Oklahoma’s bald eagle numbers peak between November and February, making winter the prime season for eagle watching. Stack the odds of seeing our Nation’s symbol in your favor with these tips.
Go Where the Eagles Are
Bald eagles are primarily fish eaters and can be found around many of Oklahoma’s rivers and lakes. Popular viewing spots include Kaw Lake, the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees and Lake Texoma but bald eagles can be spotted across the state as long as food is nearby and available.
More than 250 pairs of bald eagles stay here year-round, but a majority of our eagles split time between Oklahoma and more northern states. When the fishing holes freeze over in those northern states, the migratory birds return south to enjoy Oklahoma’s (and other southern states) more mild winters and open waters.
Places to view eagles
• Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
• Keystone Lake and Keystone State Park
• Lake Thunderbird
• Chickasaw National Recreation Area
• Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
• Arcadia Lake
• Quartz Mountain State Park
• Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve
• Grand Lake State Park
• Illinois River
• Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
• Kaw Lake
Be Prepared to Bundle Up and Wait
Depending on the weather, winter eagle watching in Oklahoma could be enjoyed in a long-sleeved shirt and jeans, or may require your heaviest winter gear. Wearing layers and keeping a scarf and gloves handy can help you adjust to the varying temperature and wind conditions.
Depending on the location, eagle watching could be enjoyed from a warm car, or require a walk along the shoreline or trail. Be sure to find a safe place to pull off the road if eagle watching from a vehicle.
Depending on the birds, your eagle watching trip could be successful in a matter of minutes or hours or may require a raincheck for another day! Time your trips for early morning or late afternoon to increase your chances of seeing these fishing raptors.
Best time to view and what to bring
• Sightings increase as early as November and peak in January and February.
• Look near lakes and rivers as eagles are primarily fish eaters and typically nest in forested areas near large bodies of water.
• Wear warm, neutral- colored clothing.
• Bring binoculars, a camera, and a field guide.
Scan the Tree Lines
Eagles spend a majority of their time perched high in a tree. When you first arrive at your eaglewatching destination, scan the surrounding trees for the contrasting brown body and white head and tail of adult eagles. Eagles under the age of four years lack the characteristic white head and tail and may be more difficult to spot. Once you’ve scanned the area for adult eagles, inspect the same area for the large, dark-bodied juveniles.
