Date: 3/31/25 5:21 pm From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Swainson's Hawks at Maysville
There were two adult-plumaged SWAINSONS HAWKs just north of Maysville in western Benton County today. This is a fairly early arrival in my experience, though we have seen them as early as March 20. Most of the northward migration in northwest Arkansas (including the Arkansas River Valley Kibler bottoms) occurs later, roughly from second week of April into second week of May.
Another observation of note: In one area of todays survey, I encountered a significant concentration of Turkey Vultures (~25) and crows (both species, total ~40) attracted to an operation that involves spraying onto fields a thick slurry of what I assume is waste liquid associated with poultry processing. This is the same area no lakes or any large bodies of water anywhere near -- where I found over 500 Ring-billed Gulls December 11, 2024. Like todays vultures and crows, on the ground where poultry wastewater was applied.
Here is a link to what I submitted to eBird: https://ebird.org/checklist/S222185035
Cliff swallows are building nests under concrete bridges in Arkadelphia, Clark County, today. I saw fresh drying mud nests and 2 cliff swallows exited separate nests.
Renn Tumlison
Emeritus Professor of Biology and Curator of Vertebrates
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR 71999
<tumlison...>
870 230 5152
Yellow Grosbeak continues outside Berryville. Access information:Birders are welcome between 10 and sunset. Please stay tuned here or via Discord for future time or date changes as well as notable changes in sightings.To visit, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. She will give you her specific address at that time. Please know that you will be welcome to come when your schedule permits, so wait until 1-2 days before you plan to visit to contact her. Even a last minute request is welcomed, but please do not show up before 10a if that's the time she has agreed to. She's got a family to get ready for the day -- and she's busy trying to get this and other things done before folks show up. And...if you went earlier and signed her book but didn't see the bird, she hopes you'll come back. Let her know and I suspect she'll work something favorable out for you.When there: Keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40-50 feet of the feeder area. The bird is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult for everyone to see. Patty McLean
After a fun trip to Texas and Alabama to see several of the current U.S. rarities, we decided to make a stop at Overflow NWR--North Sanctuary in Ashley County. Our first time to visit this wonderfully unique Sanctuary, and we really enjoyed it, altho a section of the road was worse than muddy.The area is primarily a moist soil unit surrounded by bottomlands created from various nearby Sloughs. Highlights included hundreds of lingering ducks and at least 100 dark ibis. They were pretty far out and the sun angle was challenging but we could make out several White-faced Ibis (WFIB) in the group. All were likely WFIB but just too distant to confirm. Also present were a few Black-necked Stilts, 20+ American Wigeon and several female Red-breasted Mergansers. A local fellow told us the gate opens beginning April 1 for vehicle traffic. That would make it much easier to explore, especially if pink things show up. Mosquitoes and what sounded like feral hogs were also numerous.Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/30/25 1:10 pm From: Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...> Subject: Citadel Bluff Park
I had an enjoyable morning of birding here today. Here is my Ebird link and a link to my YouTube video. I heard 1st of the year White-eyed Vireo and Hooded Warbler. I would be happy to lead a birding outing to this spot. I go there frequently since it is fairly close to where I live and it is a great place for birding I think. One downside is that there are no functional toilets though.
Let me know off list if anyone is interested in joining me sometime.
Date: 3/30/25 8:56 am From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Long-tailed Duck at Centerton - yes
Jacque kindly showed me the duck as well. See her lovely photos (a sharp contrast to my iPhone pics). I am so glad my wife chose this day to fly out of XNA. The juice was worth the squeeze, going all the way there from the River Valley. https://ebird.org/checklist/S221820652 Here are some fascinating tidbits on this duck from Birds of the World.
