See the
Eagle Flyout from Bear Valley Refuge
Although closed to all public entry in order to reduce disturbance to the birds, Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge still offers fantastic eagle-viewing opportunities from December through mid-March. The best viewing is actually from outside the refuge at first light when large numbers of bald eagles (and other raptors) leave their protected night roost within the refuge and fly in an easterly direction toward the waterfowl-filled marshes..
A good site to experience this “fly-out” is off of Hwy 97 approximately 13 miles south of Klamath Falls near the vicinity of Worden, OR. From 97, turn west onto the Keno-Worden road just south of Worden. After the railroad crossing turn left onto a dirt road. Continue on the dirt road for about 0.5 miles and park along the shoulder. Look west in the direction of Hammaker Mountain for eastbound eagles which will pass overhead and along the ridges to either side of you. The birds typically leave their nighttime roost about 1/2 hour before sunrise and are most concentrated in the first hour.

Good Luck!  Don’t forget warm clothing and binoculars! {top of page} 

Bear Valley NWR
Habitat Project Update
by Dave Goheen, Prescribed Fire Specialist

A timber sale was initiated in the Bear Valley NWR this fall. The goal of this project is to preserve bald eagle roosting habitat. The refuge is at risk from catastrophic wildfire due to overstocked timber stands and excessive amounts of dead and down material on the ground.

Western Timber Company from Glide, Oregon, was the sale purchaser. The contractor used to perform the actual logging was Circle DE Lumber of Klamath Falls. It took some time for the purchaser to find a contractor who had the proper harvesting machinery available. Nearly all of the local contractors? equipment was tied up in sales that had started prior to the date that restrictions in Bear Valley were lifted.

Actual logging in Bear Valley began on September 21st. Once cutting started, the logging operation progressed fairly rapidly. A dry fall season allowed the loggers to work without soil moisture concerns until early November. During the first week of November the first wetting rain of the season increased soil moisture to near critical levels. Cutting operations were stopped as it was decided that soil moisture was too high to continue skidding more material than had already been cut. Skidding from this point on was limited to periods when the ground was frozen or covered with snow. All operations were terminated on November 15.

Approximately 50% of the cutting was completed this fall for this sale. The contractor was not able to remove all of the cut material due to muddy roads during the final two weeks of the operation. An extension to continue the sale next summer is in the works.

Bureau of Land Management personnel from the Klamath Falls Resource Area, Lakeview District, worked extensively on the administration of this sale. Rob McEnroe, Timber Sale Planner served as the principle sale administrator. Mike Bechtoldt, Timber Manager, assisted Rob. Brian McCarty, Engineer, administered the road improvement contract. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel worked with BLM employees to make sure that FWS objectives were met and to learn how to administer future projects.

Once harvesting is completed, the cut areas will be treated with prescribed fire. The areas where cutting has been completed look very good from a fire viewpoint. The stands have been opened up and the larger more fire resistant trees will be more able to withstand the fire intensities from prescribed burning.

For more information on the Bear Valley Habitat Improvement Project, contact Dave Goheen at the Refuge Fire Office (530) 667-4820.
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’98 Hunt Season Starts Strong
Tule Lake spaced blind | League of Nations | Tule Lake Marsh | Lower Klamath Field | Lower Klamath Marsh
by Dave Menke, Outdoor Recreation Planner

Waterfowl hunters generally enjoyed good hunting success on Tule Lake & Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges through the month of October after which the hunting success rates slowed in many areas. The unit by unit summary from opening day through November is as follows:

The Tule Lake spaced blind hunting was strong through the 23 day white-front season with 686 white-fronts taken compared to 534 and 296 during the same period the previous two years. Most days the goose per hunter average was over 0.5 geese per hunter with a few days of success at over one goose per hunter. Although spotty, hunting for snow and Ross’ geese improved by mid-November. Duck harvest was also up in the spaced blinds this year.

The Tule Lake League of Nations hunt was successful during the first few days of the season and then dropped off to almost nothing until the arrival of large numbers of snow and Ross’ geese the second week of November. There were a few good hunt days for parties who took the time to scout the League and set up near the flocks of white geese.

