Rogers State University
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The
Rogers State University Conservation Education Reserve is located on the
campus of Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma. It is a 120
acre outdoor classroom for students of all ages, and an excellent
birding area.
Bottomland hardwood, tall-grass prairie and cross timber habitats grace
the slopes and lowlands. The Reserve is located just south and west of
the Rogers State University campus, at 1701 W Will Rogers Blvd. in
Claremore. A parking lot and entrance gate are located at the southwest
corner of the campus. Points Of Interest At The Reserve include a butterfly garden, herb garden, wetland boardwalk, wildlife viewing area, fishing pond, hardwood trail, tall grass prairie trail and a greenhouse.
The “red” trails, shown on the map below, border the areas recommended for birding at the Reserve. The paths around and near the three main bodies of water (in blue) are generally the best. Highlights, in the right season, include Warblers (esp. Yellow-rumped, Orange-crowned, Nashville, Black & White, and N. Parula), Vireos (esp. White-eyed), Cedar Waxwings, Kinglets (both), Hermit Thrush, Great-crested and Empidonax Flycatchers, Wrens (Carolina, House, Winter), Summer Tanagers, Sparrows (esp. White-throated, Song, Fox, Harris, Lincoln’s), Brown Creepers, Juncos, Gnatcatchers, Woodpeckers/Flickers (all except the Pileated), Gray Catbirds, and Brown Thrashers. Water birds include Herons, Kingfishers and common duck species (esp. Mallards, Gadwalls). If you love Cedar Waxwings, concentrate on the area near the Aquatics lab.
The path near the Terra-lab is probably my favorite area. Most of the birds mentioned above in the “water” area can usually be found nearby. The Red-breasted Nuthatch and the Eastern Towhee love this area. In general, the Field Trail (most northern path) is best in the spring and summer. Painted & Indigo Buntings, Orioles, Field Sparrows, Bluebirds and Scissortails are the highlights. You may be occasionally rewarded with a Yellow-breasted Chat or Purple Finch in the winter. The Deep Woods Path (the most SE trail) while beautiful and solitary is, generally, not a great birding area. Exceptions here include the Red-shouldered, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks. Barred Owls also roost in this area. Besides deer, you might be rewarded with the Gray Fox on this route.
Interesting notes: The White-breasted Nuthatch is essentially absent in the Reserve. The Eurasian Collared Dove is frequently seen near the Reserve and south of the Claremore Expo Center. Good luck and happy birding!
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