Oklahoma Winter Bald Eagle Events

Every winter, hundreds of bald eagles make their way to Oklahoma to feast on fish from our many lakes. Not only are bald eagles our national symbol, these magnificent birds represent one of America's

Monday, January 22nd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Every winter, hundreds of bald eagles make their way to Oklahoma to feast on fish from our many lakes. Not only are bald eagles our national symbol, these magnificent birds represent one of America's greatest conservation success stories. Bald eagle populations have increased steadily over the past 40 years from 425 to around 5,700 breeding pairs in the lower 48 states. One important group, the Sutton Avian Research Center (SARC) in Bartlesville has been instrumental in restoring bald eagles. As part of their recent captive-breeding program SARC has released a total of 275 bald eagles in the Southeast U.S.

According to Julian Hilliard, natural resources specialist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the number of eagle viewing tours has grown in recent years.

"Several tours are conducted by state park personnel and others who not only help eagle watchers find eagles soaring and fishing around Oklahoma lakes, but also help folks understand the ecology and habits of these raptors," Hilliard said.

Most eagle tours are offered free or for a nominal charge. Eagle watchers are encouraged to bring binoculars and dress warmly.

Call the ODWC's Natural Resources Section at (405) 521-4616 for more information, or log on to the Department's website at wildlifedepartment.com.

Eagle Tour Events

Tenkiller State Park, Vian
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
January 20, 2001
918-489-5643

Lake Thunderbird
State Park, Norman
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
January 27, 2001
February 10 & 24, 2001
405-321-4633

Lake Wister State Park, Wister
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
January 20, 2001
February 3 & 17, 2001
March 10, 2001
918-655-7886

Kaw Lake Area, Kaw City
9:00 AM until afternoon
January 20, 2001
580-762-2248

Beavers Bend Park,
Broken Bow
Saturdays at 9:00 AM
January & February
580-494-6556

Fountainhead State Park,
Checotah
11:00 AM
February 3, 2001
918-689-4607

Quartz Mountain State Park
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
January 20, & 21, 2001
February 3, 4, 17, & 18, 2001
580-563-2238