The winter months are the perfect time to head out on a crisp, clear day in search of the approximately 800-2,000 magnificent eagles that call the Sooner State home during the season's peak. Migrating south to Oklahoma from Canada and the northern states in search of warmth, these noble birds join nearly 80 pairs of bald eagles that are year-round residents of Oklahoma, creating a birder's paradise filled with boundless eagle-viewing opportunities. The bald eagle's trek into Oklahoma begins in November and early December, and peaks in January and February, when numerous bald eagle watching events pop up around the state to take advantage of the increased numbers. Primarily a fish-eater, the bald eagle prefers to settle near Oklahoma's lakes and rivers for easy access to food. Groups of eagles will rest together, or "roost," in trees along the shores, with the same roost trees being used each year. With seven foot wingspans and bright white crowns, the grand size and distinguished appearance of these birds make them easy to spot and watch. As birders have long known, watching a bald eagle in its daily routine is awe-inspiring. Eagle Viewing Tips The best time to observe eagles is around sunrise or sunset. Wear warm, neutral-colored clothing and appropriate outerwear. Winters in Oklahoma can be cold and windy, so bring along a warm coat, gloves, hat and scarf. Bring binoculars, a camera (preferably with a zoom lens), and a field guide to help you identify eagles and other bird species you may find along the way. For some of the eagle-viewing events, a portable camp chair or lawn chair is recommended. Always call ahead to state parks or wildlife management areas for up-to-date eagle viewing information before your trip. Eagle Viewing Hot Spots Sequoyah State Park Sequoyah State Park, located on the shores of Fort Gibson Lake in northeastern Oklahoma, is a fantastic location to spot the area's bald eagles in action. Hills slope down to the lake's 225 miles of tree-lined shoreline, providing an ideal habitat for the eagles. Sequoyah State Park hosts Eagle Tours in January which highlight the Fort Gibson and Hulbert area. Meet at the Three Forks Nature Center for an educational presentation about eagles, and then stick around for a chance to meet the center's resident eagle before venturing out into the park. Grab a cup of hot coffee, join the group caravan over to the Fort Gibson Dam and enjoy watching eagles swoop and soar over the lake. Kaw Lake Kaw Lake in northern Oklahoma is home to one of the state's largest populations of bald eagles. Featuring both wintering and nesting eagles, Kaw Lake was the site of a reintroduction effort between 1984 and 1992 that saw 275 American Bald Eagles released back into the wild around the lake. January is considered the best month to view Kaw Lake's stunning eagle population with Kaw City's annual Ultimate Eagle Watch rounding out the month's viewing activities. This all-day event features guided eagle viewing tours, as well as programs detailing the bald eagle's significance in American Indian culture, presentations by avian researchers and the viewing of live, captive bald eagles in close proximity. Note: The Ultimate Eagle Watch is held the third Saturday of the month each year. In recent years, eagles have been spotted near the Highway 11 bridge just east of Kaw City and off Highway 11 headed to Washunga Bay. Don't forget to enjoy a hike or horseback ride along Kaw Lake's 12-mile long Eagle Viewing Hiking Trail, which runs between Osage Cove and Burbank Landing on the lake's eastern shore. Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge Bring your binoculars and hiking boots to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge and venture out to spot southern bald eagles on the nest. Located along the upper half of the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir south of Vian, the refuge is known for its winter eagle sightings along numerous hiking trails and observation areas scattered throughout the park. This picturesque area of northeast Oklahoma is a haven for a variety of wintering birds and wildlife with plentiful shoreline, river bottoms and wooded swampland. As an added bonus, visitors are invited to sign up for the annual Eagle Tour & Loon Watch events, which take place weekly from late January to early March. Start the tour by viewing the refuge's live webcam which documents the lives of the eagles that occupy a nearby nest. Operated by the George M. Sutton Avian Research Center, the webcam documents the adult bald eagles, their eggs and eaglets. Observe the eagles on the webcam and then take off on the park's 25-person tour bus to go search for them in the wild. Afterwards, head over to neighboring Tenkiller State Park for more eagle and loon watching. Keystone Lake & Keystone State Park A favorite fishing area for migrating bald eagles, Keystone Lake consistently attracts eagles each winter to its eastern shores. Located on the Arkansas River about 23 miles west of downtown Tulsa, Keystone Lake and Keystone State Park offer numerous opportunities to see eagles as they dive for fish around Keystone Dam or as they soar above the park's lakeside, wooded hiking trails. Make your way over to the Eagle Overlook Platform in the Brush Creek area below the dam to watch as these elegant creatures capture fish in the calm waters of the lake. For more information on other places to see the eagles, please email Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation, [email protected], or call 1-800-652-6552. Photo: A majestic bald eagle perches at Grand Lake in northeastern Oklahoma. Many eagles make their winter homes near lakes and rivers in Oklahoma and visitors can join eagle watch events around the state during the winter months. Photo credit: Charles E. Grubbs