Klamath, California Wildlife

We ran into quite a bit of Northern California wildlife during our 8 day stay in the Klamath River valley .

Of course, every corner on Ca. 101 in the Redwood country can bring about a face to face meeting with the Roosevelt Elk, so keep the speed down and your eyes open for these beautiful beasts.

 This big male has the same idea of relaxation as I do.

Obviously, one of our passions are birds, and at the top of that list is the Bald Eagle. This one is a diligent immature father that may be building his first nest.

Careful observations will reward you with an Osprey carrying a fish he caught for the kids dinner. I’m sure people don’t know of, or appreciate the fact, that most birds of prey have very strong family ties

Gulls and cormorants are a very common sight on the Klamath estuary.

The Western Snowy Plover is a threatened species you will see running up and down the shoreline.

The turkey vulture is commonly seen soaring along the ocean cliffs looking for a thermal to lift them up. These guys must have something to feast on or maybe they just enjoying a roosting area.

This lucky guy found something to eat.

This Steller Sea Lion is on the hunt about a half mile up from the mouth of the river...right in front of our motorhome.

Much to the chagrin of the local fishermen, this sea lion got his prize.

The sea lion slammed the fish at least five times either to shred it or strip the skin...I'm not sure.

We love seeing whales as much as birds of prey. This grey whale is within the waves breaking near the mouth of the Klamath. Hard to believe that such a big animal can navigate the shallow water.

Spy hopping is a common trait with the grey whales. They stick their heads out far enough to have an eye above the water.

  A mother and her newborn calf slowly making their way up to Alaska. Born in the warm Mexican waters (we have been to the birthing lagoon) the calves and their mothers are the last to make the trip to the rich feeding grounds up north.

This beautiful grey was waving goodbye to us as she knew we were leaving the area. They are tracked by the patterns of white on their tail...I would sure like to be able to identify her.

A beautiful sunset on our last night.