Today we birded Klamath Lake, Lower Klamath NWR, Tule Lake NWR and Butte Valley.
Conclusion one: the on-going drought and climate change are making serious changes to habitat and birds' breeding success.
Two: Lower Klamath is largely waterless. Waterfowl are crowded into one part of Tule and Indian Tom Lakes and natural Klamath Lake. This cannot be good for the health of the birds. Last March I wrote about the disease killing waterfowl in the overcrowded Tule Lake sumps, and that was when both had water. Now Tule Sump #1 is powder dry.
Three: White Pelicans are endlessly fascinating to watch. A side bay of Klamath Lake today had 72 of them settling in for a night or fishing and napping. After sunset they were out fishing in the near-dark.
Four: at that same bay there were about 60 Ring-billed Gulls--only two were first year birds, indicating a droight-stricken breeding season.
Five: the most abundant bird of the day was not Green-wigned Teal or even coots. It was the many thusands of White-crowned Sparrows passign through on their way south. The sagebrush was alive with sparrows. Juniper stands were bustlign with hungry Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Six: Mosquito season at Tule NWR.
Seven: Putna m Point is closed. Link Ruver Trail is open and thre low water means dozens of birds loafing on the exposed rocks.

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