![\"purple](\"https:\/\/dev.icgadv.com\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/birdinginbeaversbend_3.jpg\")
<\/a>This shy swamp hen hangs out in Beavers Bend\u2019s marshiest areas. Catch it strutting around on lily pads, proudly displaying its blue, red, yellow, and green shades. With large, long toes, it\u2019s able to prance without sinking into the water. Other notable features include a big, white, cotton-ball tail that puffs out from time to time. The Purple Gallinule has slowly built up its numbers in Beavers Bend, making it one of the area\u2019s most sought-after species.<\/p>\n
2. The Brown-headed Nuthatch.<\/h3>\n![\"brown](\"https:\/\/dev.icgadv.com\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/birdinginbeaversbend_10.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOne of the least numerous of its kind in North America, the Brown-headed Nuthatch\u2019s presence in Beavers Bend is due largely to this small bird\u2019s preference for the pines found in Beavers Bend. For a chance to see a Brown-headed Nuthatch here,<\/strong> head to the Tiak Work Center near Haworth. You may also spot them near the Forest Service Visitor Center and the Broken Bow Lake spillway. Brown-headed Nuthatches are found only in the extreme southeastern corner of Oklahoma, making Beavers Bend a premier spot for scouting them in the state.<\/p>\n3. Red-cockaded Woodpecker.<\/h3>\n![\"red](\"https:\/\/dev.icgadv.com\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/birdinginbeaversbend_1.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo from Red Slough WMA<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThough it\u2019s now on the endangered species list, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker has long called Beavers Bend home. These rare birds make themselves at home in the soft bark of Beavers Bend\u2019s pine trees. To sneak a glimpse of them, head over to the boat ramp in the Wilderness Area at the north end of Broken Bow Lake. Your best bet? Make plans to attend the annual Red Slough Birding Convention in the spring for a front row view (hint: you\u2019re almost guaranteed to find one with this crowd).<\/p>\n
4. The Yellow Rail.<\/h3>\n![\"yellow](\"https:\/\/dev.icgadv.com\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/birdinginbeaversbend_8.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA small, stealthy marsh rail, the Yellow Rail is a tough bird to catch, but its subtle streaks, white wing patches and yellow-brown breast make it worth the wait. In fall, the Yellow Rail migrates to Beavers Bend from Canada. This secretive bird likes to lurk in grassy fields, and often needs some coaxing out by birding guides to make his grand appearance. Thanks to their covert nature, Yellow Rails are widely regarded as one of the top ten most wanted life birds in the country.<\/p>\n
5. The King Rail.<\/h3>\n![\"king](\"https:\/\/dev.icgadv.com\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/birdinginbeaversbend_5.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo from Red Slough WMA<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAs one of the larger North American rail, the King Rail earns its name. This waterbird loves to hang out in the marshes of the Red Slough, though it can be tough to find. A notoriously secretive bird, the King Rail prefers to stay out of sight. Beavers Bend guides can help birdwatchers see the King Rail\u2019s distinct rusty-brown face, dark brown cap, white throat, and long, curved bill. Beavers Bend birders usually have the highest chance of spotting a King Rail in spring months, especially in May.<\/p>\n
6. The Anhinga.<\/h3>\n![\"Anhinga](\"https:\/\/dev.icgadv.com\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/birdinginbeaversbend_6.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo from Red Slough WMA<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFamously found in southern swamps, the Anhinga is a real regular around the Red Slough. The Anhinga\u2019s swimming habits have also earned it the nickname \u2018Water Turkey,\u2019 thanks in large part to its long neck and broad tail. It\u2019s also known by birders as the \u2018Snake Bird,\u2019 due to its tendency to swim through the swamps with just its head and neck above the water. Thanks to Beavers Bend\u2019s marshy wetlands, Anhingas have made themselves at home in the Red Slough, and are commonly sighted during birdwatching trips.<\/p>\n
7. Painted Bunting.<\/h3>\n![\"painted](\"https:\/\/dev.icgadv.com\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/birdinginbeaversbend_9.jpg\")
Photo from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThis secretive singer can be so visually striking that it is sometimes called the \u201cNonpariel,\u201d unrivaled in its vivid fusion of bright colors. A member of the finch family, Painted Buntings can still be a challenge to spot in the wild as they like to hide in the dense brush or the understory of the forests as they forage for seeds. The good news? They also like to hang out around Beavers Bend\u2019s Red Slough parking areas.<\/p>\n
8. Prothonotary Warbler<\/h3>\n![\"Prothonotary](\"https:\/\/dev.icgadv.com\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/birdinginbeaversbend_4.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo from Red Slough WMA<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThis happy songbird is named for the yellow-robed clerks of the Roman Catholic church. Its bright golden breast is framed by its blue-gray wings and accented by its black eyes and long, dark bill. It nests in the forest, foraging for insects like moths, mayflies and spiders. In Beavers Bend, this large (not large) warbler has even been known to fly in a birdwatcher\u2019s van, sit on the steering wheel, and sing the birder a song. True story.<\/p>\n
9. Swainson\u2019s Warbler.<\/h3>\n![\"Swainson's](\"https:\/\/dev.icgadv.com\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/birdinginbeaversbend_7.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo from Red Slough WMA<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOne of the most secretive and least observed of all North American birds, the Swainson’s Warbler has a penchant for the thick understory of the Little River Conservation District in Beavers Bend. Good thing this shy warbler has a big voice and loves to sing. Otherwise, you might miss this special little bird entirely as he flies through the forest, eating all kinds of Beavers Bend insects as he goes.<\/p>\n
