The holiday season can feel wonderfully full and sometimes a little overwhelming. Between shopping lists, cooking plans, and visiting with friends and family, much of December happens indoors. Stepping outside, even briefly, can be a welcome reset. Winter invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the quiet beauty of the natural world. And this year's unseasonably warm weather provides even more opportunities for being outside!
While nature may seem still this time of year, winter offers its own kind of magic. With leaves off the trees, the hidden stories of wildlife become easier to spot—old nests tucked into bare branches, tracks crossing muddy paths, and subtle signs of animals moving through shared spaces.
Whether you’re in your own backyard, walking your neighborhood, or visiting local and state parks, keep an eye out for clues. Look for woodpecker holes in tree trunks, browse lines where deer have nibbled branches, matted grass in fields where wildlife may have rested, the remnants of nuts and seeds that have been enjoyed by birds, or bark stripped by squirrels or other animals.
During a season that can feel fast-paced, nature offers us something different: a moment of calm. We hope you’ll take time this winter to enjoy the comfort, curiosity, and quiet joy wildlife and wild places can bring.
Here are a few simple ways to celebrate the season and create new winter traditions: Take a winter walk or hike. Winter days even during warm spells mean quieter trails and peaceful moments. Slow your pace, listen closely, and notice what’s moving—or resting— around you. Make it social by inviting friends or family. For a new perspective, try a short evening walk with flashlights or headlamps and notice how familiar places feel different after dark.
Watch winter birds. Winter is a wonderful time to observe birds, including species that only visit Oklahoma during the winter. Consider joining a community science event like Audubon Christmas Bird Count, or simply enjoy watching birds at a feeder or along a trail. You may be surprised by who shows up.
Keep an eye out for bald eagles.
While some bald eagles live in Oklahoma year-round, many more arrive during winter. Lakes and rivers are prime viewing spots, and guided eagle-watching events can be a great way to learn where and how to look.
Decorate outdoors—for wildlife.
Create simple, wildlifefriendly decorations like pinecones rolled in peanut butter and seeds, garlands of plain popcorn and cranberries, or birdseed wreaths.These small projects can be a fun way to support birds while spending time together.
Make your yard more winterfriendly for wildlife:
• Provide fresh water in shallow dishes.
• Leave some leaves, brush, or natural areas to serve as shelter and windbreaks.
• Offer nutritious food,such as seeds, nuts, fruit, or suet, when natural sources are limited.
Look for tracks and signs. Search for animal footprints and see if you can identify your wild neighbors. Older kids and adults alike may enjoy making simple track casts or keeping a nature journal.
Step outside at night. Clear winter skies are perfect for stargazing. Look up and enjoy the brilliance of stars, planets, and familiar constellations that shine especially bright during December and January. Start watching for meteors from the Quadrantids shower, which peaks January 3-4.
As you enjoy these quiet winter moments, you’re also sharing space with the wildlife we care for every day at WildCare Oklahoma. The tracks you notice, the birds at your feeder, and the animals seeking shelter in winter landscapes are the same neighbors our team works year-round to protect, heal, and return to the wild.
Spending time outdoors helps deepen our understanding of wildlife and reminds us why compassionate care and healthy habitats matter. Thank you for being part of a community that values both.
This season, we hope nature offers you moments of calm, curiosity, and connection and that those moments strengthen your bond with Oklahoma’s wildlife and the places they call home.