Lake birding habitat

Lake Hefner - Lakeshore Park/Prairie Dog Point

Oklahoma · Southwest

Habitat
LakeGrasslandUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Hefner - Lakeshore Park/Prairie Dog Point is a productive birding destination in Oklahoma, with 271 species recorded on eBird. This lake and grassland habitat attracts Mallard, Redhead, and Common Goldeneye 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

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

6/18/2026Lake Hefner--Oklahoma City Docks1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

6/16/2026Arcadia Lake--Edmond Park1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/15/2026Lake Hefner--East Spit1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

6/14/2026Spring Creek Picnic Loop including walk from park entrance1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

6/13/2026Lake Hefner2 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

6/13/2026Dudek Sanctuary1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

6/9/2026Bluff Creek Trails 1 observed

Cassin's Sparrow

Peucaea cassinii

6/9/2026Diagonal trail section from Wilshire to Council northwest of airport3 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

6/6/2026Canal Rd, Bethany US-OK (35.5163,-97.6625)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

376/19/2026

Great Egret

76/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/19/2026

American White Pelican

26/19/2026

House Sparrow

156/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/19/2026

Common Grackle

96/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/19/2026

Canada Goose

26/18/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

36/18/2026

White-winged Dove

106/18/2026

Mourning Dove

156/18/2026

Killdeer

26/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

106/18/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

26/18/2026

Snowy Egret

46/18/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

56/18/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/18/2026

Western Kingbird

16/18/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/18/2026

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 - Lakeshore Park/Prairie Dog Point for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Hefner - Lakeshore Park/Prairie Dog Point for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Hefner - Lakeshore Park/Prairie Dog Point?
Notable species at Lake Hefner - Lakeshore Park/Prairie Dog Point include Mallard, Redhead, Common Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck, American Coot. The area supports lake, grassland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Hefner - Lakeshore Park/Prairie Dog Point?
Birding at Lake Hefner - Lakeshore Park/Prairie Dog Point is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Lake Hefner - Lakeshore Park/Prairie Dog Point?
Lake Hefner - Lakeshore Park/Prairie Dog Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.