Good Bald Eagle Spots in Klamath Basin?

My wife and I were thinking of going to the Winter Wings festival in Klamath Falls in February, but by the time we got pet sitting organized all the stuff we were interested in was full. I've been thinking about going down there around that time to shoot the Bald Eagles. I'm sure I can get lots of birding tips on-line, but wondered if anyone has any personal favorite locations for the eagles. I posted this in the Bird Photography forum as well.

Thanks,

From my experience, and personal research, the best locations vary somewhat each year, depending on where there are areas of open water. Most of the wetlands at Lower Klamath NWR are frozen over in Jan-Feb, which concentrates the visiting waterfowl in a few areas of open water. The bald eagles are also found at those areas, preying on sick and weak waterfowl. If you go to the NWR headquarters near the town of Tule Lake, CA, they can usually direct you to the best current areas. The times that I've been there, the birds were consistently found in the ponds along Stateline Hwy, the road that runs along the Oregon-California border from Hwy 97 east. Look especially immediately north of the highway in the Straits Unit, which is just opposite the exit for the auto tour loop on the south side of the highway.

The morning fly out of the eagles from Bear Valley NWR is wonderful to experience, but IMO not a great photo op. The birds are high in the sky and it's still mostly dark.

If you have time, you might also find it interesting to visit Lava Beds National Monument just south of Tule Lake.

BTW, be prepared for very cold temps in this area.

Have a great trip!

Thanks, Greg. That's most helpful.