They are hunting for food - that's why they come here.
Although there are hundreds of eagles, the casual visitor may only see a few.
Knowing when and where to look is the key.
The best time of year to see bald eagles here is winter, specifically January through March, although there are a few bald eagles in the Basin year around.
They congregate in the Basin after following migrating waterfowl to the area.
I recommend an outstanding tour starting at the southeast side of the Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge just before dawn.
Over 300 bald eagles have been counted roosting in the refuge on a single night.
Every morning, about a half-hour before dawn, they fly from their roosts toward the area's wetlands.
You can watch the eagles fly over your head for about an hour.
Next, a leisurely drive across the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge on Township Road, between US-97 and Lower Klamath Lake Road is usually productive.
A hundred eagles were seen at one time hunting for rodents in just one field this winter.
Others will rest on power poles and irrigation lines where they can watch geese and swans on the adjacent wetlands.
The auto tour routes through the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges also offer great opportunities for viewing the eagles in the wetlands and trees.
At dusk, the eagles return to their roosts.
The best place to actually see eagles flying to their roost trees is near Laird's Landing on the south side of the Lower Klamath Refuge.
You'll want to stay far away to avoid disturbing the birds - bring your binoculars or a spotting scope.
If you happen to be in the area during other times of the year, you can still see bald eagles - just not as many.
More good places to look include:
- the trees between US 97 and Upper Klamath Lake north of Klamath Falls and north of Hagelstein County Park
- Highway 140 west of Klamath Falls at Doak Mountain.
As you climb the mountain from the east, you can see a bald eagle nest to the north of the highway - Westside Road along the west side of Upper Klamath Lake and in the vicinity of Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.
From Klamath Falls, westward on Highway 140, then north on Westside Road (near the community of Rocky Point), around the north side of the Lake to Fort Klamath and back to Klamath falls on US 97.
There are some great little picnic stops along the way courtesy of the U.
S.
Forest Service.
Be looking for eagles and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery.
If you'd like to see photos and a video of Klamath Basin bald eagles and learn more about the wildlife refuges and other outdoor adventures in the area, check out Explore!, the eMagazine for adventure and exploration at http://explore.
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