OKC Zoo Helps Survey Oklahoma's Wildlife
The Wildlife Department and Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden have long partnered to survey and learn more about Oklahoma’s wildlife, with a special focus on birds and bats. This year, zoo staff pitched in with the first bat survey conducted at Drummond Flats Wildlife Management Area and helped survey Ellis, Harper, Woods and Woodward counties for lesser prairie-chicken and other prairie-dwelling birds. At least eight species of mammals and 33 species of birds were documented in the five-county survey area.
This partnership helps the Wildlife Department survey larger areas of the state and is funded by the OKC Zoo Conservation Fund.
Species Spotlight: White-crowned Sparrow
Fall and winter migrants are returning to Oklahoma! A series of prominent stripes on the head – four black and three white – help distinguish the white-crowned sparrow from other common backyard songbirds. These common sparrows have been documented statewide.
Learn more in the Wildlife Department's online field guide
Hickman Honored for Commitment to Oklahoma's Wildlife
Melynda Hickman with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation was recently named 2018 Wildlife Biologist of the Year by the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies during the organization’s annual meeting in Mobile, Ala., last month. Hickman was recognized for outstanding accomplishments and dedication to the Selman Bat Cave WMA and annual Selman Bat Watch, Hackberry Flat Center, and the Great Plains Trail of Oklahoma.
Learn more about Hickman's commitment to wildlife
Eldorado Walk-in Area a Birding Goldmine
Looking for a new wildlife-based road trip destination? Try the Eldorado Walk-in Area in Jackson County. The 320-acre private property was recently leased for wildlife viewing by the Wildlife Department’s Oklahoma Land Access Program. Hunting is not allowed on this OLAP area.
Get directions and entrance information
Calendar of Events
Project Feeder Watch
Nov. 10 - April 5
Eagle Watch
Nov. 24
Lake Thunderbird State Park
Sutton Award Scholarship Program (Grades 10-12)
Submission period for artwork and essay: Dec. 1 - Jan. 10
Christmas Bird Count
Dec. 14, 2018 - Jan. 5, 2019
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