 Description
Kelly Reservoir fills with water for only part of the year, starting with winter precipitation and drying out by spring or early summer (April to as late as July), depending on the amount of rainfall. But even seasonal water amid the sagebrush grasslands and volcanic ridges attracts large numbers of wildlife, especially birds.
 Animals you may see here
Birds are the major wildlife-watching attraction here, especially migrant waterfowl and shorebirds. During the spring, the water teems with Canada geese, green-winged teal, mallards, and northern pintail. American avocets and willets probe along the marshy shallows. Some bald eagles may arrive during the winter.
Other wildlife: Herds of pronghorn antelope and mule deer can often be seen from a variety of roads passing through BLM lands in this area, and often come to the reservoir area during the winter and spring. Good views from knolls around the reservoir.
 Viewing tips for this area
The wet season that attracts migrating birds varies each year, with the weather. But spring and early summer generally offer very good viewing of waterfowl and shorebirds.
Pronghorn are common in the winter and spring.
The reservoir is a short (one-quarter-mile) drive down a dirt road, from a paved county road, but the dirt portion may be wet and impassable during the winter. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Binoculars or a spotting scope may be especially useful here.
Be sure to see tips for "Ultimate Wildlife Watching."
 How to get here
From State Highway 299 at Canby, take Modoc County Road 54 south/southeast for eight miles. Turn south onto the unmarked dirt road, pass through a metal gate, then drive one-quarter mile. The reservoir is to the east.
 Size: about 100 acres.
 Managed by: Bureau of Land Management, Alturas Field Office.
 For more information, contact: Bureau of Land Management, Alturas Field Office.
Site 3 in the California Wildlife Viewing Guide.
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