Grab Your Special Someone and Watch Eagles in Oklahoma

You can probably guess what animals are common in Oklahoma: bison, deer, coyotes, cattle, and elk. But when was the last time you spotted an eagle in the sky? Now that temperatures are coming down, there's something else to look forward to in Oklahoma.

When Is Eagle Watching Season?

Starting in November, eagles in the north from as far as Canada travel down to Oklahoma. Between December and February, you can easily spot hundreds of bald eagles flying in parts of the state.

Why of all the states would they come here? Well, according to the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center, bald eagles come to Oklahoma for water that isn't frozen and food to survive on during the winter.

And these huge birds mean business when they're hunting. After all, eagles are known for being able to carry prey as large as an adult goat.

@juliaxeqv3i #eagle #animalsworld #wildlife #animallifestyle #nature #foryoupage ♬ original sound - Julia TK

They need plenty of food during the winter. Not just for themselves, but possibly for the clutch they're likely to hatch while visiting. Since eagles need trees and forested areas while staying, nearby large bodies of water and good hunting spots, you won't find eagles everywhere in Oklahoma. Of course, there are a few more popular areas than others

Where Should You Go To Watch Eagles?

Eastern Oklahoma, close to the Arkansas border, is actually very different from the rest of the state. The thick, tall trees and hilly landscape make the perfect home for eagles. But that's just the start of where you can find them.

According to Travel Oklahoma, the best places to go eagle watching are:

• Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge  - Vian, Oklahoma
• Keystone Lake and Keystone Park - Sand Springs, Oklahoma
• Lake Thunderbird State Park - Norman, Oklahoma
• Chickasaw National Recreation Area - Sulphur, Oklahoma
• Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge - Jet, Oklahoma

Safety Tips and Things You Need To Know

When watching the birds, it's important to remember a few things:

@okwildlifedept You don’t have to wander far to see something incredible out here. As the bald eagle population continues to increase, we’ll likely see more eagle-on-eagle aggression over nesting territories in the late fall. These two seen in Osage Co. are fighting it out for prime territory. - Once nesting site territory has been established in October and November, bald eagles will then be in a position to begin courtship and pair bonding in December. Nesting then takes places in January. Shout out to Oklahomie Chuck Crabtree for sharing this awesome footage #Oklahoma #wildlife #animals #trend #nature #conservation #eagles #wildlifephotography #outdoors #granola ♬ I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves) - Zach Bryan

• Eagles (not just bald eagles) are protected by Oklahoma law - you cannot hunt or kill them.
• These birds are considered predators and they do eat meat. If you decide to bring your dog or other animals with you to eagle watch, you'll want to keep a very close eye on the.
• If you spot a downed bird, injured or sickly, do not touch them. Instead, reach out the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and allow them to handle the animal.
• Leave the area how you found it, pick up your belongings and leave no trace behind.

Now you know of the next best passtime you can do this winter in Oklahoma. Have you spotted an eagle? Share photos now through our app.

Get our free mobile app