Northern Flicker
Best Birding in the West
Great Reasons to Bird the Klamath Basin
80% of Pacific Flyway birds stop over in the Klamath Basin wetland and lakes areas.
Observers can marvel at the density and diversity of birds.
Observe and photograph spectacular numbers and concentrations of birds.
Visitors are directed to over 45 of the "best" birding/wildlife viewing sites in the area.
You can experience the full spectrum of the Klamath Basin ecosystem thus seeing more kinds of birds/wildlife/scenery in a relatively small area.
Local folks are inspired to "see their own backyard" which fosters a greater appreciation of nature/wildlife, potentially leading to greater conservation efforts.
The Klamath Basin has the highest concentration of wintering Bald Eagles in the Lower 48 states. Visitors have opportunities to observe and photograph Bald Eagles and other raptors in unusual numbers and feeding situations (i.e. feeding on ducks/rodents vs. feeding on fish as is more typical in other locations).
If here for only a short time, the visitor has a good chance of seeing eagles, as well as observing eagle behaviors (social interactions, catching/eating prey, etc.).
The trail user may have the opportunity to view 50 to 100 bald eagles from one spot during the peak mid-winter season.
American Goldfinch
KBBT provides year-round/seasonal opportunities for birding and viewing the 350 species which call the Klamath Basin home.
Visitor can observe different birds in different seasons (e.g. summer - breeding/nesting birds; spring/fall - migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, passerines; winter - resident birds, over-wintering eagles and predominance of raptors).
Year-round an experienced birder can observe at least 75 species of birds in a day of visiting birding hot spots in the Klamath Basin.
Klamath Basin has been independently recognized by many top birding resources (Sunset, USGS, Roger Tory Peterson's Dozen Birding Hotspots, etc.) The visitor is assured of a world-class birding experience.
KBBT offers a diversity of unique scenic areas . The visitor can experience a wide variety of outdoor viewing opportunities (e.g. high mountains, desert, lakes, forest, lava beds, etc.) and land forms/habitats (ranging from rocky outcrops above treeline to extensive deep and shallow water marshes/wetlands, and includes open water, coniferous forests, juniper woodlands, oak chaparral, sage brush grasslands, grassy meadows and rocky cliffs).
The visitor can observe truly unique scenic and geological features (e.g. Crater Lake, Lava Beds, geothermal areas, horst and graben formations, etc.).
The visitor can experience this diversity within a short time and/or distance (are within 1-2 hours driving from the "hub" of Klamath Falls, also sites within Klamath Falls itself).
The visitor can get an appreciation of the history and culture of the area (e.g. Modoc Indian wars, Native American Culture, etc.)
Visitors can combine the KBBT experience with the multitude of other area recreation opportunities (hiking, skiing, hunting/fishing, golfing, canoeing/kayaking, snow shoeing, camping, dog sledding, museums, etc.)
Visitors can directly experience a wide variety of their public lands (8 state and federal wildlife refuges, BLM and National Forest lands, two National Parks, several state parks, hatcheries, county parks, etc.)
KBBT highlights natural biotic sites.
Lesser Goldfinch
KBBT features a major National Wildlife Refuge Complex in the Klamath Basin. Lower Klamath was the first national wildlife refuge set aside for waterfowl in 1908.
KBBT users can get information and guidance on the entire area from several Visitor Centers Interpretive information and help readily available to help the visitor really understand and appreciate what they are experiencing.
KBBT features the perfect mix of readily accessible unspoiled trails and sites (good roads, wild areas) and tourist infrastructure (food, lodging, supplies, information). Visitors will have a uncongested, pleasant driving experience And a variety of lodging and eating options fit all budgets. Convenient location of sites relative to major thoroughfares and metropolitan areas means easy, quick access.
Visitors to the trail sites will experience open spaces, few human intrusions, minimal//no pollution, solitude and a quiet appreciation of nature.
KBBT features ideal locations for bird/nature photographers Excellent year-round prospects for photographing a large number and variety of birds in their natural habitats. Photo blinds are available at some area wildlife refuges.
Enjoy the ability to view birds and wildlife closely in a variety of modes (from cars, on foot, by canoe, in photo blinds).