Mid April, 2006, Trip to Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

In mid April, I went to Oklahoma's Great Salt Plains, known as one of the nation's birding hotspots and certainly one of the strangest areas I have ever seen. Attractions of the area are selenite crystal digging on the salt flats and many nature trails leading to interesting birding areas.

Entering the salt flat area.
Driving on the salt flat to the selenite crystal digging area.

The selenite crystal dig area for 2006.
Part of a giant flock of Yellow-headed Blackbirds in trees near the salt flats.

Entrance to the Sandpiper Trail, on the north side of the national wildlife refuge.

Area along the Sandpiper Trail, with areas of salt, water, and prairie grass.

Tamarix gallica (Salt Cedar), and introduced shrub of the West.

The southeastern corner of Great Salt Plains Lake, which is 1/3 - 1/2 as salty as the ocean!


Entering the salt flat area.	Driving on the salt flat to the selenite crystal digging area.

The selenite crystal dig area for 2006.	Part of a giant flock of Yellow-headed Blackbirds in trees near the salt flats.

Entrance to the Sandpiper Trail, on the north side of the national wildlife refuge.	Area along the Sandpiper Trail, with areas of salt, water, and prairie grass.

Tamarix gallica (Salt Cedar), and introduced shrub of the West.	The southeastern corner of Great Salt Plains Lake, which is 1/3 - 1/2 as salty as the ocean!