The Tule Lake Marsh hunts were strong the first week followed by spotty hunting and reduced hunter numbers through the end of October. Mallard comprised 40% or more of the birds bagged on Tule Lake Marsh most days in October. Both hunter numbers and success on Tule Lake Marsh were very low during November.

The Lower Klamath Field hunting units have provided some good hunting opportunities for both geese and ducks with the greatest success in the fields of unit 7b. Hunting success has been low in Sheepy East. There were some good opportunities the final week or ten days of October for both geese and ducks in unit 9b. Hunting success rates for the wary resident Canada geese have generally been low in both Tule Lake and Lower Klamath goose hunting areas.

The Lower Klamath Marsh units generally provided good to excellent duck hunting through the first week in November with averages exceeding 3 ducks per hunter reported most days. Starting the second week of November, the success rates for the Marsh units have gone down with most daily averages in the 1.5 to 2.5 ducks per hunter range.

For additional information on refuge waterfowl hunting programs and updates on hunter success visit us on the web at www.klamathnwr.org, or call the refuge hunter-hotline at 530-667-HUNT. Hunting results are posted every three or four days. {top of page}  

’99 Federal Duck Stamp

Waterfowl artist Jim Hautmann of Plymouth, MN recently took first place in the 1999 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest. His portrait of two greater scaup flying across a windswept sea, with a hunter and his dog in the background topped 336 other entries and will be the 1999-2000 Federal Duck Stamp. This beautiful stamp will be on sale at the refuge visitor center starting July 1, 1999.

Proceeds from Duck Stamp sales go into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, which purchases wetlands for inclusion in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Federal Duck stamps are also valid as entry passes to many refuges, including the TL & LK auto tour routes.

For more information check out the Federal Duck Stamp Homepage at www.fws.gov/r9dso/  

Avian Cholera
Cholera, Ducks, and Eagles
by John Beckstrand, Wildlife Biologist

Winter in the Klamath Basin means the arrival of hundreds of bald eagles, and as sure as the arrival of the eagles, it means waterfowl will be lost to avian cholera. Cholera is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida. Unknown in wild bird populations prior to 1944, it can cause explosive die-offs of ducks and geese in as little as 6-12 hours after exposure. One of the main reasons bald eagles and other raptors congregate in such great numbers this time of year is to feast on birds that have died from the disease.

The strain of cholera that kills waterfowl is not harmful to humans, and only rarely so to raptors. The disease is spread by bird to bird contact, in aerosol form, or by ingesting contaminated food or water. The first outbreak is usually preceded by a series of cold, foggy nights in which birds tend to congregate together more than usual. Because of the acute nature of the disease, few sick birds are ever seen.  A typical sick bird will appear lethargic and may be approached quite closely.

In the Western U.S. avian cholera losses occur in the Klamath Basin and the Central Valley of California. Snow geese are known carriers of the disease, and the first cholera deaths usually occur with the arrival of large flocks of snow geese in the Basin. Mortalities may occur in large die-offs or as low-level losses from late fall through the spring.  Research has shown that cholera bacteria can persist in the water and sediment of wetlands for at least 30 days after an outbreak, but is not detectable after 60 days.

Annual losses to cholera on the refuges in recent years have ranged from several hundred to several thousand ducks, geese, and swans. What can be done about the disease? Unfortunately, not much. One preventative measure is to disperse waterfowl as much as possible by burning and/or flooding agricultural fields early in the fall to encourage the birds to “feed out” the field and make it less attractive later when conditions make them more cholera prone. Once an outbreak occurs the main method to contain the disease is to pick up carcasses and remove them from the area. When a duck or goose dies of cholera, their beak is laden with pasteurella bacteria which can contaminate the surrounding waters unless it is removed. Pick up is conducted by Refuge employees and volunteers using airboats. The carcasses are then incinerated in a gas furnace. Often no pickup is done when it becomes apparent that bald eagles and other raptors are keeping up with losses. After all, that is why they are here in the first place. {top of page} 

Duck Unlimited!
 
