Fish and Wildlife Service - Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

Eagle Watch

The Annual Eagle Watch at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is an exciting opportunity to view eagles coming into their roosting area as the day ends.

The term "eagle eyes" is used to describe people with excellent eyesight for a reason. To reduce the chances that the eagles will see us and not come into roost, the group size is limited and reservations are required.

These events are free to the public and reservations are on a 'first-come, first-serve' basis. We are currently taking reservations and you can make yours by calling 580-626-4794, option 1(Programs). email: fw2_rw_saltplains@fws.gov

What to expect: We will meet at the office (view map) at 4pm and start a natural history program about eagles. After the program, we will be take a hayride trip to the viewing area and guests will sit on hay bales waiting for the eagles to come into roost. It may be another 45 min. or more to wait for the eagles. We will have to be very quiet and still as to not draw attention to our hiding spot. We anticipate end time of about 6pm.

2010 Dates (CANC = Cancelled for Weather)
*	Friday	January	9	4pm
*	Saturday	January	10	4pm
*	Friday	January	16	4pm
*	Saturday	January	17	4pm

* = Open Spots / * = WWA Event (see below)

What to bring: Binoculars are a must. Staff will have some on hand and others may be checked out, if needed. Hay bales will be provided to sit, but you may bring a lawn chair if you'd like.

Warm, Neutral-colored clothing is required. Everyone's chance of seeing the eagles is dependent upon our ability to not be seen first. Browns, greys, greens, tans, dark blues and blacks are best during the winter.

Why go on the tour? Can I go alone? The area where the eagles roost is, understandably, in a closed area. Visitors are allowed to tour this area only during the eagle watches. This minimizes disturbance.

Snacks? Drinks? Smoking? You are welcome to bring snacks or drinks, but you must take out what you bring in. Granola bars or something that can be consumed without disturbance to the group are preferrable. Smoking is not allowed in the group. You may smoke if you leave the group, but you must pocket your butts and dispose of them in a proper trash receptacle.

Byron Hatchery Watchable Wildlife Area (WWA)

Learn to identify winter birds during a biologist-led program. Then enjoy a guided bird walk along the Wildlife Area’s nature trail. Start Time: 1pm at the Watchable Wildlife Area (View Map - just east of Hatchery). Meet at the indoor nature center.

Guests at the winter bird program will have time to make the refuge program at 4pm. This program does not require a reservation. For more information, please view the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Eagle Watch website at www.wildlifedepartment.com/eagleviewing.htm.

All ages will enjoy this event. The trail walk is approx. a 1/4 - 1/2 mile loop. This trail is open to the public throughout the year.

Last updated: January 9, 2008