When news came that I could come out to Tulelake to volunteer at a National Wildlife Refuge, I jumped at the chance. Washington has much to offer, however it doesn’t have the undisturbed nature, fresh air, or beautiful scenery that I came here expecting. Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges have all of the qualities I was hoping for, and yet I find them a bit marred.

My first experience at the Refuge was two days of trash removal. This was the last thing I thought I would be doing. I assumed that there would be very little or no problems with littering at a wildlife refuge. The Klamath Basin Refuge system is an area set aside specifically for the protection of migratory waterfowl and their habitat. Maybe not enough people know this. The people driving down Highway 161 who decide to chuck a Pepsi can into the White Lake Unit certainly could not know this. Over two days, a Park Ranger, another volunteer, and I filled a full size pick-up three times with trash from the roadside and alkali marsh area along Highway 161, known as White Lake. Most of the trash appeared to be rather old; rusty tin cans and beer bottles. The three of us figured that our trash collection would keep White Lake looking good for a while since most of the litter had probably been sitting there for twenty years or more. We were wrong. Now, two months after our clean-up there are already many signs that litter removal will have to happen rather frequently.

I’ve put a lot of thought into the Refuge “trash problem” and I don't think there is any one solution. Signs telling people not to litter might help along with more law enforcement. Although, signs can only do so much and there are too few law enforcement rangers at the refuge to have one spend time watching for litterbugs. I think education would be a good first step. The surrounding public schools should make greater use of the refuges as a resource for education. Children should learn at a young age to respect the environment by experiencing nature first-hand. A child who knows about and has seen in the wild some of the millions of birds that migrate through the basin every year, is less likely to grow up thinking it's okay to throw a potentially fatal piece of trash into the refuge.

Part of me is saddened, because I know that a large portion of the world's population is poorly educated. It's hard to get mad at someone who does not know any better. Yet I believe that respect for our environment is part instinct and therefore the reason for littering is also pure indolence. That is why another part of me is deeply angered by the sheer and utter disrespect someone must have for their environment, themselves, and humankind in order to litter, not only on our refuges but anywhere. We all have to live on and share this planet. Why trash it? What is the point in throwing garbage on the ground?

One final comment; I have noticed here in the Klamath Basin more than anywhere else I have traveled in this country, that trash prominently litters many of the roadsides. I am not blaming local residents, but someone (a city council person, mayor, etc.) should address this issue. For those of you who feel the need to dispose of your trash at a known “dump site” at 2 a.m., please think about what you are doing. You are not only ruining the planet for yourselves, you are also ruining it for your children, grandchildren, and many generations that follow. It is an entirely selfish act that saves little time or money when you think of the resounding consequences. {top}

Species Spotlight
The Western Grebe
by Catherine Estes…Student Conservation Association Intern

This graceful red-eyed grebe is one of the more spectacular water birds of North America. It is best known for its elaborate courtship displays, including the “Rushing Ceremony” and “Weed Ceremony,” where it is said that the grebes dance along the water. The Western Grebe is one of the larger in the grebe family, about 55-75 cm in length. Black and white contrast down the swan-like neck of the bird, and meet a mottled black and white back. On their back they carry their young, with velvety gray and white down. The young will climb onto the parent's back within minutes of hatching. You can see both parents taking turns “backpacking” them around Lower Klamath and Tulelake Refuges into the month of August. The best way to view this behavior is by car on the auto tour routes. If they are terribly frightened by your appearance or sense danger, they may dive under water with their young held tightly by their wings, yet they still often fall off.

The Western Grebe’s breeding habitat is fresh water lakes and marshes with large areas of open water, surrounded by emergent vegetation. They can be found on some lakes from central California, south to northern Baja California and on the Mexican Plateau. During the Spring and Fall migration, they usually stop on large areas of water. Their Winter habitat tends to be brackish bays, estuaries, or sheltered sea coasts, on the Pacific coast from southern British Columbia to southern Baja California and central Mexico. Also, they can be seen inland where open water exists, from California east to southern Texas.

Mainly, they rely on fish as their main source of food. After first taking a peek under water, they will often swim (with lobed feet) after a meal and quickly spear it with the aid of their lengthy neck and long, narrow bill. Fish and other aquatic animals are not the only things found in the stomach of this bird… feathers are too. Feathers are swallowed during preening and are actually thought to help prevent stomach and intestine lining from injury. They may also aid in the formation of pellets- undigested material that is coughed up.

Klutz…that’s pretty much what these birds are on land, but definitely not in the water. Rarely, will you ever see these birds out of the water. On the ground they generally move slowly on their belly, kicking with their feet. They fly, swim and dive with much more grace and efficiency. They are expert swimmers and use a variety of dives, including the “feeding dive,” “springing dive,” “alarm dive,” and “surface dive.”

