Southeast Zone

Nov. 6, 2024‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

If there’s not a photo, it didn’t happen

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Harney County

Most migrant shore birds have passed through the area and moved on to their wintering areas further south.

Raptors are still scattered throughout the county. You should be able to view a variety of hawks perched on telephone poles, rock outcrops, and fenceposts throughout the district. Including resident hawks such as Northern harriers and red-tailed hawks. Both golden eagles and bald eagles are also present on the landscape and can be observed around Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

A variety of waterfowl are now present around the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge along with inholdings of water on private property within the basin. Lookout for mallards, gadwall, northern shovelers, Canada geese, white fronted geese, snow geese, and an assortment of teal amongst others.

As we come into early winter, look for deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope which should be more active for longer periods of the day due to the cooler temperatures. Many deer and elk populations begin to move into lower elevations as severe weather events increase in frequency and daylight hours dwindle. This annual transition into winter ranges makes larger animals more visible and may provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Klamath County

The Link River trail below Upper Klamath Lake, Lake Ewauna and the Wood River wetlands are excellent places to view many species of wildlife including deer, river otter, muskrat, mink and a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds.

Lower Klamath and Tule Lake NWR are good places to view raptor species such as eagle, hawk, falcon, and owl. Drought conditions have impacted the refuges but there are still some good viewing opportunities for raptors.

Klamath Wildlife Area

updated Nov. 6, 2024

Miller Island Unit

• The Miller Island Unit is located 6 miles south and west of Klamath Falls. Miller Island Unit is closed to all access from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.
• May 1 – Sept. 30: Open to public use daily.
• Oct. 1 – Apr. 30: Open to public use on designated hunt days during authorized hunting seasons. All other days are closed to all entry, except public rds., parking areas, the boat ramp, the designated birding trail and designated dog training area to minimize disturbance to migrating waterfowl.
• Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.

A Wildlife Area Parking Permit is now required to park on the Wildlife Area. Cost is $10 daily or $30 annually. Free with purchase of hunting license; just be sure to put it on your dashboard. Find out how to buy a parking permit.

Waterfowl

Canada geese can be found throughout the area, either loafing in seasonal wetlands or utilizing farmed fields and pastures.

Duck species that can usually be found on the area at this time are mallard, northern shoveler, gadwall, northern pintail, green-winged teal, american wigeon, canvasback, redhead, common goldeneye, bufflehead, ruddy duck, ring-necked duck, lesser scaup and common and hooded mergansers.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

Great blue herons are readily observed on the area. American bitterns are also present but can be difficult to find.

Virginia rails and soras can be heard throughout the area but can be difficult to spot. American coot can be found scattered throughout Miller Island.

Grebe species and numbers remain good. They can usually be found scattered over the area's wetland ponds and on the Klamath River. Western, eared and pied-billed grebes can now be found on the area.

Ring-billed gull numbers fluctuate between very few sightings to very common. Other gull species can be occasionally observed.

Raptors

Look for great horned and barn owls at dusk. Red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, cooper's hawks, sharp-shinned, rough-legged, American kestrels, and prairie falcons are foraging throughout the wildlife area. Eagle numbers are low, but several can usually be found scattered around the area.

Peregrine falcons can occasionally be seen but are rare sightings.

Upland Game Birds

California quail and ring-necked pheasant are scattered around the old homesteads and the headquarters area.

Songbirds and other passerines

Eurasian collared and mourning doves are scattered over the area.

American and lesser goldfinches, house finches, mountain chickadees, American robins, yellow-rumped warblers, western meadowlark, black-billed magpies, common raven and Northern flickers continue to be a common site throughout the area. White-crowned and golden crowned sparrows are also becoming common sites on the wildlife area.

Marsh wrens and song sparrows can be found in dense stands of tall emergent hard stem bulrush and broad-leaf cattail and are very numerous. Red-winged, brewers and Yellow-headed blackbirds can still be found, but their numbers are declining and will continue to do so with fall migrations.

Mammals

Dusk is the best time to spot beaver and muskrat. River otter, mink, long-tailed weasel, coyotes, stripped skunk, black-tailed jackrabbit, mountain cottontail, California ground squirrels and raccoon can also be found using the Wildlife Area. Deer numbers continue to remain good.

Visitors might also spot river otter, mink, long-tailed weasel, coyotes, stripped skunk, black-tailed jackrabbit, mountain cottontail, California ground squirrels and raccoon using the wildlife area. Deer numbers continue to remain good.

If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5732.

Lake County

Waterfowl

Fall staging is well underway at this time with migrant American green-winged teal, northern shoveler and northern pintail arriving and staging in good numbers. Gadwall and mallard, most from nearby and regional locales are staging in good numbers. Waterfowl species that can usually be found at this time include: trumpeter and tundra swans, Canada geese, mallard, northern pintail, northern shoveler, American wigeon, gadwall, canvasback, American green-winged teal, cinnamon teal, common goldeneye, bufflehead, ruddy duck, ring-necked duck, lesser scaup and common and hooded mergansers.

