Desert birding habitat

Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge

Oklahoma · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Oklahoma, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Mallard, and Rock Pigeon 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

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

4/21/2026Myriad Botanical Gardens1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

4/21/2026Arcadia Lake--Edmond Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/21/2026Arcadia Lake2 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/20/2026Myriad Botanical Gardens1 observed

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Calidris subruficollis

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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

4/19/2026Lake Hefner2 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

4/19/2026Mays Home1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

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

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

4/19/2026bridge trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

64/21/2026

Mallard

14/21/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/21/2026

Blue Jay

14/21/2026

American Crow

24/21/2026

American Robin

24/21/2026

House Finch

14/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

34/21/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/21/2026

Rock Pigeon

14/21/2026

Mourning Dove

14/21/2026

American Coot

24/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

454/21/2026

Forster's Tern

164/21/2026

Great Egret

14/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/21/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

24/21/2026

Barn Swallow

14/21/2026

Cliff Swallow

154/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge include Cackling Goose, Mallard, Rock Pigeon, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge?
Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.