Birdwatchers find just what they are looking for at the Wildlife Expo

            Over 350 bird species can be found in Oklahoma, and visitors to the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo Sept. 25-27 will have the chance to view several of them at an interactive birding area.
            The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host the Expo. Held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City, the event is designed to promote and instill appreciation for Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
            An entire area at the Expo grounds is being dedicated to birding activities, including a birdwatching station complete with feeders and a blind to avoid spooking visiting birds. Visitors can enjoy seminars held every hour covering topics such as how to attract birds to a backyard, how to feed wild birds and how to identify wild birds. Additionally, visitors to the Expo can learn about what makes a suitable birdhouse as well as what to avoid when searching for a birdhouse for their property. Additionally, guests can even build their own fully functional bluebird house at the Expo that they can take home with them. Volunteers will be on hand instructing guests and helping them build birdhouses that will attract bluebirds to their yards for years to come. Plus, the entire event is free, including building materials for the birdhouse make-and-take exhibit.
            “Birds are an important part of Oklahoma’s wildlife, and everybody can participate in birding activities in some way,” said Melynda Hickman, wildlife diversity biologist for the Wildlife Department. “Whether it is putting out a bird feeder or birdhouse, participating in the Wildlife Department’s winter bird survey, or simply getting out and enjoying the diversity of birds in the state, Oklahoma’s birds offer something for everyone.”
            Birds and birdwatching are just the beginning of what’s available for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts at the Expo. Activities range from shotgun and archery shooting to fishing, kayaking, ATV riding, mountain biking and much more. Additionally, numerous learning opportunities are available at booths and exhibits at the Expo. Visitors can speak with wildlife biologists and outdoorsmen experienced in fishing, hunting, game calling, wildlife and fisheries management, reptiles and amphibians and more, as well as attend seminars on hunting dog training, wild game cooking, Dutch oven camp cooking and mule packing, among other topics. And for Expo visitors who like to shop, a large area called the Outdoor Marketplace is set aside at the Expo for vendors who will be on hand showcasing and offering for sale their outdoor merchandise and services.
            The Expo is Oklahoma’s largest outdoor recreation event, drawing tens of thousands of people each year, including celebrities.
            “If you want to try over a hundred outdoor activities, then be at this year's Wildlife Expo Sept. 25-27,” said native Oklahoma country music star Blake Shelton, who has made appearances at the Expo in the past. “If you love to hunt and fish like I do, then take someone to this year’s Wildlife Expo.
            The Wildlife Expo will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sept. 25-27. Log on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to date on this year’s Expo activities.
            This year’s Expo will again feature “School Day” Sept. 25, when busloads of school students from across the state will arrive and enjoy a day at the event. Educators interested in planning a trip to the Wildlife Expo with their students this year should call (918) 299-2334 for more information.
 
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