A species very closely related to the Western Grebe, the Clark’s Grebe, was actually thought to be the same species, just a different color phase, up until 1985. The rituals of the two species are indistinguishable with an exception in the advertising call. Other differences can be seen. The red eyes of the Western Grebe are within the black area on the face, whereas they are in the white area of the Clark’s Grebe. Also, the bills are different colors. As far as differences between the sexes of these grebes, look closely for the smaller size and slightly shorter beak of the female bird.

Take a tour of the Refuges to see if you can find these grebes, and hopefully their babies too! Be sure to have binoculars and a camera, because if you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this sight you'll definitely want to be ready! {top}

Wood River Wetland Restoration Project

Decreased water quality and water depth, and the presence of endangered Lost River and Shortnose Suckers in wetlands located by the Upper Klamath Lake, led the local citizen's group, the Klamath Basin Water Resources Advisory Committee, to take action. Back in 1992, they proposed federal acquisition of this area for restoring the wetlands to their at one time healthy state. In this and the following year, Congress appropriated $2.4 million for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to buy the 3,200 acre Wood River Ranch property. Acquisition of the property was finalized in 1994.

A dedication ceremony led by the BLM took place at the Wood River Ranch on July 27, 1998. Many partners have been working together to see this project through, including the Refuge. Over the summers of 1996 and 1997, the Refuge maintenance division built 5 miles of meandering drainage channels and .5 mile of interior dikes. They also rehabilitated .5 miles of exterior dikes along the Wood River. Additional rehabilitation of most of the exterior dikes, construction of a cross dike, and installation of a pump station and water control structures by a construction contractor, gave way to the present flooded wetlands which support a variety of marsh vegetation and wildlife.

As a result of the time and effort given by the Refuge to this project, the forestry staff of the BLM agreed to aid the Refuge in creating and administering a timber sale in the Bear Valley NWR. Bear Valley is a 4,600 acre mature conifer forest, located about 45 minutes away from Lower Klamath NWR and just west of Worden, Oregon. The fire hazard there has been high due to twenty years of fire suppression and the consequentially large amount of underbrush that would feed a wildfire and make it uncontrollable. A major reason for the concern at Bear Valley is that it is a vital winter roosting spot for Bald Eagles. Therefore, as discussed in the first article of this newsletter, the decision has been made to proceed with a commercial timber thinning sale, and the establishment of occasional prescribed fires in the future to prevent the accumulation of vegetation on the forest floor. Because these two agencies worked together, movement from planning to action occurred quickly and efficiently.
Other phases of this project will take place through 2000. In 1998 and 1999, restoration work will be completed on 1.7 miles of the lower Wood River Channel to its former meandering state. Roughly 25 acres of floodplain wetlands will be created as a result. This work is significant to improving the water quality and habitat value of the lower Wood River and Agency Lake. The last phase of the Wood River wetland restoration project is to be initiated in 2000. This phase will involve creating a more natural winding course for the Sevenmile canal, along with a greater variety of vegetation along the canal. Consequentially, habitat for fish and nesting habitat for migratory waterfowl will be upgraded.

In order to track the progress of this project, an in depth monitoring plan has been set in place. The plan encompasses water quality sampling, fish distribution measurement, waterfowl counts and species distribution, neotropical migrant bird use, spotted frog and population estimates, vegetation distribution, cultural resources, recreation use, riparian condition, and structural soundness. Baseline monitoring reports are available for the years, ‘95, ‘96, and ‘97. {top}

Watchable Wildlife…Recent Sightings on the Refuges
by Tom VandenBerg, Park Ranger

Summer wildlife observation opportunities have been abundant on the Klamath Basin Refuges. Many of our breeding species have been easily observed from the auto routes, and to spice things up a bit, a few rarities have been sighted.

Around the visitor center, our employees and visitors alike have enjoyed the return of the Northern Orioles which have once again nesting around the parking lot. The multitudes of cliff and barn swallows returned and have transformed the cliff behind the center into a flurry of activity as they feed their young and maintain their mud nests. The great horned owl pair has thrilled many visitors with its successful fledging of one youngster. Visitors to Discovery Marsh have reported some great up-close sightings of killdeer, great egret, pheasant, eared grebe, black-necked stilt, avocet, gadwall, and mallard.

Both auto tour routes have been very exciting. The wet spring has resulted in a fantastic nesting year for ducks and grebes (possibly the best in 10 years). Lower Klamath has become a “duckling rodeo” with gadwall and mallard broods scurrying about in every unit! The lower sump of Tule Lake currently hosts a vast colony of nesting grebes. Look for the hundreds of clumps of floating algae nests along the auto route. A large number of black terns can be seen on mudflats along the south end of sump 1-b -also look here for dowitchers, sandpipers, and willets. Sandhill cranes may be spotted every day at Lower Klamath in unit 6 and 4a. While there, watch for the Tri-colored blackbirds which have set up a colony near the auto route in unit 6c.

