Overview
This tour combines birding in the wonderfully scenic and bird-filled Klamath Basin, located in south-central Oregon and northern California, with a visit to the spectacular Redwoods of coastal northern California. The fall season is a great time to visit, as migrating birds pass through the area in large numbers at that time.

The Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges were written-up in the book titled "Roger Tory Peterson's Dozen Birding Hot Spots" and they are some of the best locations in the country for observing fall-season bird migration. Tens-of-thousands of waterfowl are present at this time, including Greater White-fronted Goose, Eared and Clark's Grebes, Redhead, Canvasback, Cinnamon Teal and Northern Shoveler. In fact, according to on-going U.S. Fish & Wildlife surveys, over one million water birds are present in the Klamath Basin during the fall each year!

At nearby Lava Beds National Monument we'll look for Prairie Falcon and Townsend's Solitaire, and marvel at some of the ancient petroglyphs and volcanic formations found in the park.

A visit to stunning Crater Lake National Park will offer the chance to look for Clark's Nutcracker, Mountain Chickadee, Gray Jay, and possibly a Peregrine Falcon. In some years there may be snow on the rim, and in others one can drive completely around it. In either case, the views are fabulous, with lichen-blotched rock outcroppings, and gnarled pines. The lake is one of the deepest and purest in the world.

From Klamath Falls, we'll travel to Crescent City and spend four days exploring Redwood National Park. The trees in the coastal redwood forest are truly awe-inspiring and the views along the coast are unparalleled. The trees in California's Redwood National Park are truly amazing - with diameters up to 21 feet! Bird species we may see include California Quail, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Wrentit, and Varied Thrush.

Crescent City has a number of great wildlife viewing areas including a coastal headland overlooking rugged sea stacks, and a fresh water lake that nearly meets the ocean. We'll look for Pacific Loon, Brown Pelican, Harlequin Duck, Brandt's Cormorant, Surfbird, Black Oystercatcher, Pigeon Guillemot, and Glaucous-winged and Heerman's Gull. We should see a number of other interesting wildlife species including Roosevelt Elk, and California Sea Lions.

Each day will have a major destination and some minor stops, as we visit birding sites in the area. There will be time allowed for stopping at any points of interest that catch your eye, and we'll be sure to stop as needed for food, and rest-stops. As usual, I will have a spotting scope, allowing for close views, whenever possible.

Logistics
This is a 11-day, 10-night tour in southern Oregon and northern California, with arrival and departure from Klamath Falls, Oregon.  The tour is limited to 6 participants. Cost is $1,995.00 per person for 2-3 participants, which drops to $1,795.00 per person if there are at least 4 participants, all based on double occupancy. Cost includes: full-sized car or van rental and all fuel and tolls (and I will do all the driving, including pick-up and drop-off at the airport), meals, lodging, and guiding for birds and natural history. We will be staying in just two locations, in Klamath Falls, and in Crescent City. The cost does not include your airfare. Weather permitting we will have picnic lunches on some days. Dinners at a restaurant, or possibly en route back to our lodgings after a full day of exploring.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival day in Klamath Falls. Evening orientation. Settle in at lodgings.

Day 2: We'll explore Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Lava Beds National Monument. At Tule Lake, we'll have a chance to see thousands of ducks and geese resting and feeding in the marshes. At Lava Beds, we'll walk among the ancient lava flows and lava tubes, while keeping an eye out for birds such as Townsend's Solitaire and Prairie Falcon. Overnight in Klamath Falls.

Day 3: Early morning visit to Lower Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuge, White Lake and the surrounding area. We'll see more ducks and geese, and look for Sandhill Cranes, raptors, and shorebirds. Great views of Mt. Shasta. Overnight in Klamath Falls.

Day 4: Today will be another early start to Upper Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding area. More ducks and geese, and even American White Pelican will be present. We will also search for woodland birds, such as Pygmy Nuthatch, and Red-breasted Sapsucker. Overnight in Klamath Falls.

Day 5: Visit spectacular Crater Lake National Park. The rim is 6,000 feet in elevation. We'll also have excellent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We'll look for Clark's Nutcracker, Gray Jay, and hope for a Golden Eagle or Peregrine Falcon. Overnight in Klamath Falls.

Day 6: Drive to Crescent City. We'll stop along the way, near Medford, to look for Lewis's and Acorn Woodpeckers, Oak Titmouse, and California Towhee. From Medford, we'll follow the Rogue River valley, and then the Smith River valley down to the coast, through beautiful valleys. We'll get our first look at the towering coastal redwoods on this day. Overnight in Crescent City.

Day 7: Redwood National Park. Awe-inspiring trees! We'll explore the park and learn about the coastal redwood ecosystem. Anna's Hummingbird, Varied Thrush, Red Crossbill, Band-tailed Pigeon, and American Dipper are all possible. Flocks of Chestnut-backed Chickadees and Townsend's Warblers are frequently found and are delightful to watch. Overnight in Crescent City.

Day 8: More exploration of the coast with visits to redwood groves and to Fern Canyon. Great views of the Pacific Ocean, with chances to see numerous seabirds. We should see at least one Roosevelt Elk herd. Chestnut-backed Chickadee, and Wrentit are good possibilities. Overnight in Crescent City.

Day 9: We'll explore the Crescent City area for coastal birds, such as Black Turnstone, Marbled Godwit, Surfbird, Black Oystercatcher, Brandt's Cormorant, Pigeon Guillemot, and Harlequin Duck. The surf here can be quite dramatic and the rugged sea stacks make wonderful photographic subjects. Overnight in Crescent City.

Day 10: We'll drive back to Klamath Falls using the same route back to Medford, and then a more southerly route back to Klamath Falls, stopping along the way for scenery, birds, and lunch. Lewis's, Acorn, and White-backed Woodpecker are possible. The drive through the national forest lands is quite beautiful. Overnight in Klamath Falls.

Day 11: Tour officially ends. Drop-off at airport provided.