The Happiness Function

Are you looking for a free activity that gets you outside? Bird-watching is the perfect idea.

With Tulsa sitting right along the Arkansas River, there are incredible opportunities to see birds all year-round.

My husband and I love walking the paved trails along the Arkansas River to see the eagles, herons, and pelicans — here are the best places to see them in town.

“I think the most important quality in a birdwatcher is a willingness to stand quietly and see what comes. Our everyday lives obscure a truth about existence – that at the heart of everything there lies a stillness and a light.”

Lynn Thomson, Birding with Yeats: A Mother’s Memoir

Where To Go

Tulsa has a wonderful trail along the east and west sides of the Arkansas River. Visit their website for a map of the Tulsa River Parks Trail System.

Along the river, here are some of the best places to see eagles, herons, pelicans, and other waterfowl:

31^st Street and Riverside by the dam across from the Gathering Place: Watch for birds from the trail or behind the skate park. There are benches to sit on right next to the water. A pod of American White Pelicans typically winters here.

41^st Street and the river overlook: There is lots of parking here, a kids park, bathrooms, seating, a paved trail, and plenty of open vantage points to look for birds.

71^st Street parking lot and river overlook: There is ample parking, access to the paved trail, and a couple benches.

Behind the River Spirit Casino and Margaritaville: There is a paved trail, there is no major foliage obstructions, and there are clear views.

My Favorite Birds To See in Oklahoma

American White Pelican

Seeing these giant white birds will take your breath away; especially, as they gather by the hundreds to stay warm.

The American White Pelicans love to hang out in pods by the 31^st Street dam once the cold weather hits — they winter in Oklahoma. Each bird can weigh up to 20 pounds and have a nine-foot wingspan.

Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher

Have you ever seen a scissor-tailed flycatcher? You would probably know if you did because you would be wondering if its tail was hurt.

Don’t worry; the split tail doesn’t mean the bird is hurt. That is just what the tail looks like -– it splits in two like a fork. The scissor-like tail makes the birds easy to identify.

The Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher is also the Oklahoma State Bird.

Bald Eagle

You are guaranteed to see Bald Eagles roosting or hunting for fish on any given day along the Arkansas River.

The eagles roost in the trees along the river and are easy to spot with their gloriously white head feathers; especially, in the fall and winter after the leaves have fallen off the trees.

The best time to see eagles is supposedly sunrise or sunset, but they are relatively active along the Arkansas River during the day.

Whooping Crane

Listed as an endangered species, you might be lucky to see a Whooping Crane hanging out around the river wetlands.

These tall white and long-legged birds have red facial skin. You might even see one tagged since they are endangered.

This is where having binoculars comes in handy –- so you can look for the red facial skin.

Northern Cardinal

It is always a treat when this gorgeous red bird pops in to say hello. The males are particularly bright, beautiful, and easy to spot.

Cardinals are also known to be a sign from loved ones visiting us from Heaven — they are extra special birds to see.

New To Bird-Watching?

Bird-watching is an easy and fun hobby to pick up. You can bird-watch at whatever level of seriousness you want.

For example, maybe you would just like to go for a simple walk and look for birds. This is still bird-watching.

Take it a step further and buy a cheap pair of binoculars so you can see details and coloration.

If you are getting more serious, splurge and buy a bird species identification key.

If (or when) you become dedicated, invest in a nice pair of binoculars. People travel the globe in search of rare and exotic species.

More Birds in Oklahoma

While you’re out exploring, keep your eyes peeled for these species:

• Dark-eyed Junco
• Goldfinch
• Mockingbird
• Carolina Wren
• Blue-Jay
• Tufted Titmouse
• Chickadee
• Purple Martin
• Great Blue Heron

Free Oklahoma Bird-Watching Resources

Are you interested in knowing more about the species of birds you are seeing?

Below are free resources to check out online:

George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center, Oklahoma Birds Directory

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, Field Guide: Oklahoma Birds

Tulsa Audubon Society, Welcome to Tulsa Audubon!

TravelOK.com, Birding

TravelOK.com, Top Places for Eagle Watching in Oklahoma

Featured Image Credit: Michael Emond.

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