Wetland birding habitat

Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

Oklahoma · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Oklahoma, with 262 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

4/19/2026Salt Plains NWR--Sandpiper Trail1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

4/19/2026Salt Plains NWR--Sandpiper Trail1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

4/19/202628536 County Road 800, Wakita US-OK1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

4/18/2026Salt Plains NWR--Eagle Roost Nature Trail1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

4/18/2026Salt Plains NWR--Sandpiper Trail1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

4/18/2026Salt Plains NWR--Sandpiper Trail1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

4/15/2026Salt Plains NWR--Eagle Roost Nature Trail1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/14/2026Feeders4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Crow

14/20/2026

Cliff Swallow

104/20/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

14/20/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/20/2026

Blue-winged Teal

244/20/2026

Mallard

24/20/2026

Northern Bobwhite

14/20/2026

Mourning Dove

54/20/2026

American Avocet

84/20/2026

Great Egret

44/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/20/2026

American White Pelican

1374/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

54/20/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/20/2026

Northern Harrier

14/20/2026

Bald Eagle

14/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/20/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

24/20/2026

Blue Jay

14/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge?
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.