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3 DaysEasy

Plains Birding Blitz

A 2–3 day peak spring/fall birding adventure through diverse habitats from wetlands to grasslands.

3 Days
280 miles
6 Counties

Itinerary Overview

Experience the incredible bird diversity of southwestern Oklahoma during peak migration seasons. This specialized birding adventure takes you through diverse habitats including managed wetlands at Hackberry Flat, vast grasslands at Black Kettle National Grassland, and mixed lake environments at Foss and Quartz Mountain. Perfect for serious birders and nature photographers seeking shorebirds, raptors, waterfowl, and migrant songbirds.

Highlights

  • Hackberry Flat WMA boardwalk & driving tour (shorebirds)
  • Black Kettle National Grassland/Skipout Lake (raptors & grassland birds)
  • Foss Lake & Washita NWR (gulls/terns & waterfowl)
  • Quartz Mountain State Park (migrants)
  • 270+ species at Washita NWR
  • Diverse habitats from wetlands to grasslands
  • Peak migration timing

Counties & Cities

Counties:

Tillman CountyRoger Mills CountyCuster CountyWashita CountyKiowa CountyGreer County

Cities:

FrederickCheyenneReydonFossLone WolfMangum

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Shorebirds at Dawn → Prairie Raptors after Dark
120 miles
16 hours (dawn to midnight)

Start early at Hackberry Flat WMA for peak shorebird viewing at dawn, then drive to Black Kettle National Grassland for afternoon and evening raptor watching, ending with optional stargazing.

Activities Schedule

🏛️
Hackberry Flat Center (stage, restrooms, map)
6:15 AM - 6:40 AM

Grab the bird checklist, area map, and walk the nature trail to the wildlife-viewing blind at the end of the boardwalk.

Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area Center
From Frederick: S on US-183 (1 mi) → E on E183/Airport Rd (3 mi) → S on N2240 (6 mi)
GPS: 34.277642, -98.963945
Duration: 25 minutes
Next: 5 minutes (1 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Grab bird checklist and area map
  • • Walk nature trail to boardwalk blind
  • • Dawn timing essential for shorebirds
Website
🏛️
Hackberry Flat WMA (drive & walk dikes)
6:40 AM - 10:00 AM

Patchwork wetlands and ag units excellent for avocets, stilts, peeps, curlews, ibis in spring/fall. Self-guided driving tour with marked units.

Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area
Various units throughout WMA
GPS: 34.28, -98.96
Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
Next: 1 hour 50 minutes - 2 hours (110 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Conservation Passport or license required
  • • Patchwork wetlands and ag units
  • • Peak shorebirds March-May
  • • Use brochure map for units
🏛️
Black Kettle NG office (info stop, optional)
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

Pick up site notes and maps before heading to Skipout Lake. All recreation sites open year-round.

Black Kettle National Grassland Office
18555 Hwy 47A, Suite B, Cheyenne
GPS: 35.62, -99.7
Duration: 45 minutes
Next: 15 minutes (8 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • All recreation sites open year-round
  • • Great for wildlife viewing
  • • Pick up site notes and maps
(580) 497-2143
🏛️
Skipout Lake (evening raptors, dusk song, then stargaze)
4:15 PM - 10:00 PM

Wide grassland edges for harriers, kestrels, meadowlarks; swallows at dusk. Optional stargazing with red lights only.

Skipout Lake - Black Kettle National Grassland
Skipout Lake area, near Cheyenne/Reydon
GPS: 35.6347, -99.8856
Duration: 5 hours 45 minutes
Special Notes:
  • • Wide grassland edges for raptors
  • • Swallows at dusk
  • • Keep lights red/low if staying late
  • • 12 first-come campsites available

Overnight: Skipout Lake Campground or Elk City/Clinton motels

Plan to stay in Skipout Lake Campground or Elk City/Clinton motels area for easy access to next day's activities.

What to Bring

Essential Items:

  • Binoculars (8x42 recommended)
  • Field guide to Oklahoma birds
  • Camera with telephoto lens
  • Spotting scope (if available)
  • Bird checklist and notebook

Additional Recommendations:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate layers
  • Water bottles and snacks
  • Red-light headlamp for dawn starts
  • Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Passport or hunting/fishing license

Important Notes

  • Conservation Passport or hunt/fish license required for Hackberry Flat general use
  • Dawn starts essential for best birding
  • Peak shorebird migration: March-May
  • Peak waterfowl: February-March
  • Black Kettle sites open year-round
  • Use vehicle as blind when possible
  • Keep distance from nesting/roosting birds
  • Weather can change quickly - check conditions
  • Some areas may be closed during hunting seasons

Quick Facts

Duration

3 Days

Difficulty

Easy

Best Season

Peak spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) migration

Total Distance

280 miles

Estimated Cost

$150-300 per person (excluding lodging)

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GPS Quick Reference

Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area Center
34.277642, -98.963945
Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area
34.28, -98.96
Black Kettle National Grassland Office
35.62, -99.7
Skipout Lake - Black Kettle National Grassland
35.6347, -99.8856

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