Swan Lake Neighborhood Association

Swan Lake Waterfowl Society

Waterfowl History

More than 20 species of ducks, all native to North America with the exception of the Bahama (White Cheeked) Pintail Ducks and the Mandarin Ducks, inhabit the lake year around.
In addition, Swan Lake is a regular stop in the migration of hundreds of wild fowl each year on their way north and south.
Centerpiece of the collection is our pair of Trumpeter Swans, Nike and Zeus.
Normally quite sociable, nesting Trumpeters can be extremely territorial, defending the nesting area against all comers - ducks and people alike.
prevous offspring were introduced into the wild where it is hoped they will eventually join the small, but growing number, of rare wild Trumpeter Swans that migrate annually from nesting grounds near the Great Lakes to wintering quarters in the southern U.S. including the State of Oklahoma.

Support the Swan Lake Collection

Proceeds from donations go to the feeding, veterinary care and refurbishment of the collection.
maintenance is provided by the city of Tulsa Park and Recreation Department.
Tax deductable donations are gratefully accepted and acknowledged.
Checks may be made payable to:
Swan Lake Waterfowl Society
Box 52504
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74152.0504.

Memberships available include:
$15 Individual
$25 Family
$50 Organization
$75 Contributing

Brief History of the Lake

Swan Lake was originally constructed around 1880 on the Orcutt family famr, an 800 acre Creek Indian homestead allotment.
Later, a 25 acre area adjacent to the lake was developed as a popular amusement park for the developing community of Tulsa.
In 1910, an electric street-car line was completed from downtown to Orcutt Lake.
In 1917, the lake and a much smaller park were given to the City of Tulsa.
The lake has been drained only three times:
in 1937 for the construction of the fountain nd a sewer line;
in 1950 for fountain and storm sewer repairs and in 1986 when a coordinated effort by city departments renovated water and sewer lines, replaced streets and curbs and then dredged the lake to lay a water-conserving seal on the bottom and deepen the west end.
At this time, the pedestrian bridge was built and substantial bank stablilzation and landscape work was performed to make the lake as environmentally self-sustaining as possible.
The refurbished lake included the Swan Lake Waterfowl Collection through the generous donations of Tulsa citizens, businesses ands wildlife organizations.