This midsize sea duck is a true arctic species, breeding in tundra and taiga regions around the globe, as far as 80°N. After breeding, it migrates to cold and temperate-water coasts of North America, western Greenland, eastern Asia, and the Great Lakes. Individuals dive for food, to impressive depths not reached by other sea ducks (more than 60 meters), and have a broad diet of animal prey, focusing on food items that are locally abundant. The Long-tailed Duck is hunted throughout its range, by native hunters in the North and by recreational hunters in southern Canada and the northern United States. Obtaining population size and trend estimates for this species have proven difficult, as it usually winters in flocks of various sizes, is widely distributed, and can be far offshore. Available data for the west coast of North America suggest that this species is declining drastically. ....(from https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/lotduc/cur/introduction?login)
KannanFt. Smith
On Sunday 30 March, 2025 at 03:39:41 am GMT-5, Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
#yiv1848382095 P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;}Today, several of us made the trip to the state fish hatchery in Centerton hoping to see the LONG-TAILED DUCK first reported on March 27 (I think). Jacque Brown had seen it yesterday. She told me which pond it was using. Jay Walko was birding when we arrived at mid-day. He’d just seen the bird and mentioned it was diving a lot and not long on the surface. We first saw it at distance across the large pond, diving frequently. It soon began to swim in our direction and with less frequent dives. It was eventually right in front of us. We wound up with great views.I’ve seen quite a few Long-tailed Ducks in Arkansas over the years, but never better than today. Here’s our eBird submission with a few photos:https://ebird.org/checklist/S221701807. I think this is an immature male.I never ceased to be amazed at seeing in the middle of North America a creature from the Far North, many thousands of miles away. What a fabulous reality. And after the Long-tailed Duck, we had views of a couple of American Golden-Plovers, travelers of very, very long distances, and stopped here, among us, on their way north.
Date: 3/30/25 7:08 am From: Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> Subject: More First of Season Everything
On Saturday, March 29, after receiving a blessed 2/10ths inch of rain, the native wildflowers responded so happily with their blossoms. In part of the woods there were Ozark Trillium, Bloodroot, Celandine Poppy, Rue Anemone, White Trout Lilies still in flower or bowing their seed pods to Earth, and of course the patient Spring Beauties and Bluets that began their cheerful bloom during the drought. Fragrant Golden Selenia flowers covered patches of sandstone in the bluff glade, and Crow Poison buds were evident. Then last night in a 3am thunderstorm all received another 4/10ths. Now there are finally leaves pushing out of Elderberries and Shrubby St. John'swort, native Christmas Fern fiddleheads actually showing in the centers of crowns, Mayapples opening their umbrellas, and tiny ’toe beans’ on the Pussy Toes.
Singing FOS neotropical migratory birds included Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Warbler, and this morning a Brown Thrasher. Looking forward to what arrives later today.
Pine Siskins and Goldfinches have now donned their happy yellow for breeding season, and others like Carolina Chickadees, Carolina Wrens, and American Crows appear to be gleaning seeds, suet, corn, and peanuts to take home to their nests. Wood Ducks are also quietly nesting or flush from the water when seen.
My walk with the dogs was only about 2 miles round trip but I wanted to monitor the territories to which Louisiana Waterthrushes had returned, and was delighted to note at least seven males singing and sometimes females chipping at these places:
1) Piney Creek below house 2) Waterfall 3) SE corner at creek 4) Rabbit Rock below bluffs 5) Whiskey Hollow Creek
6) Tipi Creek 7) Otter Pond
And although I’ve seen only one Zebra Swallowtail to date, there were several Orange-tip Falcate butterflies fluttering low above emerging vegetation, along with small dark Skippers, some little Blues, and either Comma or Question-Mark butterflies nectaring on the sap wells of trees.
Date: 3/30/25 6:59 am From: <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...> Subject: Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Male arrives in Hot Springs, Arkansas
A male Ruby-throated Hummingbird arrived at my feeders at 8:40 AM today. A male arrived last year on March 29, 2024. I look forward to migrant arrivals and the beginning of a new season.
