http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

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Dry conditions at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex on the California-Oregon border, offer little for ibis in the way of food and water, so the birds touch down, but soon decide to keep going south. Many birds, such as egrets, ducks, geese, hawks and eagles, are expected to do the same as wetland availability is low. The concern is that the birds will tire themselves by flying too far, increasing risk of starvation, vulnerability to disease or predators and chance of reproductive failure, risks that increase as the stress continues. Fewer migratory birds stopped last year. Some state and federal wildlife refuges have taken the unprecedented step of suspending hunts for waterfowl in fall and winter, or delaying the season, due to the dry conditions and difficulties that they pose for birds. The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, for instance, postponed its opener and lowered hunting quotas in many areas. Birds arrived early to the five refuges in the Sacramento Valley, which refuge managers think is the result of the birds seeking water. San Francisco Chronicle (Calif.), Oct 25, 2022