Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge will be offering free eagle watch tours beginning this month. These tours are the product of a longstanding partnership with Tenkiller State Park and provide the public with an amazing opportunity to view bald eagles in their natural habitat.

Tours take place on the following Saturdays; Jan. 20 and 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24; and March 2 for the 2024 season. All tours start at the Refuge headquarters at 9 a.m. and end between 12 and 1 p.m. Tours are free and no pre-registration is required.

Southern Bald Eagles typically lay eggs during the months of December or January, and incubate the eggs for approximately 35 days before they hatch. After the eggs hatch, the real work begins with both adults providing continual care for the young over the 11 to 12 week period until the young birds fledge (leave the nest).

“This is an exciting time of year on the Refuge because the eagle territories come alive with action, as the adults care for eggs and the growing eaglets,” Chad Ford, with the Refuge said. “During the tours, eagles are often seen soaring through the air, hunting for food, or attending to a nest.”

Ford said Leann Bunn, Naturalist from Tenkiller State Park, will serve as a guest guide during the tours. Tours are conducted from a tour bus and the Refuge has binoculars and spotting scopes available for use.

To get to Refuge, take exit 297 off I-40 at Vian, travel three miles south on the county road. Watch for signs along the way.

If you need more information, contact the Refuge at 918-773-5251.