The Great Oklahoma Bird Census: More Feathered Friends Than You Can Shake a Stick At (Unless It's Really Big)
Ah, Oklahoma. Land of the wind, the wheat, and apparently, a gazillion birds! But just how many gazillion are we talking about? Buckle up, birdies (and curious humans), because we're about to dive into the fascinating world of Oklahoma's avian population.
The Official Tally: A Number So Big, It Needs Its Own Nickname
According to the Oklahoma Ornithological Society (fancy name for the state's bird counters, not a secret decoder ring club), a whopping 488 species have been documented gracing Oklahoma with their presence. That's right, nearly 500 different feathered friends call the Sooner State home (or at least a vacation spot).
Not All Birds Are Created Equal (Especially When Counting Them)
Now, hold on to your hats (or should we say, nests?), because here's a little birding trivia. Not all 488 are permanent residents. Some are just snowbirds (feathered snowbirds, that is) who fly in for the season, while others are just passing through on their grand avian adventures.
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How Many Birds Are In Oklahoma |
The Regulars vs. The A-Listers
The Oklahoma State University Extension narrows it down to a cool 355 species that you're likely to see on a regular basis. These are your cardinals, your blue jays, your friendly neighborhood robins – the birds who know all the good gossip at the local feeder.
The other 133? Well, those are the A-listers of the Oklahoma bird scene. They might be rare visitors, seasonal celebrities, or just incredibly shy. But hey, if you're lucky enough to spot one, consider yourself a true Oklahoma birding champion!
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So, How Many Birds Are There Right Now In Oklahoma?
This, my friend, is the million-dollar question (or should we say, the million-feather question?). Birds are constantly on the move, flitting from place to place. Getting an exact count at any given moment is like trying to count grains of sand on the beach (though probably less scratchy).
But that shouldn't stop us from appreciating the incredible diversity of Oklahoma's birdlife. From the majestic scissor-tailed flycatcher (the official state bird, by the way) to the tiniest hummingbird, Oklahoma's skies are a constant symphony of wings and song.
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How To Help Our Feathered Friends
Feeling inspired to be a friend to Oklahoma's birds? Here are some quick tips:
How to Attract Birds to Your Yard: Put out feeders with a variety of seeds and suet. Add a birdbath for a refreshing dip. Plant native flowers and shrubs to provide food and shelter.
How to Identify Birds: Invest in a good field guide or download a bird identification app. Pay attention to size, shape, color, and song. There are also many online resources to help you hone your birding skills.
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
How to Report Bird Sightings: Keep track of the birds you see and report them to eBird, a citizen science project that helps track bird populations. Every little bit helps!
How to Build a Birdhouse: There are many resources online and in libraries with plans for birdhouses suitable for different bird species.
How to Be a Responsible Birdwatcher: Respect nesting sites. Avoid disturbing birds. Leave no trace behind when birdwatching in natural areas.
So, the next time you're in Oklahoma, take a moment to look up. You might just be surprised by the feathered wonder soaring overhead!