Welcome to our new subscribers this month. If this is your first newsletter, you can find the archive of our previous newsletters here. There is a link at the top of this email to open it in a browser in case it doesn't display properly in your email. If you haven't already, please join our Facebook discussion group. We would love to get to know you! | |
- New Format
- Follow-up on Funding Freezes
- The Kisling Collection
- Refuge Report
- Species Spotlight - Cinnamon Teal
- Event Calendar
- Guest Articles Wanted
| | You may have noticed the newsletter is in a different format this month. This is part of an update/redesign that includes the Friends of Klamath Basin Birds website. In an effort to simplify and streamline information, the website has been pared down to four pages - the Home Page, Event Calendar, Newsletter Archive, and Resources. The Resources page is where you can find the download link for "Common Waterbirds of the Klamath Basin" eBook. I've also added a "donation" button for those of you who have generously offered to help with the cost of web hosting, email newsletter software, and other associated costs. Many thanks to those of you who continue to support the cause through the purchases of my fine art prints and greeting cards. Feel free to contact me if you have comments or suggestions about the website or newsletter. | |
Follow-up on Funding Freezes
-by Loree Johnson
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Last month, I wrote about projects in the Klamath Basin funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed by congress and signed into law in November 2021, and which had been frozen by the current administration. This withholding of previously allocated funding was determined in court to be unlawful, and an injunction was issued by a Federal District Court judge. "Agencies do not have unlimited authority to further a President’s agenda, nor do they have unfettered power to hamstring in perpetuity two statutes passed by Congress during the previous administration," per Judge Mary McElroy.
When I saw this story in the news, I immediately followed up with a few of the project leaders I had contacted last month to find out if funding had indeed been unfrozen. Within about a week of the judge's ruling, I received confirmation from several project leaders that funding had been restored and projects were moving forward. I have not received confirmation about all the projects funded by the BIL, but I am optimistic.
Thanks to those of you who spoke out to your senators and congressional representatives in support of these projects. We never know what will make a difference, but we do know that silence does not change anything.
This is good news and we should take a moment to relish it, especially since good news is sparse these days. I will continue to keep in touch with those working on these projects, and keep you informed of their progress. Hopefully, this will be the final word on funding for these projects, but I will also let you know if there are any further disruptions.
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The Kisling Collection
-by Fran McDermott
| | The Butte Valley Public Library in Dorris, California is now home to a very special collection of reference books, available for use by birders and anyone interested in learning more about wild raptors -- "The Kisling Collection." | | |
"Charlotte was the kindest person I ever met"
-Allen Fish, Manager, Golden Gate Raptor Observatory
Charlotte Kisling collected these books over a lifetime of fascination with birds, and especially with raptors. She joined the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory in 1985, where she proved to be a great teacher and leader. She was a deep believer in the “Why is it not a Red-tail” school of raptor identification! She was active with Napa-Solano Audubon where she led field trips all around the San Francisco Bay Area. And she sought out raptors all over the world.
She quickly began leading field trips throughout the Klamath Basin after moving to Dorris. On those field trips, she emphasized the “Don’t Slam the Car Door!” ethos. She originated the annual November “Raptor Rally” that continues seeking out birds of prey today, led by the Klamath Basin Audubon Society.
Although she left us in January 2020, the contributions she made to the community are irreplaceable. Part of that spirit lives on in the collection of books she left for all of us.
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A Small Sample from the Collection
Next time you're birding in Butte Valley, stop by the library and browse the Kisling Collection. You won't be disappointed!
| | A Plaque Honoring Charlotte at the Butte Valley Public Library | |
April Refuge Report
-by Loree Johnson
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This month's report covers only the Lower Klamath NWR as I haven't been out to Tule Lake NWR in the past month.
