Lake Hefner

Oklahoma · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Hefner is a productive birding destination in Oklahoma, with 275 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Muscovy Duck among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/5/2026Lake Hefner--Hobie Point2 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/2/2026Arcadia Lake1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

3/1/20266200 N Martin Luther King Ave, Oklahoma City US-OK (35.5340,-97.4711)2 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

2/28/2026Arcadia Lake1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/27/2026Edmond Recycle-Air Depot4 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

2/27/2026Lake Hefner--East Spit1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

2/21/2026Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge (Canadian Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

23/4/2026

Canada Goose

63/4/2026

Muscovy Duck

23/4/2026

Mallard

153/4/2026

Canvasback

43/4/2026

Redhead

643/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

33/4/2026

Greater Scaup

23/4/2026

Lesser Scaup

223/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

53/4/2026

American Coot

113/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

53/4/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

43/4/2026

Horned Grebe

23/4/2026

Common Loon

43/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

63/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/4/2026

European Starling

113/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

113/4/2026

Common Grackle

33/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Hefner for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Hefner for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Hefner?
Notable species at Lake Hefner include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Muscovy Duck, Mallard, Canvasback. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Hefner?
Birding at Lake Hefner is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Hefner?
Lake Hefner offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.