Black-crowned night-herons may be found year-round in most marsh and wetland habitats
within the Upper Klamath Basin watershed. They perch in trees or in bulrush/cattail stands
along the shore of lakes, streams and marshes.
Bullock Orioles breed in the Upper Klamath Basin watershed. They are seen
primarily during the spring and summer in willow, cottonwood and other deciduous trees
where they construct distinctive hanging nests. They are also found in juniper/sagebrush,
crop and pasture habitats.
Double-crested Cormorants are locally common in wetland habitats and is often
observed perched in trees along the water’s edge. They nest on small islands; often in association with American white pelicans.
Great Egrets roost in riparian areas and are seen feeding in both shallow wetlands
and permanent marshes during the months of April through October.
Hairy woodpeckers are uncommon year-round resident birds
found in all habitats with trees within the Upper Klamath Basin watershed.
Nashville warblers are observed in spring and summer
in wooded habitats in the Upper Klamath and Tule Lake Basins.
Orange-crowned warblers are observed in all wooded habitats in the Upper
Klamath and Tule Lake Basins. They nest in riparian areas where they
are seen during the spring, summer and fall.
Red-breasted Sapsuckers are seen primarily in the northern portion of the
Upper Klamath Basin. They are often observed in riparian areas particularly where
a mixed stand of pine and deciduous trees including aspen, cottonwood and willow
are found. They are also found in seasonal and shallow marshes.
Spotted sandpipers breed during the summer in the
Upper Klamath Basin watershed. They are most commonly observed along rocky
shorelines of lakes and other wetlands during spring and summer.
Tree swallows are common in all habitats in the Upper Klamath and
Tule Lake Basins. They are seen primarily in the spring and summer months.
Varied Thrush is a rare species in the Upper Klamath and Tule Lake Basins.
It has been seen primarily during the spring and fall migrations.
It is also found in Ponderosa/lodgepole pine forest.
Western Tanager, although a breeding species, are seen primarily during migration
when they may be observed in all upland habitats. They are also found in juniper/sagebrush,
Ponderosa/lodgepole pine forest and high elevation forest.
Yellow-rumped Warblers are the most common warbler found in the
Upper Klamath Basin watershed. Yellow-rumped warblers are observed during the
spring, summer and fall and occasionally during the early winter months.
They are also found in juniper-sagebrush, Ponderosa /lodgepole pine and
high elevation forest habitats.
Pacific treefrogs are relatively common but often overlooked
in the Upper Klamath and Tule Lake Basins.
River otters are observed in relatively deep wetland habitats within the Upper Klamath
and Tule Lake Basins. They are year-round residents often seen in family groups.
During the winter months they are sometimes spotted in irrigation canals.
Western pond turtles are most commonly seen basking in the sun
while perched on logs at the edge of permanent wetlands.
To see more photos of Riparian species
Cropland and pasture habitats are found mostly at the lower elevations (4,100-4,200) within the central and southern portions of the Upper Klamath Basin watershed. This category includes diverse areas within the Upper Klamath and Tule Lake Basins such as towns, smaller communities, rural residential areas, farms and ranches. The wildlife associated with these habitats have adapted to living close to human development and activities.
Deep water and permanent marshes are found in the Upper Klamath and Tule Lake Basins. Habitat includes Klamath, Williamson, Wood, Sprague, and Lost Rivers; Upper Klamath , Clear and Tule Lakes, many smaller deep wetlands
and permanent marshes. Fish eating species such as grebes, pelicans, gulls, terns and diving ducks use these wetlands. The vegetation growing in these wetlands
(primarily cattail and bulrush stands which are also called “tules”) provide habitat for rails, white-faced ibis, egrets, herons, yellow-headed black birds to name only a few.
Abundant shallow wetlands are found in the Upper Klamath and Tule Lake Basins. These wetlands have historically had water during the winter and spring, but tended to dry out during the summer and fall. Today, most wildlife areas and
refuges manage seasonal wetlands using water control structures to mimic this yearly wet and dry cycle. Wading shorebirds and dabbing ducks are among the diverse wildlife species commonly seen in seasonal marshes and wetlands.
Juniper/Sagebrush habitat is found most extensively in the southern and eastern portions of the Upper Klamath Basin watershed. Both the Clear Lake area and Lava Beds National Monument have large expanse of this habitat. Plants found here include Western Juniper and several plants collectively known as sagebrush and rabbit brush.
High Elevation habitat are forests above 5,500 feet in the Upper Klamath and Tule Lake Basins consisting primarily of Douglas fir, western red cedar and true firs. These habitats are found mostly in the Cascade and Siskiyou mountains. Popular travel destinations with these habitats include Crater Lake National Park, Medicine Lake, Lake of the Woods and the Pacific Crest Trail. Wildlife species found in mountain meadows, streams and lakes as well as those seen above timberline are included in this habitat grouping.
Ponderosa and Lodgepole Pine habitat are usually found above juniper/sagebrush vegetation and at a lower elevation than Douglas fir and true fir habitats within the Upper Klamath Basin watershed. Many cavity nesting bird species use the Ponderosa/lodgepole pine habitat, particularly where past fires have created openings and dead snags. Several species of woodpeckers, nuthatches and flycatchers are commonly observed within this habitat.
Cropland and pasture habitat are found mostly at the lower elevations (4,100-4,200) within the central and southern portions of the Upper Klamath Basin watershed. This category includes diverse areas within the Upper Klamath and Tule Lake Basins such as towns, smaller communities, rural residential areas, farms and ranches. The wildlife associated with these habitats have adapted to living close to human development and activities.
Presented by Dave Menke, Anders Tomlinson and anderstomlinson.com/tule-lake/
©2014 Anders Tomlinson, all rights reserved.
