Klamath Basin NWR Photography Outing

 

Outing Leader:  Ron Maertz will be the outing Leader

 

When:                President’s Weekend – Saturday, Feb. 16th – Monday, Feb. 18th

 

Where:               Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge (http://www.fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges/) which includes , Clear Lake, Lower Klamath NWR, Tule Lake NWR, Bear Valley NWR

 

Location:           On the California/Oregon border - (highways 5 to 97)

 

Purpose:            The Klamath Basin NWR offers photographic opportunities for over 150 species of wintering waterfowl, eagles, and other wildlife. Abundant common sightings are Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Pelican Heron, Egret Tundra Swan, Canada/snow Geese, etc., many Duck varieties, Peregrine Falcons to name a few.

 

Photo Ops:         Each refuge has blinds (must be reserved in advance http://www.fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges/photoblind.html ), and auto routes throughout. Early morning eagle fly outs from Bear Valley NWR to the Tule Lake and lower Klamath reserves can be photographed from strategic locations.

 Other:               That weekend Klamath Falls, Oregon holds its Winter Wings Festival at the Oregon Institute of Technology. Many seminars and photography and birding outings are conducted. http://www.winterwingsfest.org  Advanced reservations for these outings is required.

 

Lodging:            Klamath Falls has many facilities (festival discounts available) – but are filling quickly. http://www.fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges/planning.html
Standard Price range is $55.-$70. per night.

I have located nearby locations in Merrill, and Tule lake that are usually vacant in February. http://www.fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges/accomoda.html http://www.klamath.org/visitors/hotels

Wild Goose Motel – in Merrill is empty - will offer special rates for our group . . have 8 rooms w/ queen bed 5 w/ queen & 2 twin beds and 1 cabin (1 Q, 2 tw) - They also have a req. room w/ wood stove/wood, refrigerator, microwave tables etc.

In Tule lake the Historic Winema Lodge has 5 lodges (sleep -5/per- shared bath) and rooms (sleep 3-4) see info attached.

There are restaurant options in all areas.

 

Itinerary:           Depending on respondent’s preferences, we will try to have a few planned activities, and some free time options.

 

RSVP:                 We would like to limit attendance to 12 photography participants.
If you are interested in group lodging locations please advise one of the contacts of your requirements.

 

                           Need responses no later than Feb 2nd. You are responsible for Festival registrations. http://www.winterwingsfest.org/register/index.shtml

 

Contacts:           Carol Barra -(916)682-0909 eve. Carolb84@juno.com or irisrosed41@hotmail.com
Warren Wittich – (916) 965-0273 cwwittich@sbcglobal.net