Recent rare sightings include a little blue heron and a little gull in sheepy east. Peregrine and prairie falcons are regularly spotted at Lower Klamath on the west side of the auto tour route. Snowy Plovers have nested again at White Lake.

The refuges are open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. For a wildlife checklist and maps of the auto routes, contact Tom VandenBerg at refuge HQ. (530) 667-2231 {top}

Volunteers!
By Tom VandenBerg, Park Ranger

As usual, the refuges owe a great deal to those folks who have volunteered in the last few few months. I personally would have a very difficult time in my day to day duties with the public use program without the donation of so much time, enthusiasm, and dedication from these great folks.

On any weekend day, visitors to the Klamath Basin Refuges visitor center are welcomed, educated, and assisted by our awesome group of visitor information specialists. Without these volunteers, our visitor center would be closed on weekends, the busiest time of the week! Others assist me during the week on special projects. Thanks goes to Paul Travis, Joan VanMatre, Al & Jessie Larson, Mike Miller, Dean & Lodena Reeves, Jerry & Jessica King, and Jack & Marlene Bowden.

I have a special word of thanks to a young couple, Catherine Estes and Jackson Sillars. Catherine was selected as a Student Conservation Association Intern and Jackson became a volunteer extraordinaire during their 12 week position here at the refuges. After traveling by car from Washington DC, these two became an important part of the refuge crew. Their accomplishments were greatly appreciated by refuge staff and visitors. This included restoring signs along stateline highway, environmental education programs, creating a recycling program, writing articles for the newsletter, canoe trail maintenance, trash cleanup, sign construction & installation, building the Tule Lake boardwalk, visitor center duties, and assistance in producing the new auto tour guide! Way to Go!
Would you like to assist visitors 1-2 days each week? Join the team! Contact Tom VandenBerg @ (530)-667-2231. {top}

Wildlife Quiz
Nests & Nestlings
by Edna Guiducci, Visitor Information Specialist

Any visit to the refuges during the summer months will yield multiple observations of nests and/or nestlings. The wet spring has resulted in fantastic duck nesting success. Test your knowledge of this aspect of birds lives with the following questions.
(You might get a few HINTS by viewing the Nest for Success display in the Visitors’ Center)... answers on last page

1. Which of the following species builds a basket-like cup of water soaked dead grasses and other wetland vegetation, wound around bulrushes?
A. Robin B. Eared Grebe C. Say’s phoebe D. Yellow-headed blackbird

2. Where would you find the nest of a wood duck?

3. Which of the following species actually carry their young on their backs?
A. Pelicans B. Grebes C. Hawks D. Swans

4. Which of the following species nest in colonies?
A. gulls B. quail C. pelicans D. Tri-colored blackbird

5. What is the foremost cause of decline in bird numbers?
A. Lack of food B. Hunting C. Birdwatching D. Loss of nesting habitat

6. Which North American bird constructs the largest nest?

7. Male marsh wrens construct “dummy nests”. What are they?

Wanted:
Aquatic adventurers to explore miles of marked trails through wildlife- infested freshwater marsh. Must be willing to observe terns, grebes, coots, muskrats, osprey, white pelicans, mule deer, and bald eagles.

for detailed maps and information pertaining to these routes, inquire at the klamath basin refuges hq on hill road, or call (503) 667-2231

New Web Site
The Klamath Basin Refuges Complex has just moved into the computer age. As of early July, the Refuge Complex now has its very own web site! Wildlife aficionados from all over the planet can now log on and experience the Klamath Basin 24 hours a day.

A massive thank you goes to Maria Stewart who volunteered her time and energy to assimilate a mountain of public information, handouts, and brochures into an easy to navigate and immensely informative site.

Although the refuge is still updating some sections, visitors to the site will find a wealth of information on refuge history, refuge management, wildlife, seasonal events, recent sightings, waterfowl survey results, planning a visit, and links to other sites in the Basin...even the current weather.

Full color maps of all six refuges, tour routes, hunting areas, canoe trails, and photography blinds are also available to down load. A large number of beautiful color photo images from the refuge slide collection enhance all sections of the web site.

So what are you waiting for?...check out www.klamathnwr.org and celebrate Klamath Basin wildlife from your own home.

New Wildlife Photography Display at Refuge Visitor Center

For the past several weeks D.W. Lange’s wildlife photography has been on display at the Visitor Center. Lange is a crane operator by trade, but when an accident occurred about five years ago which left him without the use of his left arm he decided to venture further into his love for viewing wildlife. An avid outdoorsman, taking pleasure in fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping, Lange knew that he wanted to pursue photography when he came across a fox den with five kits. Don’s first attempts at photography with an inexpensive camera were somewhat of a disappointment. Yet, about three years ago he decided to get a little more serious about being a nature photographer. He purchased higher quality cameras and lenses. This improved equipment, along with assistance from his wife led to remarkable images to be enjoyed for years to come. His hope is that the viewer of his work can enjoy them as much as he enjoys capturing them in nature. Lange says, ”The only hunting I do now is with my camera, my images are my trophies.”