Date: 3/29/25 7:42 pm From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Long-tailed Duck at Centerton - yes
Today, several of us made the trip to the state fish hatchery in Centerton hoping to see the LONG-TAILED DUCK first reported on March 27 (I think). Jacque Brown had seen it yesterday. She told me which pond it was using. Jay Walko was birding when we arrived at mid-day. Hed just seen the bird and mentioned it was diving a lot and not long on the surface. We first saw it at distance across the large pond, diving frequently. It soon began to swim in our direction and with less frequent dives. It was eventually right in front of us. We wound up with great views.
Ive seen quite a few Long-tailed Ducks in Arkansas over the years, but never better than today. Heres our eBird submission with a few photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S221701807. I think this is an immature male.
I never ceased to be amazed at seeing in the middle of North America a creature from the Far North, many thousands of miles away. What a fabulous reality. And after the Long-tailed Duck, we had views of a couple of American Golden-Plovers, travelers of very, very long distances, and stopped here, among us, on their way north.
Date: 3/29/25 6:12 am From: Dedra Gerard <000002df2472bba2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Shepherd Springs Road, Crawford County
Thank you.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Friday, March 28, 2025, 7:39 PM, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
Yesterday was a quiet day on the road. Was looking for wildflowers and birding at the same time. It’s always so nice to get the first of Spring anything. Louisiana Waterthrushes, Yellow-throated Vireo, Black and White Warbler, Northern Parula, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Yellow-throated Vireo. Also, my favorite little butterflies, Falcate Orange-tips, were out and about. Did a quick side trip to Sharp Chapel Road in Sebastian County. The wet units were loaded with ducks and shorebirds. A AGFC employee said they were fixin to draw down the water and there’d be mud flats. Woohoo. Alma WTP still had a dozen Ruddy Ducks, plus a few dabblers.
Sandy B.
Yesterday was a quiet day on the road. Was looking for wildflowers and
birding at the same time. It’s always so nice to get the first of Spring
anything. Louisiana Waterthrushes, Yellow-throated Vireo, Black and White
Warbler, Northern Parula, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Yellow-throated Vireo.
Also, my favorite little butterflies, Falcate Orange-tips, were out and
about.
Did a quick side trip to Sharp Chapel Road in Sebastian County. The wet
units were loaded with ducks and shorebirds. A AGFC employee said they were
fixin to draw down the water and there’d be mud flats. Woohoo.
Alma WTP still had a dozen Ruddy Ducks, plus a few dabblers.
Date: 3/28/25 8:02 am From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Doug James's 100th birth anniversary birding trip to Costa Rica Dec 14-21, 2025
With 11 onboard, I have just a few seats left in this tour. Please come and support the AAS Trust.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, 10:59 AM, Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> wrote:
This year is Prof. Doug James's 100th birth anniversary. Doug had the vision to start the Arkansas Audubon Society Trust (AAST) in 1972. He sold used textbooks to create and build the trust endowment, which has since ballooned to over $250,000. The trust supports many student projects every year, mostly on research and conservation of Arkansas birds.
To commemorate Doug's 100th birthday, all the money I raise this year on birding and nature tours will be donated to the AAST in his memory. I already have $1060 from my Belize and Panama tours this summer. My aim is to raise $3000 for the trust by the end of the year.
I hereby announce a fund raising birding trip to the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica Dec 14-21, 2025. Price is $2435 plus air, starting from and ending at Liberia, Costa Rica. Our local guide will be the legendary genius, Esteban Biamonte, who won many hearts from my last December's tour.
For pricing and itinerary, click here. For an eBird trip report from a similar previous tour to the region, see: https://ebird.org/tripreport/52076 Please contact me offline if interested.
KannanFt. Smith
Date: 3/27/25 9:21 pm From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - March 27
It started off calm, partly cloudy and mild, turning windy and warmer in the afternoon, on the bird survey today. 68 species were found. Migrants are really starting to show up. Spring has sprung! Here is my list for today:
Date: 3/26/25 3:42 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Fw: Vermillion Flycatcher
Did anybody see it today?