The ducks are pairing up and some are already sitting on nests. Many pairs of Cinnamon Teal, Mallards, Northern Shovelers, Gadwalls, Lesser Scaups and Ruddy Ducks can be seen nearly everywhere on the refuge. Other species present if you look carefully are Northern Pintails, Redheads, and Blue-winged Teal. Of course, spotting any of these requires a game of "Where's Waldo" among the thousands of American Coots. Canada Geese are having a productive year with many clutches of goslings already hatched.
Our resident Bald Eagle pair has successfully hatched two chicks and are currently caring for them as they grow to fledgling size. They generally leave the nest sometime in June. If both chicks successfully fledge, I believe that will be 28 for our Eagle matriarch. What a legacy!
| | Blue-winged Teal in Flight - Photo by Loree Johnson | | Canada Geese with Goslings - Photo by Loree Johnson | | |
Shorebirds are now present in good numbers (especially Black-necked Stilts), but locations change almost daily as water continues to be added in different areas of the refuge. American White Pelicans are also out there, along with wading birds like Great Egrets and White-faced Ibis.
Mosquitoes are hatching in large numbers due to the abundance of water, so be prepared. Brewer's, Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds are doing their best to eat as many of them as possible, but only making a small dent in the mosquito population.
| | American White Pelican in Flight - Photo by Loree Johnson | | White-faced Ibis Landing - Photo by Loree Johnson | | |
Eared and Pied-billed Grebes can now be seen regularly and even a few pairs of Western Grebes are hanging out at Lower Klamath. Terns are back for the season, including Forster's and Caspian. I haven't spotted any Black Terns yet, but hope to soon.
Many of the mammals seem to be doing well this year. I've seen numerous Coyotes each time I've been out and confirmed a litter of six pups on the refuge, which was originally reported in our Facebook Group. I've also seen one American Badger and several holes that appear to be "badger-made." Long-tailed Weasels and Muskrats have made a few appearances as well.
To sum up, wildlife is thriving on the refuge this spring thanks to an abundance of water. Soon, there will be baby birds of all kinds hatching. Time to get out there and celebrate life!
| | Long-tailed Weasel - Photo by Loree Johnson | | Coyote Pups - Photo by Loree Johnson | |
Species Spotlight - Cinnamon Teal
(Anas cyanoptera)
| | Cinnamon Teal Drake - Photo by Loree Johnson | | What is not to love about a duck with a rich warm cinnamon color, red eye, and a sizable black bill. You cannot mistake identifying this duck, except if you are seeing the more quietly colored female. She can be identified by her proximity to the male during breeding season. | | Cinnamon Teal Brood - Photo by Loree Johnson | | |
The female often places her nest below matted dead stems of vegetation. It is concealed on all sides and from above, and she approaches the nest through a tunnel of marshy weeds. Approximately 9-12 eggs are laid and incubate for 21 days. Other ducks like the Redhead, the Ruddy Duck and the Mallard sometimes lay their eggs in this nest. Oh boy, the mommy teal will have a big job caring for them when they emerge from the egg.
–Shannon Rio, Klamath Bird Observatory
| | Cinnamon Teal Pair - Photo by Loree Johnson | | Instead of publishing the Event Calendar in every newsletter, starting this month I will simply provide a link to the Event Calendar on our website. Maintaining the calendar in only one place is less work for me and cuts down on the possibility of errors. Please click the button below to view the current Event Calendar. | | |
Because I believe this newsletter is more interesting and informative when it includes the knowledge and perspectives of others, my request for guest articles will be ongoing. If you enjoy reading it, I hope you will consider contributing.
Articles needn't be long and technical. In fact, short, easy to read stories that inform and engage the community are ideal.
If you find yourself with a story to tell about our avian neighbors, their habitat, or something related, simply reply to this newsletter and let me know what you want to write about.
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Do you know someone who should see this newsletter? Someone who cares as much as you do about the birds of the Klamath Basin? Maybe someone in a position to bring about change? Please forward this to one or more of your contacts and help our voices grow!
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