Woods County and the surrounding region is home to a large number of migratory birds and Great Plains species. If you are planning a “birding expedition” then let Woods County host your next getaway! Species which are found in the region year-round include the Lesser Prairie Chicken, Snowy Plovers, ScissorTail Flycatchers, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Great Blue Herons, Egrets, Bobwhite Quail, Wild Turkey, Pheasant, Hawks, and all types of songbirds. Migratory birds, which stop over at the Great Salt Plains Wildlife Refuge and along the Cimarron River, include Mississippi Kites, Red Tailed Hawks, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Pelicans, Mallards, Swans, and other types of water fowl. Painted Buntings have found various locations in Woods County quite amenable to their nesting and maternity needs and arrive during the spring to spend the warm weather months.

Turkey vultures come “home” to Freedom every spring and roost at the Co-Op Elevators and the airport during the summer. We know that summer has arrived when the “big boys” come home to Freedom each year!

Also, Woods County is known as the “Bat Capitol” of Oklahoma and provides extensive habitat for migrating bat species. Of particular interest are the millions of Mexican FreeTail Bats that colonize in the gypsum caves south of Freedom. Each summer the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife hosts its annual Bat Watches at the Selman Living Laboratory. Click this link to find out more about the famous Bat Watches of northwest Oklahoma! www.watchbats.com Don’t forget to call any of our lodging establishments and make your reservations for the next birding and bats season!