Up To 1,000 Bald Eagles Invade The Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges In Oregon Every Winter And It’s A Sight To Be Seen

Bird watchers surely must be in heaven in Oregon. In addition to the many bird species that call this place home year-round, millions more arrive here every year during fall migration, and the Beaver State's different habitats allow dozens of species to thrive.

From eastern Oregon to the coast, you'll find everything from little Streaked Horned Larks to stately Tundra Swans. During the winter months, as many as 1,000 Klamath Basin bald eagles populate the National Wildlife Refuges located in southern Oregon and northern California. Come along as we explore this annual wintry flight of fancy!

There are six Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges in Southern Oregon and Northern California:

Klamath Marsh, Upper Klamath, and Bear Valley in Oregon, and Clear Lake, Lower Klamath, and Tule Lake in California. These beautiful refuges are home to as many as one million migrating birds every winter.

The Klamath Basin covers 15,751 square miles on the Oregon/California border.

Several lakes and reservoirs provide plenty of habitat and food for migrating birds.

From late November through mid-March, this is the largest gathering of these iconic birds in the lower 48 states!

Spotting bald eagles is a very popular winter activity in Oregon, and you can see them dotted throughout the trees and soaring overhead.

You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them fishing for their dinners.

Its so amazing to watch them every so gracefully glide down to the surface of the picturesque waterways in search of the many fish that call these areas home. Watching them is almost like enjoying a meditation!

Mid-February is the peak time to spot bald eagles.

Though you might spot them at all six of the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges, the highest concentration is actually right across the Oregon border at the Tule Lake Refuge.

Make sure to bring a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope, along with your camera.

As far as wildlife in Oregon goes, these majestic birds are quite a sight to see! But be sure to dress warmly so you can stay out as long as you are comfortable. It is winter in Oregon, afterall!

Even though many people are for the most part novice bird watchers...

...you'll always encounter hardcore photographers possessing every kind of hi-tech camera equipment you can imagine. If you ask nicely, they just might let you take a peek!

Have you ever been to see the Klamath Basin bald eagles? If so, what was your favorite part? We'd love to see your beautiful flight of fancy photos and hear about your experiences in the comments section!

Looking for another cool place to see wildlife in Oregon? Check out the Wildlife Safari Park in Winston!