Hudson Lake
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Begin the trip in Pryor at the intersection of SH 20 and US 69. Drive east on SH 20 for 6.1 miles and turn south for 0.5 mile. Instead of turning east on SH 20, continue south on a graveled road for 1.5 miles. On either side of this short road flocks of Smith's Longspurs and Lesser Golden-Plovers have been seen in early spring. In summer Dickcissels are abundant and orioles are often found in the trees. Bobwhites and most sparrow species common to eastern Oklahoma may be found in the fence rows in the proper season. During migration waterfowl come to a small pond on the east side of the road. Turn left (east) for 0.2 mile to cross a small creek. Rufous-sided Towhees are common in winter and Brown Thrashers are usually found here. Past the creek on the north is a row of large old hackberry trees, an excellent place to find warblers in spring migration. There are at least three reports of the rare Cerulean Warbler in these trees. Near a little farm house on the right watch for Eastern Bluebirds on the fence. Follow the graveled road to a blacktop road and turn north. In low places along the road watch for Barn and Rough-winged swallows. At the intersection with SH 20, do not turn, but continue to the Snowdale Recreation Area where the road will dead-end after about 0.5 mile. This is a fine area for finding shorebirds and waterfowl in season. The Belted Kingfisher is a resident. Return to SH 20, continue east (left) and cross the bridge over Lake Hudson into Salina. Watch the water on both sides of the road for gulls, terns, ducks, geese and pelicans during migration. At the eastern edge of Salina SH 20 turns north. Beyond the turn (5.5) is a blacktop road to the left and a sign to Indian Springs Resort. This is a loop road along Spavinaw Creek which returns to SH 20 just before the town of Spavinaw. The loop is a beautiful drive with little traffic, and the birding is excellent.
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