Every year, more than 1,000 eagles settle on the outskirts of Oklahoma City. Eagles fly from Canada to spend the winter near numerous rivers and lakes in the south. It is in Oklahoma where eagles find a warm home and a stable food source.
The migration season starts between late November and early December. But the best time to observe them in their natural habitat runs from mid-January through mid-February. At that season, local parks are magnets for both eagles and birdwatchers.
There are many locations for eagle watching: both in Oklahoma City and on the outskirts. The city's closest are Lake Thunderbird State Park, Arcadia Lake, Keystone Lake, and The Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Tenkiller State Park, Kaw Lake, and Quartz Mountain Nature Park are within a two- or three-hour drive from Oklahoma City and are great locations for bald eagle watching. Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve is known for its golden eagles.
Most parks organize special tours at sunrise and sunset for small groups of tourists. Bird watchers are starting to reserve tours beginning from October. So it's better to book in advance. The migration season may also be different each year, so you should contact state parks or wildlife management to clarify the tour schedule.
Practical info
When is the ideal time for eagle observation in Oklahoma City?
The time between mid-January to mid-February is considered the ideal time for eagle observation in Oklahoma City. Local parks around the city such as State Park of Lake Thunderbird, Arcadia Lake, Keystone Lake, and The Chickasaw National Recreation Area attracts a significant number of eagles and bird lovers during this season. Bird watchers have the option to reserve tours starting from October for seeing these incredible creatures. Show more
What are some recommended places for eagle watching in Oklahoma, apart from Oklahoma City?
Apart from Oklahoma City, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Tenkiller State Park, Kaw Lake, and Quartz Mountain Nature Park are some of the recommended places for eagle watching in Oklahoma. These places offer great sightings and are well-known for eagle sightings. Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve is another great location to observe golden eagles. All these places are located within a three-hour drive from Oklahoma City. Show more
What is the number of eagles that settle in Oklahoma City during the migration season?
More than a thousand eagles from Canada settle at the outskirts of Oklahoma City every year during the migration season. Oklahoma provides a warm environment and stable food source for these birds during winters. Visitors should plan to visit the area during the peak season of mid-January to mid-February to observe an abundant population of eagles. Show more
Are there any distinctive festivals or events associated with eagle watching in Oklahoma City?
While there are no exclusive events or festivals conducted recommended solely for eagle watching in Oklahoma City, specific tours and activities are available during the migration season in parks and wildlife management areas. Visitors can reserve these tours in advance, and they mostly take place at sunrise or sunset. Herons, hawks, and ducks are some of the bird species visitors can expect to encounter while watching eagles. Show more
How early in advance should tourists reserve eagle watching tours at Oklahoma City's regional parks?
Eagle watching tours at regional parks in Oklahoma City should be reserved much earlier, ideally starting in October. Dates of the migration season may vary each year, and it is recommended to reach out to the parks and wildlife management areas to determine tour schedules. Parks conduct sunrise and sunset tours in groups for bird watchers visiting the area, providing an unforgettable experience. Show more
