Best Places To Go Bird-Watching in Tulsa

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:
31st 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.
41st 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.
71st 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 31st 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.
More Oklahoma Adventures:
We love Oklahoma and call Tulsa home. Check out these guides to plan more of your Oklahoma adventures:
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Holaa Ashlee , me encanto la pagina sobre la variedad de aves . No sabia
que tienen tan cerca del lugar en que viven.
Las grullas y su inconfundible canto. el pelicano gigante y tantas otras tan bellas y atractivas.
Realmente es un disfrute poder estar en contacto directo con ellas.
Aqui , cerca del mar hay bastante variedad , muchisimas gaviotas que rondan todo el tiempo junto a palomas, albatros , pareciera que este tiempo de pandemia ha hecho que resurjan mas las aves.
I live in Missouri, really not too far from Tulsa! I feel like I never really stop to appreciate the birds and wildlife around me, but maybe this post will make me pay a little more attention to the joy of the outdoors 🙂
Hi Natalie! Yes, I bet Missouri has great bird watching as well. Thanks for reading our blog.
I do enjoy bird watching when I’m out and about. They’re so relaxing to watch! The American White Pelican looks beautiful! I will definitely note of bringing a binocular when I go out for adventures. 🙂
Hi Hazel – thanks for reading our post! Cool on taking binoculars on your next adventure. You might see some wonderful things 🙂
Your photo of the eagle is so cool! I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one in the wild. Would be so cool to see all these lovely animals 🙂
Hi Em – thanks for your comment 🙂 Bald Eagles are gorgeous, especially up close when they fly over your head!
I’ve done some beginner birdwatching here in Ontario! I live right by Point Pelee National Park, which is known as one of the best spots in North America to watch migratory birds as they travel south for the winter. Thanks for this awesome guide, I’ll be sure to do some birdwatching when I can make a trip to Oklahoma!
Hi Erin – so cool, thanks for sharing. I’m going to look up Point Pelee National Park right now.
Thanks for your bird-watching article !! Where I live I see all types of birds also; they are truly interesting creatures !!
Thanks for your bird-watching article !! Where I live I see all types of birds also; they are truly interesting creatures !!
Hi Burt! So glad you came to read and comment. Thank you!
Great read! I wouldn’t have expected to see bald eagles in Oklahoma! Also, love your tie dye top in one of the first pics 🙂
Hi Taryn! Thanks for stopping by. Eagle watching is excellent here. Top is from Lululemon! 😉