Southern Oregon’s Bald Eagles

Maybe with all the craziness of the holiday season, it’s time to take a break and visit the majestic birds of southern Oregon. From November through February over 500 Bald Eagles — the largest concentration in the lower 48 states — winter near Bear Valley Roost in the Klamath Basin.

Just as sure as the leaves fall and ice begins to coat basin wetlands, they will arrive. Each year during the month of November, bald eagles begin to appear en masse on their Klamath Basin wintering grounds. Having traveled from as far away as Northwest Territories in Canada and Glacier National Park, these birds quickly settle into a daily routine of waterfowl scavenging throughout the Basin’s marshes by day and locating sheltered roosts at night. The best viewing occurs during late December and February when numbers may peak at over 500 birds. During this time, an observant visitor should be able to easily spot dozens of these majestic raptors along the Tulelake and Lower Klamath auto tours. It is not uncommon to see over 50 eagles in one spot!

Remember your warm gear, hot cocoa, binoculars and camera!

If you are a true bird lover, plan to attend the 2011 Winter Wings Festival scheduled for February 18 – 20.

Animals of the Rogue River

Perhaps the greatest secret of the Rogue River canyon is its varied and abundant wildlife. You’ll get a change to see the majestic bald eagle, the curious river otter, the lumbering black bear, and the dainty whitetail deer while on your rafting, kayaking, and hiking trips with White Water Warehouse. Keep your eyes open because there is often a new pair of eyes staring back at you ’round each bend of the river! This video shows just a few of the unique animals of the Rogue River.