Bird Watching

Bird watching is a popular way to pass the time. During the winter months, migrated eagles can be seen. The park hosts Eagle Watches in January and February each year. McCurtain County is covered with forests that make a great home to many birds. Three Rivers Wildlife Management Land, Ouachita National Forest, the Red Slough, and Little River Wildlife Management area are just a few places to bird watch in the county.

 

Red Slough Wildlife Management Area
Premier Bird Watching Area

This premier bird watching and waterfowl hunting area has sighted more than 290 bird species, including many that are rare to Oklahoma and not found elsewhere in the state. Birders have likened this area to the Gulf Coast habitats of Louisiana and Florida. The 5,814 acre wetland project was designed to restore hydrology and reestablish bottomland hardwoods, and is managed by the USDA Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and Ducks Unlimited. Reservoirs make up 414 acres and are walk-in only and available for fishing (some cannot be fished between Oct 15 and Jan 31). Other rules and regulations apply to waterfowl hunting which can be found on the Ouachita National Forest website. Rabbit, snipe, quail, dove, turkey and archery deer hunting is also allowed.

More information on Red Slough can be found on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website, www.wildlifedepartment.com or on the Ouachita National Forest website, www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita.