Birders — otherwise known as birdwatchers — in Oklahoma become excited as winter approaches. Hundreds, if not thousands, of bald eagles flock to the state to make Oklahoma their winter home. Birdwatchers from across the country travel to the state and the Chickasaw Nation to view these majestic animals. While there are many areas to see the United States national bird, the Chickasaw Nation hosts some of the best eagle habitats.
The Chickasaw Cultural Center will highlight the American bald eagle during the annual Celebrate the Eagle Day, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Jan. 10.
This special day gives patrons an opportunity to learn about the majestic birds and pay tribute to a U.S. national symbol that is also culturally significant.
Planned special events include a dance presentation by Wahweah Dance Crew at 11:30 a.m.; “Seeing an Eagle” presentation by Matthew Sanchez, Chickasaw Cultural Center cultural instructor, at 1 p.m.; feather painting by Chickasaw artist Vicki Cowger at 1:45 p.m.; and a screening of “American Eagle” at 2:30 p.m. in the Anoli Theatre.
In addition, First American artist Brent Greenwood will conduct a live paint, the National Park Service will host an information booth and the Eagle’s Nest Bowl, quinoa and roasted sweet potatoes topped with an egg, avocado slices and pumpkin seeds, is the featured special in the Aaimpa Café.
For more information, visit ChickasawCulturalCenter.com or call (580) 622-7130.
According to Travel Oklahoma, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and Lake of the Arbuckles are home to many eagles for keen-eyed visitors to spot. As Oklahoma’s oldest national park area, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is also home to the Travertine Nature Center.
The nature center houses National Park Service rangers who can describe these eagles’ habitats and life cycles as well as guide visitors to the best locations to view eagles within the park. In the past, rangers led birders to the nearby Lake of the Arbuckles to observe wintering eagles.
The National Park Service, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and the Chickasaw Cultural Center collaborated in January 2025 for eagle spotting at the Buckhorn picnic area, located in the recreation area. Spotters were on hand to help visitors locate these elusive birds during this trip that began inside the Travertine Nature Center and ended at the Chickasaw Cultural Center.
Lake Texoma is located on the southern edge of the Chickasaw Nation. The lake has an estimated 800 to 2,000 bald eagles making the lake their winter home. With 580 miles of shoreline, some of the best viewing places in the area are found on the lake itself. Accommodating birders and other outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Texoma boat ramps are open year-round, with November to February being the prime season for eagle watching.
As Oklahoma’s largest state park, Lake Murray State Park offers nearly 13,000 acres of forest, hills and clear water to visitors. Thirty miles of hiking trails crisscross the park, offering bird watchers the distinct possibility of sighting eagles.
Order Eagle Parts and Feathers
For hundreds of years, First Americans have used eagle feathers for religious and cultural purposes, including healing and naming ceremonies. Recognizing the significance of eagles to First Americans, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established the National Eagle Repository (Repository) in the early 1970s to provide First Americans with the carcasses, parts and feathers of golden and bald eagles that have died naturally, for religious purposes.
Only enrolled members of federally recognized tribes may apply to receive and possess eagle carcasses, parts and feathers from the Repository for religious purposes.
To apply for an eagle carcass, parts or feathers from the Repository for the first time, you must submit a permit application and first order request, and a certificate of enrollment in a federally recognized tribe (Form 3-200-15A) to the regional migratory bird permit office responsible for the state in which you live.
The permit office will process your permit application and, if approved, issue you a permit to possess eagle carcasses or parts (including feathers) provided by the Repository for religious purposes. The permit office will simultaneously transmit your first order to the Repository for filing. If you wish to order additional carcasses or parts later, you must submit a reorder request (Form 3-200-15B) directly to the Repository.
For more information, visit Chickasaw.net/Services/Government/Order-Eagle-Parts-and-Feathers.