I am sitting still. It is freezing cold, but I barely notice. My eyes, and binoculars, are glued to the sky as the largest bird I have ever seen circles overhead. When the bird lands, I have to quit watching because my husband is silently forcing me to give up the binoculars so he can get a closer view. I vow that next year I'll spend the $12.95 for my own set. I look over at the kids and point to a magnificent bald eagle that they are seeing in the wild for the first time. A caged bird doesn't do the species justice.
 
Oklahoma and Eagles
For those of us who grew up when the bald eagle was an endangered species, the idea of an eagle watch in Oklahoma seems fantastic, but it is a reality. The rebirth of the eagle population in the area is a tribute to wildlife conservation efforts and, according to the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Oklahoma has hosted up to 200 birds in a single night roost. This January, there are guide-led eagle watches planned at Kaw Lake, The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, The Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Quartz Mountain Lodge, Greenleaf State Park, Tenkiller State Park, Lake Thunderbird, and Lake Arcadia, just to name a few. Each park has a different schedule and requirements, so call for information before you make definite plans.

Is a Watch for You?
Most eagle watches are well-planned, and sites are scouted ahead of time by park staff or local naturalists, so you are almost guaranteed an eagle sighting. However, because watchers need to sit quietly for long periods of time, this activity is not recommended for children under 12. Be considerate of others, and do not bring uninterested children, or those who cannot sit still for at least an hour. You will need to come prepared wear warm, neutral-colored clothing, good gloves, and a hat. Bring a blanket, binoculars, and a camp chair.

Lake Arcadia Eagle Watch
Edmond's Eagle Watch Weekend is Friday through Sunday, January 6-8. Lake staff spotters will begin looking for eagles at 7:30am and will advise watchers of where to get the best view. Spotters will work until about 4:30pm. During Eagle Watch Weekend, park admission is half-price, so $3 will get you into all four parks, all day. Shelia Briesch, in the Arcadia Lake Project Office, says to stop by the office to see the bald eagle display and video. There are at least two adult eagles at the lake this year, and because it's a small area, you can often see one from either side of the lake. For details, call 216-7471

Kaw Lake Eagle Watch
On Saturday, January 14, in addition to the actual eagle watches, Kaw City (east of Ponca City) has an entire day of activities planned at the Kaw City Community Center and the Kaw Nation Tribal Headquarters. Kathy Tippin, with the Kaw City Community Center, says their tours have been expanded to handle the crowds who come for the popular educational programs at both the Community Center and the Kaw Nation Museum. Younger children who wouldn't enjoy sitting quietly will enjoy the arts and crafts activities and can see an eagle in the Community Center. There is an eagle aviary, and short programs about raptor rehabilitation and the significance of eagles to Native Americans. Guided tours depart both the Community Center and the Kaw Nation Tribal Headquarters at 8am, 10am, 1pm, and 2pm. For more information call Kathy, toll-free, at 877-671-6985.

Salt Plains Eagle Watch
The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (near Cherokee in Northwest Oklahoma) will host watches on January 7 and 14. The guided watch will leave the refuge headquarters at 3pm and end about 6pm. On Saturday, January 7, there will be educational programs and events at the nearby Fish Hatchery. Watch groups will be small and spaces fill quickly make reservations by calling Emily Hile at 580-626-4794. This watch is also handicapped accessible.

Greenleaf State Park Waterfowl Tours
If you don't want to sit and wait for eagles, drive to them at Greenleaf State Park in Braggs (Eastern Oklahoma). Steve Evans, from the park's Nature Hut, advises visitors to meet guides at the hut at 8am or 1pm. Watchers can drive their own cars to various spots to view eagles. According to Steve, there are nesting eagles at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. He also says that in the past, the morning watch provided better viewing opportunities. No reservations are needed. For more information, call 918-487-7125.

Additional Information
* Lake Thunderbird Eagle Watch at the Crow’s Secret Nature Center, usually held in early January; call for dates. 13101 Alameda Avenue, Norman, 360-3572.
* For general information about eagles and eagle watching, visit the Oklahoma State Wildlife Conservation Department.
* For information about American bald eagles, visit EagleInfo.com.

Pam Washington is the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma.  She and her husband Mike have been married for six years and have traveled Oklahoma with their blended family of five children.