Scientists in the outback of Australia recently had the bird sighting of a lifetime. Imagine discovering a ten foot tall, 1,500 pound duck! Not to worry-this bird was 8 million years old and fossilized. Australian paleontologist Peter Murray from the Northern Territory Museum says that Dromornis stirtoni is the largest bird ever known. Although too heavy to fly, Dromornis could move out at 25 km/hr on human-sized legs equipped with horse-like hooves.

Excavating near an ancient water hole, Murray was able to piece together enough of the remains to make a detailed examination. Many at first believed the fossil to be related to the present day emu, but now Murray has shown it to be an ancestor of today’s geese and ducks. {top of page}  

Bookstore News

Those wildlife-fanatics looking for a perfect holiday gift need look no further. The Visitor Center bookstore offers various sales items which make perfect Christmas presents.

Sweatshirts ($16), T’s ($12), and ballcaps ($7) all with the colorful refuge logo are in good supply. Many wildlife oriented books are also available, including the popular “Klamath Basin Refuges” ($6.95), Birder’s Guide to the Klamath Basin ($8), and Field Guide to Western Birds ($17). Decorative sticker books of Audubon Birds and Butterflies are $3.95 each. Ceramic Refuge mugs are a bargain at $4 each. Packages of wildlife notepaper ($4), bookmarks (.30) and bird calls ($5.95) make great stocking stuffers. The bookstore is open every day.

These items are made available as a service of our non-profit cooperating association. Proceeds are used to expand wildlife education programs at the Klamath Basin Refuges. {top of page} 

Species Spotlight…The Ruddy Duck
by Leo Smothers, visitor information specialist
“DUCKS QUACK UP IN FREEZING FOG”

One such duck is the ruddy duck. The names always sounds as if it should be an English Pub. It is also known in various parts of the country as Sleepy Duck, Paddy-whack, Stub-and-twist, Booby coot, Dumb bird, and a host of other not too flattering names.

Like most ducks, because of high wing loading, the ruddy must flaps his wings fast to stay airborne. Without the large wing area of geese or swans, a ruddy duck will never soar over the marsh. The ruddy has to work harder than most ducks because his wings are even smaller than usual for a duck.

The ruddy has something else against him. His feet are set so far back on the body that he can only take a very few steps before he falls over on his breast. Functioning like twin outboards, this makes him a great swimmer, but a terrible walker.

Now let him fly through freezing fog and see what happens. those little wings gather frost and ice, no longer supporting flight. He ices up and falls out of the sky. Well that wouldn’t be so bad, but not being able to run, he can’t take off even if he does de-ice! He needs water to take off again. So if a ruddy duck is found on your lawn one winter morning, put him in a box and launch him in a lake, river, or pond. He will be just fine.

It is interesting to note that when the famous canvasback duck first showed signs of scarcity on the Atlantic coast, a price was put on the head of the ruddy duck to meet market demand. The market gunners pursued it until in 1936 it was feared near extinction.

The squarely built, heavy bodied little ruddy duck, with the distinctive habit of carrying its stubby tail cocked over its back has been observed apparently playing a game. When the lake is like a mirror, its surface broken only by the wakes of waterfowl,
a flock of 4 to 12 ruddys will arrange themselves in single file with each tail perfectly cocked forward over each back and each head thrown back. The entire line will cruise sedately until the leader dives, to be followed down by each succeeding individual as it reaches the exact same spot. They will reappear in the same fashion, popping up like small submarines in the same location and at the same speed. The entire performance may look as if the ducks were toys attached on a string.

The ruddy duck struts through the water with its head thrown back as if to touch its erect tail feathers. During mating season the male sports a bright blue bill. The top and back of the head will be black and deep chestnut will color the body.

Mother ruddy has a strange habit of nest parasitism, or laying her eggs in another bird’s nest. It has been observed that several female ruddys will lay eggs in an abandoned nest where there finally may be a dozen eggs. The females will then go elsewhere, construct a floating nest and lay another clutch of eggs to incubate. Father usually deserts prior to or early in incubation. Males are often seen accompanying females will broods, but these males are usually not the broods parent but simply attracted to the females.

