Lake birding habitat

Lake Hefner - Stars and Stripes Park

Oklahoma · Southwest

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Hefner - Stars and Stripes Park is a productive birding destination in Oklahoma, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, American Coot, and American White Pelican among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

6/13/2026Choctaw Creek Park1 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

Canada Goose

306/19/2026

Mallard

266/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

66/19/2026

Snowy Egret

16/19/2026

Great Egret

26/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/19/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

36/19/2026

Blue Jay

16/19/2026

House Finch

16/19/2026

Common Grackle

106/19/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

16/12/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

16/12/2026

Mississippi Kite

46/12/2026

Carolina Chickadee

26/12/2026

Barn Swallow

86/12/2026

Cliff Swallow

66/12/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

46/12/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

46/12/2026

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 - Stars and Stripes Park for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Hefner - Stars and Stripes Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Hefner - Stars and Stripes Park?
Notable species at Lake Hefner - Stars and Stripes Park include Rock Pigeon, American Coot, American White Pelican, Great-tailed Grackle, Canada Goose. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Hefner - Stars and Stripes Park?
Birding at Lake Hefner - Stars and Stripes Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Lake Hefner - Stars and Stripes Park?
Lake Hefner - Stars and Stripes Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.