Don’s favorite locations for wildlife photography are the various National Wildlife Refuges in central and Northern California, including Tule Lake and Lower Klamath. An entire wall in the Refuge Visitor Center is currently devoted to the fabulous wildlife photographs of Don Lange. This exhibit, the first of a series of wildlife photographers will be on display through August.

Tule Lake Auto Tour Route
by Tom VandenBerg, Park Ranger

Recent visitors to the Tule Lake Auto Tour Route have noticed some changes.

What?... Fees?...Here?
Yes, the Klamath Basin Refuges was selected as a site for a Congressionally authorized fee-demo program. Under this 3-year program, the refuge is authorized to collect fees for certain uses. The auto tour routes at Tule Lake and Lower Klamath are one of those uses. The good news is that 100% of the fees collected stay here and are earmarked for improving the uses for which they were collected. All the fees we collect from auto tour route users are to be used in improving the roads, interpretive signage, etc. of the tour routes. Tour route users simply pay $3 per carload at the self-service pay station at the entrance along Hill Road. A $12 season pass is also available from the Refuge Visitor Center. Those visitors with a golden age, golden eagle, or golden access pass get their carloads in free. A current Duck Stamp is also honored as a refuge pass.

New Interpretive Road Guide!
For the first time ever, an interpretive leaflet is available for the Tule Lake Refuge auto tour route. Hot off the presses and located in the pamphlet box at the entrance of the route, this guide corresponds to 6 numbered signs along the 10 mile journey. Visitors using the guide will discover for themselves the importance of Tule Lake for wildlife, especially migratory waterfowl. After addressing some of the great changes which have occurred in the last 100 years due to reclamation, the new leaflet directs visitors to observe various refuge management practices, and agriculture programs in the basin. One of the interpreted stops is located at Hovey Point, a test site for the possible development of seasonal wetlands within the refuge. Come on out, pick up the leaflet, and learn about the past, present, and future of your refuge.

New Boardwalk
There is now a great place to get out of your car and check out the shore of Tule Lake. Recently completed, a 530 foot wooden boardwalk takes visitors from the road to a wheelchair accessible photoblind on the south shore of sump 1-b. Watch for nighthawks, meadowlarks, grebes, and black terns!

Answers to Nature Quiz...Nests and Nestlings

1. D.The Yellow headed blackbird nest is constructed by the female. The wet vegetation is woven around bulrush stems. When it dries, the nest is pulled in tight, from a few inches, to several feet above the water.

2. Wood ducks are true birds of the forest, nesting in hollow trees or pileated woodpecker holes that may be a mile from water! Using their sharp claws, the hatchlings will climb to the opening of the nest cavity and leap out as the female calls nearby.

3. B & D. Grebes and swans may be observed giving their young “piggy back” rides through the water.

4. A, C, & D. Pelicans, gulls, and tri colored blackbirds nest in large colonies. All are found in the Klamath Basin.

5. D

6. American bald eagles construct the largest nests. Added to every year, some bald eagle nests have attained a size of 9.5 feet wide and 20 feet tall.

7. A dummy nest is an extra one that is built, but not used. Each spring, males return to the nesting grounds before the females arrive. The males that are the most zealous builders of extra nests (dummy nests) are most successful in attracting females. It is speculated that the building of extra nests is exaggerated courtship, or a method of marking out a male’s territory, and of establishing preliminary nest sites. Summer wildlife observation opportunities have been abundant on the Klamath Basin Refuges. Many of our breeding species have been easily observed from the auto routes, and to spice things up a bit, a few rarities have been sighted.

The refuges are open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. For a wildlife checklist and maps of the auto routes, contact Tom VandenBerg at refuge HQ. (530) 667-2231

Volunteers!
By Tom VandenBerg, Park Ranger

I have a special word of thanks to a young couple, Catherine Estes and Jackson Sillars. Catherine was selected as a Student Conservation Association Intern and Jackson became a volunteer extraordinaire during their 12 week position here at the refuges. After travelling by car from Washington DC, these two became an important part of the refuge crew. Their accomplishments were greatly appreciated by refuge staff and visitors. This included restoring signs along stateline highway, environmental education programs, creating a recycling program, writing articles for the newsletter, canoe trail maintenance, trash cleanup, sign construction & installation, building the Tule Lake boardwalk, visitor center duties, and assistance in producing the new auto tour guide! Way to Go!
Would you like to assist visitors 1-2 days each week? Join the team! Contact Tom VandenBerg @ (530)-667-2231.