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

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

4/20/20268269–8985 S Portland Ave, Oklahoma City US-OK 35.37727, -97.577921 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

4/20/2026Myriad Botanical Gardens1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/20/2026Myriad Botanical Gardens1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

4/20/2026Arcadia Lake--Edmond Park1 observed

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Calidris subruficollis

4/20/20268122–8274 E Britton Rd, Oklahoma City US-OK 35.56558, -97.3842315 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/20/202673135, Oklahoma City US-OK 35.38197, -97.360641 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

4/19/2026Lake Hefner2 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

4/19/2026Choctaw Creek Park2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/19/2026Arcadia Lake--Carl Reherman Park1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

4/19/2026Midwest Blvd. Sod Farms1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

4/19/2026bridge trail1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/19/2026Lake Stanley Draper--N. Stanley Draper Dr.1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

4/18/2026Lake Hefner--Lakeshore Park/Prairie Dog Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/20/2026

Mallard

64/20/2026

Rock Pigeon

204/20/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/20/2026

American Coot

64/20/2026

Killdeer

14/20/2026

Franklin's Gull

24/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

354/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

54/20/2026

Western Kingbird

14/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

24/20/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

44/20/2026

American Crow

14/20/2026

Barn Swallow

24/20/2026

European Starling

44/20/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/20/2026

Swainson's Thrush

14/20/2026

American Robin

24/20/2026

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.