10. Black-bellied Whistling Duck<\/h3>\n![\"Black](\"https:\/\/dev.icgadv.com\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/birdinginbeaversbend_2.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo from Red Slough WMA<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSociable and noisy, this waterfowl is just what its name suggests. The duck has a signature black belly, and whistles while it works. Perhaps this jolly outlook is partly why it often mates for life. You can find these boisterous fellows in the freshwater ponds and marshes of Beavers Bend.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
There are 327 species of birds to see in the fields, forests, marshes and ponds of Beavers Bend. Guess you\u2019ll just have to book several return trips to catch them all. The very best time is to visit during the Red Slough Birding Convention<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, scheduled this year for May 6-9, 2017. You still have time to book a guided tour. Head this way to check out a sweet cabin to stay in while you\u2019re here.<\/p>\n
<\/a>One of the least numerous of its kind in North America, the Brown-headed Nuthatch\u2019s presence in Beavers Bend is due largely to this small bird\u2019s preference for the pines found in Beavers Bend. For a chance to see a Brown-headed Nuthatch here,<\/strong> head to the Tiak Work Center near Haworth. You may also spot them near the Forest Service Visitor Center and the Broken Bow Lake spillway. Brown-headed Nuthatches are found only in the extreme southeastern corner of Oklahoma, making Beavers Bend a premier spot for scouting them in the state.<\/p>\n Though it\u2019s now on the endangered species list, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker has long called Beavers Bend home. These rare birds make themselves at home in the soft bark of Beavers Bend\u2019s pine trees. To sneak a glimpse of them, head over to the boat ramp in the Wilderness Area at the north end of Broken Bow Lake. Your best bet? Make plans to attend the annual Red Slough Birding Convention in the spring for a front row view (hint: you\u2019re almost guaranteed to find one with this crowd).<\/p>\n A small, stealthy marsh rail, the Yellow Rail is a tough bird to catch, but its subtle streaks, white wing patches and yellow-brown breast make it worth the wait. In fall, the Yellow Rail migrates to Beavers Bend from Canada. This secretive bird likes to lurk in grassy fields, and often needs some coaxing out by birding guides to make his grand appearance. Thanks to their covert nature, Yellow Rails are widely regarded as one of the top ten most wanted life birds in the country.<\/p>\n As one of the larger North American rail, the King Rail earns its name. This waterbird loves to hang out in the marshes of the Red Slough, though it can be tough to find. A notoriously secretive bird, the King Rail prefers to stay out of sight. Beavers Bend guides can help birdwatchers see the King Rail\u2019s distinct rusty-brown face, dark brown cap, white throat, and long, curved bill. Beavers Bend birders usually have the highest chance of spotting a King Rail in spring months, especially in May.<\/p>\n Famously found in southern swamps, the Anhinga is a real regular around the Red Slough. The Anhinga\u2019s swimming habits have also earned it the nickname \u2018Water Turkey,\u2019 thanks in large part to its long neck and broad tail. It\u2019s also known by birders as the \u2018Snake Bird,\u2019 due to its tendency to swim through the swamps with just its head and neck above the water. Thanks to Beavers Bend\u2019s marshy wetlands, Anhingas have made themselves at home in the Red Slough, and are commonly sighted during birdwatching trips.<\/p>\n This secretive singer can be so visually striking that it is sometimes called the \u201cNonpariel,\u201d unrivaled in its vivid fusion of bright colors. A member of the finch family, Painted Buntings can still be a challenge to spot in the wild as they like to hide in the dense brush or the understory of the forests as they forage for seeds. The good news? They also like to hang out around Beavers Bend\u2019s Red Slough parking areas.<\/p>\n This happy songbird is named for the yellow-robed clerks of the Roman Catholic church. Its bright golden breast is framed by its blue-gray wings and accented by its black eyes and long, dark bill. It nests in the forest, foraging for insects like moths, mayflies and spiders. In Beavers Bend, this large (not large) warbler has even been known to fly in a birdwatcher\u2019s van, sit on the steering wheel, and sing the birder a song. True story.<\/p>\n One of the most secretive and least observed of all North American birds, the Swainson’s Warbler has a penchant for the thick understory of the Little River Conservation District in Beavers Bend. Good thing this shy warbler has a big voice and loves to sing. Otherwise, you might miss this special little bird entirely as he flies through the forest, eating all kinds of Beavers Bend insects as he goes.<\/p>\n Sociable and noisy, this waterfowl is just what its name suggests. The duck has a signature black belly, and whistles while it works. Perhaps this jolly outlook is partly why it often mates for life. You can find these boisterous fellows in the freshwater ponds and marshes of Beavers Bend.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n There are 327 species of birds to see in the fields, forests, marshes and ponds of Beavers Bend. Guess you\u2019ll just have to book several return trips to catch them all. The very best time is to visit during the Red Slough Birding Convention<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, scheduled this year for May 6-9, 2017. You still have time to book a guided tour. Head this way to check out a sweet cabin to stay in while you\u2019re here.<\/p>\n3. Red-cockaded Woodpecker.<\/h3>\n
<\/a>4. The Yellow Rail.<\/h3>\n
<\/a>5. The King Rail.<\/h3>\n
<\/a>6. The Anhinga.<\/h3>\n
<\/a>7. Painted Bunting.<\/h3>\n
8. Prothonotary Warbler<\/h3>\n
<\/a>9. Swainson\u2019s Warbler.<\/h3>\n
<\/a>10. Black-bellied Whistling Duck<\/h3>\n
<\/a>
![\"Book](\"https:\/\/dev.icgadv.com\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/MCTA_BookCabin_Red.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"