There are good numbers of divers including goldeneyes, mergansers, canvasback, redhead, ring-necked and buffleheads present at this time, look for them in deeper water habitats such as Thompson and Ana reservoirs. Large numbers of dabbling ducks including pintail, wigeon, mallard, green-winged teal and shovelers can be seen in shallower wetland habitats.

Western Canada and greater white-fronted geese can be found in fair numbers at this time. Western Canada geese are widely distributed across Lake County. Look for family groups and broods on the larger impoundments and ponds.

Some local trumpeter swans are part of restoration efforts and will be neck-banded with green collars and white alphanumeric symbols. Viewers are encouraged to "read" the collars and report them to ODFW. Collars will have the Greek letter Theta (Ѳ) or the symbol "@" and two numerals that are read from the body toward the head.

This time of year, visitors will see flocks of migrant warblers, flycatchers, sparrows and other passerines. Typically, rarities and vagrants show-up now, so keep a sharp eye out and scan flocks.

Shorebirds, waders and other waterbirds

Shorebirds including American avocets, black-necked stilts, dunlin, greater and lesser yellowlegs, killdeer, Wilson's snipe, Wilson's phalarope, snowy plover, semi-palmated plover, western, least and spotted sandpipers may still be found in good numbers and large flocks of migrating species may be observed heading for wintering grounds to the south and coastal areas. Early migrants such as long-billed curlew and western willets have largely departed the area.

Gulls (Ring-billed and California), terns (Caspian and Forster's) and Double-crested cormorants while white-faced ibis and American white pelicans remain throughout Lake County.

Abert Lake is a particularly important closed basin, alkali lake system that provides important forage resources for a variety of migrating shore birds including various species of phalaropes, avocets, stilts, grebes and dabbling ducks.

Raptors

There is a variety of raptor species distributed throughout all vegetation types. They include bald and golden eagles, northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, Cooper and sharp-shinned hawks, and American kestrels and rough-legged hawks. You also might see the occasional ferruginous hawks, and prairie and peregrine falcons.

Great horned owls are calling at night and are widely scattered across Lake County. Common barn owls and short-eared owls may be observed or also heard calling at night.

Songbirds and other passerines

Passerine species, especially white-crowned and golden crowned sparrows and dark eyed juncos, can be found with the best diversity in riparian areas. American and lesser goldfinches, house finches, spotted towhees, black-billed magpies, western meadow larks, norther flickers, American robins, varied thrushes, loggerhead shrikes, Steller's and scrub jays numbers are increasing. Large flocks of red-winged, Brewers and yellow-headed blackbirds have been observed as they prepare to migrate.

Mule Deer

As the fall season progresses, look for deer to remain active for longer periods of the day. Many populations of deer will begin to move into lower elevations as severe weather events increase in frequency and daylight hours dwindle.

Motorists are reminded that mule deer migration from summer to transition and winter ranges will begin in mid-October. Mule deer will migrate along Hwy 31 between La Pine and Silver Lake, along the Bear Flat Road between Antelope Flat and Silver Lake, along Hwy 31 between Summer Lake and Paisley, and along Hwy 395 from Valley Falls to Lakeview. In addition, mule deer will cross Hwy 97 from Bend to Klamath Falls. Motorist are asked to slow down and watch for mule deer crossing highways particularly in the early morning and evening. This annual migration into winter ranges often makes large animals more visible, and may provide opportunities for viewers and photographers. Viewers are reminded that deer should be observed from a vehicle or roadside to avoid trespassing and landowner conflicts.

Pronghorn

Like mule deer, pronghorn antelope migrate from summer ranges as far away as Crescent and Chemult on Hwy 97 to winter ranges in Lake County.

Pronghorn antelope group size is increasing as does join together with bucks in preparation for migration from summer to winter ranges. Pronghorn antelope prefer to winter in open sagebrush and agricultural fields, at low elevations. As the fall season progresses, look for pronghorn antelope to remain active for longer periods of the day. The occasion to notice and watch wildlife makes for a great learning experience for children and families. Viewers are urged to use binoculars or spotting scopes, and watch pronghorn antelope from a distance, to reduce disturbing them as much as possible. Viewers are reminded that many of these wintering areas are private property, so pronghorn should be observed from a vehicle or roadside to avoid trespassing and landowner conflicts.

Pronghorn antelope have horns instead of antlers like mule deer and elk. Both buck and doe pronghorn antelope have horns. The outer sheath is shed annually by December with the new horn grown by the middle of March. A prominent prong or point on the horn can identify buck pronghorn antelope. In addition the buck's entire nose appears black and all bucks have a visible black cheek patch. Doe pronghorn antelope do not have a prong or point and the horn is usually less than 5-inches long. A doe's nose is much lighter colored and a doe will not have a visible black cheek patch. If you see a group of pronghorn remember to check behind the group. The dominant buck is often following well behind the group.

Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn sheep can be found on many of the canyon rims in Lake County.

