17 June 2012

It was difficult to find MacGillivray’s Warblers in the Siskiyou Mountains near Happy Camp. It is dense pine-juniper forest that does not provide a lot of good breeding habitat. I had to hunt through clearings from clear-cuts and or riparian habitat within this coniferous forest.

One of the highlights was a change from Red-naped Sapsucker to the Red-breasted Sapsucker and a new addition of the Hermit Warbler.

There is also some interesting folklore associated with this area. First is the presence of Sasquatch. The famous video was taken near Happy Camp and the Fort Klamath River. This (hoax) sighting has lured serious (?) investigators who think they now may have DNA evidence. (Summary) Can you believe it?

The second controversy is more serious. It concerns debate about converting some of this area into a National Monument which could restrict land use (mining, logging, etc.) in the area. Look at the photos below and see if you can determine which side these people have taken. This is California's version of our Northern Pass issue in NH.


Sasquatch sculpture


National Monument Controversy (Pro versus Con).



Camp site at Poker Flat



Day-list: California: Siskiyou Co., Happy Camp

California Quail
Mourning Dove
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Northern Flicker
Steller’s Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Warbling Vireo
Nashville Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Hermit Warbler
MacGillivray’s Warb;er
Wilson’s Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat
Western Tanager
Black-headed Grosbeak
Lazuli Bunting
Spotted Towhee
Fox Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Daek-eyed Junco
Pine Siskin