Some notes from recent Breeding Bird Surveys: Chinchalo (includes
crossing Klamath Marsh), Bly II (north of Bly and mostly forest),
Lakeview (Warner Mtns.), and Paisley (Upper Sycan River).
Chinchalo (Klamath Marsh portion)Yellow Rails were recorded, at stops
east of the Klamath National Wildlife Refuge sign, which is about 5
miles east of the Silver Lake Highway's junction with Hwy 97. This
location is about normal for this species' detection at the marsh
along this highway. I am not certain about the mileage, but the set of
guard rails west of the guard rails that cross the Williamson River
(furthest east guard rails.... might be at about 8 miles east of Hwy
97), I am quite certain that I heard the harsh "kack kack kack" call
of a LEAST BITTERN. I returned to the site after the survey, but no
further info. That would have been about 630 AM. SORAs were especially
vocal this year. No Black Terns seen or heard, and that includes on
the return visit. So, that might indicate that the colony moved to
another location, hopefully.
Lakeview (Warner Mountains)One and probably two MOUNTAIN QUAIL were
heard in the area of Rogger Meadow (SE of Lakeview in Warner Mtns).
Two PILEATED WOODPECKERs were heard along the route also; both south
of Hwy 140. GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, heard/saw 18 on sixteen stops, so
quite vocal and numerous.
Goose Lake State Park, at New Pine Creek, on Hwy 395 south of
Lakeview, had a large colony of WHITE-FACED IBIS, just south into CA,
on a now "full" Goose Lake. Goose Lake last year was dry, all the
southern terminus. So, quite the rebound and good to see.
Paisley (Upper Sycan River)at least one PILEATED WOODPECKER, is about
the only notebable. Although, during the last decade and through the
beetle kill years, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET took a big nosedive. This year
they were heard on close to 10 stops. I just love how that little guy
blasts outs such a long loud song. Good to hear them in greater
numbers numbers after some years of low or seemingly absent years.
"super" GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE still present at Summer Lake WMA, with a
female present also. Reports have it that they might be on their
second batch for this year. I saw more than 85 FRANKLIN'S GULLS on
Schoolhouse Lk., Summer Lake WMA, most likely catching a hatch on the
fly. I saw a pale, looked to be, EURASIAN WIGEON on Schoolhouse Lake.
BALD EAGLE seen flying south from Summer Lake. I don't usually see
Bald Eagle in the summer in Lake Co., but not living there like I used
to.
Dave Haupt sent an image to me of a LEAST FLYCATCHER, on nest, at
Odessa Campground, Klamath Co. (along Hwy 140, east of Rocky Point),
but he reports no nest exchange. He reports that the nest height is
well above known Dusky Flycatchter height, and that this nest, at
about 35 ft, is within Least Flycatcher nest height. I haven't talked
to him about his photos year. Could there be two Least Flycatchers?
I stopped by Lover's Lane, south on Hwy 31 from Paisley, in hopes of
seening/hearing Bobolink, but did not hear any there. Got some close
up views of LONG-BILLED CURLEWS, likely bothered by my presence as
they probably have some young nearby.
Very hot last few days after the surveys, so bird activity was quite
down afternoon.
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT heard singing in its recently traditional
location on Frain Ranch, Klamath River, accessed on the Topsy Grade
side of the river, a very rough road.
Good Birding,
Kevin SpencerKlamath Falls, ORrriparia@xxxxxxxxxxx
