Owls in Oklahoma: where to see them and how to identify them

The Wichita Mountains Refuge in southwestern Oklahoma is an excellent place to see a variety of owls. Great horned owls are common in the rocky canyons and wooded areas. The refuge's diverse habitats also support barred owls and the occasional screech-owl. It is a premier destination for wildlife observation in a rugged and beautiful setting.

The Sequoyah Refuge in eastern Oklahoma offers extensive bottomland forests that are ideal for barred owls. Their distinctive calls are a frequent sound in the refuge's wooded areas. It is a great place to see owls in a lush and productive environment. Look for them along the many waterways and in the mature hardwood trees.

Salt Plains Refuge in northern Oklahoma provides a unique landscape where short-eared owls can be seen, especially during the winter months. Unlike most owls, they are often active during the day and can be seen hunting low over the marshes and grasslands. It is a great place to see owls in a vast and open environment.

Hackberry Flat near Frederick is a restored wetland that attracts many owl species. Burrowing owls are a special highlight here, often seen near their underground nests in the open prairie areas. It is one of the few places in Oklahoma where you can reliably see these small and charismatic owls in their natural habitat.

The Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa offers accessible trails through diverse habitats that are home to several owl species. Great horned and barred owls are frequently seen and heard here. The center's educational programs and guided night hikes are excellent ways to learn about and observe Oklahoma's nocturnal hunters in an urban setting.