Duncan Lake
Stephens
County
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From the 1986 edition of A Guide to Birding in
Oklahoma published by the Tulsa Audubon Society. This account was
partially reviewed and updated in 2007.
 From the Turner Turnpike
at Oklahoma City take I 35 south to the Wynnewood-Elmore City exit,
about 65 miles. Follow SH 29 west for 35 miles, turn left (south) and
continue 9 miles on the blacktop section-line road to an area at the
base of the Duncan Lake Dam. Park at the pump house, a small brick
building.
Enter the fish hatchery
area on foot. Bordering this area is a juniper grove with a slough
nearby. On the north side of the hatchery ponds is a swampy area
containing cottonwood, elm, willow, pecan, walnut, redbud, roughleaf
dogwood, hackberry and oak trees. In summer expect to see Common
Yellowthroats, Lark Sparrows, orioles, Summer Tanagers, White-eyed and
Bell's vireos, woodpeckers including Pileated, buntings and flycatchers.
In winter search for the Hermit Thrush and Water Pipit. A Groove-billed
Ani has been seen here.
Return north about 0.5
mile to the road leading to the Lake Duncan Picnic Area ("A" on map
below). Follow the road around the pavilion and continue west to the
first road to the left (toward the lake). Follow it to the rocky bluffs
on the lake shore, then walk down the trail going to the right at the
top of the bluff. This leads to a rocky slope on which grow many
persimmon trees, cottonwoods, and much undergrowth. Rufous-crowned
Sparrows can usually be seen during spring, summer and fall. At this
high point there is a clear view of treetops below where many species of
songbirds can be seen during these three seasons. They include Blue
Grosbeaks, Painted and Indigo buntings, orioles, bluebirds, and Eastern
and Western kingbirds.
On the lakeshore during
migration Great Blue, Little Blue and Green-backed herons, egrets, and
Lesser Yellowlegs can be seen. Also look for migrating ducks, geese and
Sandhill Cranes. One can hope to see a Least Tern or American Avocet
along the shore. Birds are found here in all seasons. A scope is
necessary for identifying many of the waterfowl.
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