Yes, there are bald eagles in Oklahoma. In fact, Oklahoma is home to about 500 resident bald eagles that stay in the state all year, with thousands more migrating to the state during the winter. The bald eagle population in Oklahoma has grown significantly over the years, with only 10 nests documented in 1993 and 249 nests documented in 2021.
Bald Eagles in Oklahoma: Where to Spot Them
Bald eagles are primarily fish eaters and can be found around many of Oklahoma’s rivers and lakes, including Horseshoe Lake in Harrah, a power plant lake of the utility company, where there has been an eagle nest for 10 years. Volunteers from the Sutton Avian Research Center in Bartlesville normally monitor the eagle nest during the breeding season, but when they were denied access to the OG&E property this spring because of COVID-19, Jason Childress, a senior envirochemist at OG&E, took on the task of keeping a close eye on the nest.
In addition to Horseshoe Lake, there have been sightings of bald eagles and chicks at Lake Stanley Draper in OKC, OK, with one user sharing a photo of a bald eagle and its chicks on the lake. Additionally, there are several places in Green Country, Oklahoma, where visitors can spot bald eagles, including the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Keystone Lake, and the Tulsa Audubon Society’s Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.
Golden Eagles in Oklahoma
Image source: Pexels by Frank Cone
Golden eagles are also present in Oklahoma, with a small population nesting in Cimarron County year-round and about 100 eagles migrating into the state each winter from the Rocky Mountains. These birds are known for their outstanding eyesight and hunting skills, with the ability to grow to weigh 14 pounds and dive at speeds exceeding 120 mph.
Bald Eagle Population Growth in Oklahoma
The bald eagle population in Oklahoma has grown significantly over the years, with only 10 nests documented in 1993 and 249 nests documented in 2021. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Improved environmental regulations and conservation efforts: The banning of the pesticide DDT and the implementation of the Endangered Species Act have helped to protect bald eagles and their habitats.
- Increased food sources: The abundance of fish in Oklahoma’s rivers and lakes provides a reliable food source for bald eagles.
- Suitable nesting sites: Oklahoma’s diverse landscape, including forests, cliffs, and tall trees, provides ample nesting opportunities for bald eagles.
Monitoring and Protection of Bald Eagles in Oklahoma
Volunteers from the Sutton Avian Research Center in Bartlesville normally monitor the eagle nest at Horseshoe Lake during the breeding season, but when they were denied access to the OG&E property this spring because of COVID-19, Jason Childress, a senior envirochemist at OG&E, took on the task of keeping a close eye on the nest.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation also plays a crucial role in monitoring and protecting bald eagles in the state. They work closely with various organizations and agencies to ensure that bald eagles and their habitats are protected and that their populations continue to thrive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, there are bald eagles in Oklahoma, and their population has been steadily growing over the years. From the Horseshoe Lake in Harrah to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge and Keystone Lake, there are numerous places in Oklahoma where visitors can spot these majestic birds. The state’s diverse landscape and abundant food sources have provided the perfect conditions for bald eagles to thrive, and with continued conservation efforts, their population is expected to continue growing in the years to come.
References:
– Why bald eagles are no longer a rare sight in Oklahoma
– Golden Eagle – Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
– Bald Eagles and Chicks at Lake Stanley Draper, OKC, OK
– 7 Places to Spot Bald Eagles in Green Country