Look for sheep on rims along Hwy 395 from the Christmas Valley Highway junction south to the Hwy 31 junction. Abert Rim just above Abert Lake along Hwy 395 offers good viewing. Hadley Butte, near Paisley, also offers viewing from Hwy 31 and the Summer Lake Hot Springs. Viewers wishing to observe bighorns should bring binoculars or spotting scopes, as sheep are generally found in steep rocky terrain and must be viewed from a distance.

Malheur County

A variety of shorebirds can be found this time of year as they migrate south. Avocets, willets, godwits, sandpipers, killdeer, and black-necked stilts will be active along reservoir shores and floodplain meadows throughout September.

With hunting seasons underway, deer and elk can be found anywhere, anytime in the county as hunters move them around. Most of them will be found in higher elevation forested areas and in creek and river bottoms or agricultural fields in the sagelands.

Pronghorn will be well-distributed following hunting season with more residing the further south you get in the county. Pronghorn are entering their breeding season, so where you encounter antelope, you may very likely find nice bucks with fully-mature headgear. Bighorn sheep will also be more easily seen on the tops of canyon rims or bottoms along water sources as they begin breeding season in the coming month.

As fire danger remains very high throughout the district, ODFW asks recreationists to take precautions to avoid starts and adhere to all local fire restrictions. We also ask that people be conscientious of the stressors put on animals when finding wildlife in remaining habitat islands within the burned area of this summer's wildfires.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

Updated Nov. 6, 2024

Camping is permitted at four sites on the Wildlife Area. Campgrounds are primitive but each has vault toilets, trash barrels, and a few picnic tables.

• Wildlife Viewing Loop and refuge areas are closed for the winter starting on October 5, 2024 and will not reopen until the end of January.
• Access roads to campgrounds remain open, year-round. Wildlife area outside of refuge areas is open to all non motorized traffic. Roads are marked with current access regulations. Parking is only allowed in designated parking areas.
• Non-motorized travel on spur levees or lateral dikes is permitted, as is cross-country travel.

Game bird hunting seasons are now open. Viewing opportunities may be reduced by occasional extreme weather conditions.

The Schoolhouse Lake Wildlife Viewing blind provides an excellent opportunity to see a wide variety of waterbirds.

Fall migration continues, but its approaching the end.

Waterfowl

Mallard, northern shoveler, pintail, green-winged teal, American wigeon and gadwall are the most common species observed. Diver species such as canvasback, ring-necked and bufflehead are also common.

Canada geese remain widely distributed across the wildlife area along with a good number of migrating white-fronted geese and snow geese.

A few resident and non-breeding trumpeter swans remain widely scattered across the wildlife area. These birds are part of restoration efforts and will be neck-collared with green collars and white alphanumeric symbols. Tundra swans have started to show up over the last week.

Shorebirds, wading birds, and other waterbirds

Shorebirds numbers have been decreasing in the last few weeks, as many species migrate earlier than other birds. Visitors may see killdeer, Wilson's snipe, yellowlegs, dowitchers and peeps.

American bittern, black-crowned night-herons, great egrets and great blue herons can be found throughout the wildlife area. American coot are widely scattered across the wildlife area. Virginia rail and sora can be found throughout the wildlife area. American avocets and black-necked stilts are present, but have decreased in numbers.

Four species of grebes can be found on the wildlife area (Clark's, eared, pied-billed and western). Look for them in large open bodies of water such as Ana Reservoir, North Bullgate Refuge and North Levee Impoundment.

Small numbers gull species are scattered throughout the wildlife area. Double-crested cormorants and American white pelicans can also be observed.

Raptors and others

Northern harriers and red-tailed hawks are common this time of the year. Rough-legged hawks, American kestrel, coopers, sharp shinned, peregrine and prairie falcons can occasionally be found. Bald and golden eagles are also found on a regular basis, since both species frequently hunt the waterbirds on the wildlife area.

Great horned owls remain widely scattered across the entire wildlife area, especially in the trees at campgrounds. Short-eared owls can sometimes be found in early morning or evening hours. Barn owls can sometimes be observed, as well.

Upland game birds

California quail and ring-necked pheasants can sometimes be observed near Headquarters and north end upland areas.

Songbirds and other passerines

Eurasian collared doves remain in small numbers and can be observed at Headquarters Complex and other areas.

American robins, loggerhead shrikes, Steller's and scrub jays are in varied numbers across the wildlife area, especially around Headquarters and old homestead sites. Black-billed magpie and common raven are also common throughout the area, as are Northern flickers.

There are very good numbers of marsh wrens and song sparrows in the dense stands of hardstem bulrush and broad-leaved cattail along dikes and levees throughout the wetlands.

Most blackbird species have migrated but a few still could be found. Western meadowlarks can be found scattered in good numbers throughout the area.

Winter migrants have started to show up including large numbers of white crowned and golden crowned sparrows, dark eyed juncos and spotted towhees.

Habitat

Seasonal marsh areas are being flooded and wetland plants have finished their growth season. Summer Lake proper is increasing in size and will continue to increase through the winter.

For assistance and additional information, contact wildlife area staff at 541-943-3152.