Ruddy ducks are easily observed during the winter months on the Klamath Basin Refuges, especially Tule Lake where any trip along the auto tour will bring close up views of these active little birds. {top of page} 

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

This is my favorite time of year for wildlife viewing on the refuges. Recently, the great Fall Arrival has allowed many birdwatchers to experience “macro-birding” Klamath Basin style. In early November peak numbers of over 2 million waterfowl were present in the Basin. Flocks of migrating Snow, Ross’, Canada, cackling Canada, and white-fronted geese filled the sky with their wings and sounds. Sharp eyed visitors were rewarded by sightings of the “blue” form of the snow goose. A flock of snows numbering 70,000 has been easily enjoyed in the Frey’s Island demo-marsh along the northern Tule Lake auto tour. Duck lovers rejoiced at White Lake, especially in the evenings when swarms of pintails and mallards congregated along  stateline highway. Lower Klamath continues to be a great hot-spot with flocks of over 500 sandhill cranes and tens of thousands of waterfowl easily observed in unit twelve.

Near the visitor center, bobcat sightings have been regular and the local mule deer herd has led to numerous close encounters.  Discovery marsh has become a true “swan-lake” for the first time as a flock of tundra swans have become daily residents. Watch for the rare Whooper swan.

Bald eagle numbers have been  increasing since mid-November and sightings have been regular along the auto routes and white lake.

Along with the yearly seasonal show, many visitors have reported some interesting rarities to the Klamath Basin. Look closely along the Tule Lake tour route for Eurasian wigeon, Barrow’s goldeneye, or the grey phase gyrfalcon. The Oregon straits of Lower Klamath have also been productive for ferruginous hawks, short-eared owls, and Lapland longspurs.

As winter grips the Klamath Basin, the freeze-up tends to concentrate wildlife. Contact headquarters for current conditions and sightings. A sharp eye, warm clothing, binoculars, and a thermos of hot coffee will invariably result in a rewarding day at the refuges.   Enjoy!

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 Headquarters 530-667-2231. {top of page} 

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, visitors to the Klamath Basin Refuges visitor center are welcomed, educated, and assisted by our awesome group of “visitor information specialists”. A heartfelt thanks goes to John & Marlene Bowden, Mike Miller, Joan VanMatre, Edna Guiducci, and Leo Smothers.
 
Another person who deserves recognition is Ted Cassidy. An engineer by trade, Ted’s passion is taxidermy. Ted generously donated his time and talent to preserving and mounting several wildlife specimens for the refuge visitor center. Foremost among these specimens is the spectacular tundra swan mounted in full 7-foot-wingspan flight over the visitor center lobby. Thanks Ted for the great additions to our visitor center displays!
 
Would you like to assist visitors 1-2 days each month? The refuges are looking for weekend volunteers. Join the team! Contact Tom VandenBerg (530)-667-2231. {top of page} 

Bald Eagle Conference

During the month of February, Klamath Falls will once again be the focal point for eagle watchers from all over the country. The 20th annual Klamath Basin Bald Eagle Conference will run for three days beginning Friday, February 12th.

As the oldest birding festival in the nation, the eagle conference creates a mini-migration in it’s own right, as enthusiasts flock to the Basin to attend workshops, take part in lectures, enter photography contests, and join field trips. The Refuges will host special interpretive programs throughout the weekend. Hundreds of eagle fans will tour eagle hotspots throughout the Basin in hopes of witnessing large numbers of bald eagles.
This year’s conference theme is “20 Years of Recovery: Can the Bald Eagle Fly on its Own?” Eagle experts will debate the decision by Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt to remove the bald eagle from the endangered species list.

Bald eagles, initially declared an endangered species in 1967, recovered to the point that they were upgraded to threatened in 1995. Today, more than 5,000 nesting pairs of bald eagles live in the lower 48 states.

For information on attending this year’s conference, contact the Klamath County Dept. of Tourism 1-800-445-6728   e-mail KarlW12733@aol.com {top of page} 

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