Now is Prime Time to Watch Oklahoma’s Wintering Eagles

By Oklahoma Dept of Wildlife Conservation

First posted on 01-11-2010

Locations all across the state offer many opportunities to see the nation’s emblem in the wild this winter.

As lakes in the northern U.S. and Midwest freeze, eagles migrate south to find open water and food. Oklahoma has 11,600 miles of shoreline and over a million surface acres of water, and that is part of what makes it one of the top 10 states in the nation for winter eagle viewing.

During the winter, Oklahoma is home to anywhere from 700 to 1,500 eagles that migrate in from the northern states and Canada. With numbers peaking in January and February, wintertime is a great chance to catch of a glimpse of the bird in the wild. The highest concentration of birds are located at lakes, such as Kaw, Texoma, Tenkiller, Ft. Gibson, Grand, Canton and Great Salt Plains.

In addition to migrant eagles that winter in Oklahoma, the state also has around 120 bald eagles that live here year-round. While there were no known pairs of nesting eagles in the state prior to 1990, there are now around 60 known breeding pairs.

Eagle watches are hosted by state parks, lake management offices, national wildlife refuges and local Audubon Society chapters. Event activities will vary, but most are free. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation annually compiles a list of events to help Oklahomans discover where to view this majestic bird. For more information or to view the list, log on to the Wildlife Department’s Web site at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/eagleviewing.htm.

The site provides details on eagle viewing locations and events as well as historical information on the bald eagle. Additionally, tips for eagle viewing and helping protect them also are included.