Lake birding habitat

Lake Overholser

Oklahoma · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Overholser is a productive birding destination in Oklahoma, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/15/2026Lake Hefner--East Spit1 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

26/18/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

16/18/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

46/18/2026

Great Egret

16/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/18/2026

Mississippi Kite

16/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/18/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

26/18/2026

Cliff Swallow

206/18/2026

American Robin

36/18/2026

House Sparrow

156/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

26/18/2026

Common Grackle

46/18/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

86/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/18/2026

Canada Goose

106/15/2026

Snowy Egret

16/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/15/2026

Western Kingbird

16/15/2026

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 Overholser for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Overholser for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Overholser?
Notable species at Lake Overholser include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Redhead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Overholser?
Birding at Lake Overholser is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Overholser?
Lake Overholser offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.