Oklahoma Reaches Peak Eagle Watching Season

If you thought you've seen an actual bald eagle in Oklahoma, don't worry, you aren't hallucinating. Not only do these incredible birds call this place home during the winter months, but it just so happens to be peak eagle watching season here.

Between January and February, eagles travel to Oklahoma to take advantage of the warmer weather, open waters, and comfortable tree settings for breeding. Watch carefully because these flocks have only a select few that stay all year. The rest are only passing through for the season.

Here are some helpful tips to spot and watch eagles in Oklahoma this winter. We'll also include a list of areas that eagles have been known to nest each year.

Tips from Oklahoma's Department of Wildlife Conservation for watching eagles.

Eagle watching is luckily an easy hobby that doesn't require much more than a watchful eye and an abundance of patience. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) shared their top tips for sight seers who want to bird watch like pros this winter.

They suggested for watchers to look for birds near Oklahoma's lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water. Keep in mind that the drought we've been experiencing may affect which bodies of water they travel to most.

Eagles also tend to nest and perch on the highest portions of trees, so make sure to look up when you're trying to spot one. It's also wise to have a pair of binoculars handy to see them in far away areas.

Popular spots in southwest Oklahoma for finding eagle's nests.

As we mentioned before, eagles love large bodies of water so they can easily fish from where they're nesting. So it makes sense that some of the most popular places they can be spotted throughout the state is:

• Kaw Lake
• Grand Lake O' the Cherokees
• Lake Texoma

But, there are spots in southwest Oklahoma that you can find them, too, you just have to know where to look.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge - look for lakes like Lost Lake, Caddo Lake, Quannah Dam, and Osage Lake. Some of these lakes have been extremely low this season, but they've seen eagles in the past.

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Those willing to travel west may also spot them around Lake Altus-Lugert in Quartz Mountain State Park.

Lastly, one of my favorite lesser-known lakes that truly has a beautiful area is Fort Cobb Lake. Take your time, look closely, and be patient. The best time to catch them is early in the morning, or later in the evenings, near sunset. As the ODWC said, "sightings can happen in a matter of minutes or hours."

What should you do if you spot an injured bird or chick?

Unfortunately, baby birds don't normally hatch until later in the winter, closer to the end of March. This is the time of year when eagles are moving to Oklahoma, laying and caring for the eggs.

However, it's not impossible for chicks to hatch early. If you notice a fallen baby eagle, or an injured eagle, it's important to report what you find to a Game Warden or call the ODWC directly.

Happy eagle watching, Oklahoma!