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Robert Day <rhday52...>To: "<arbird-l...>" <arbird-l...>Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 06:34:30 PM CDTSubject: Re: Vermillion Flycatcher
If anyone relocates it tomorrow morning, plz post location with good info to get to it. The wife and I might try to go see it tomorrow afternoon, but we do not know Siloam Springs at all.
Thanks.
Bob DaySW Bentonville
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 25, 2025, at 11:27 AM, Mitchell Pruitt <mitchellpruitt24...> wrote:
See below from Jim Landrum. VERMILION FLYCATCHER in Benton Co.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Jim Landrum <Landrumj58...>
Date: Tue, Mar 25, 2025 at 11:23
Subject: Vermillion Flycatcher
To: Mitchell Pruitt <mitchellpruitt24...>
Mitchell
Just saw this at the corner of Shinn Springs and Russell in Siloam. Flew off towards Chesney. Trying to relocate.
Sent from my iPhone
Date: 3/26/25 1:46 pm From: Donna Haynes <00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Gulf of Birds Shirts Halberg Camp Fundraiser
Hi all! While I am not going to be able to attend this conference, I do want to support AAS, particularly The Halberg Ecology Camp. I have created Gulf Of Birds T-Shirts to celebrate the annual epic journey in which millions of neo-tropical migrants race across the Gulf and to their Summer home in the US and beyond! $10 from every shirt sale will be donated to the Halberg Ecology Camp. Shirts must be pre-ordered and will be delivered to you at the conference. They will be made to order. After the conference, they will be available to the general public. I'm making the shirts at home and need to pace myself. This camp is very special. I have known many who attended this camp and grew up to work in conservation. several children from Lawson Elementary where I volunteer and Substitute teach have attended the camp as well. It really is an amazing experience and for many sparks a lifelong dedication to conservation. To learn more about the camp please visit their website. https://aasecocamps.org/To order a shirt, visit this link. It will take you to my Etsy store. https://birdythingsshop.etsy.com/listing/1878166520I have also attached a copy of the design. You can view colors and sizes in the Etsy store.
Thank you all in advance for supporting AAS and the Halberg Ecology Camp. Donna HaynesWest Pulaski Co.
I went to look for the Vermillian Flycatcher today, I drove all around the area from about 9:30 until 12:30 and did not locate it. I did see Joe Neal out driving around the area too so maybe he'll get lucky and see it.
Jacque Brown
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 03:33:07 PM CDT, Robert Day <rhday52...> wrote:
If anyone relocates it tomorrow morning, plz post location with good info to get to it. The wife and I might try to go see it tomorrow afternoon, but we do not know Siloam Springs at all.
Thanks.
Bob DaySW Bentonville
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 25, 2025, at 11:27 AM, Mitchell Pruitt <mitchellpruitt24...> wrote:
See below from Jim Landrum. VERMILION FLYCATCHER in Benton Co.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Jim Landrum <Landrumj58...>
Date: Tue, Mar 25, 2025 at 11:23
Subject: Vermillion Flycatcher
To: Mitchell Pruitt <mitchellpruitt24...>
Mitchell
Just saw this at the corner of Shinn Springs and Russell in Siloam. Flew off towards Chesney. Trying to relocate.
Sent from my iPhone
My mom and I went to the fish hatchery yesterday and saw about 50 Pects as well as Baird’s, Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, and Wilson’s Snipe. There were still plenty of Buffleheads as well as both Green- and Blue-winged Teals. We were also treated to a Bald Eagle trying to steal a fish from an Osprey (Osprey won). In total, we saw 34 species. A great day for birding!
Ashlyn
> On Mar 24, 2025, at 8:40 AM, Dedra Gerard <000002df2472bba2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Very nice!
>
>
> Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS <https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aol-news-email-weather-video/id646100661> >
> On Sunday, March 23, 2025, 7:12 PM, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
>
> When you visit Hot Springs you have to stop by Hulsey fish hatchery. Three or four ponds were drained in the far back. I had 62 Pectoral Sandpipers, 3 Leasts, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, 4 Wilson’s Snipe, Killdeer. 26 Bufflehead were still there, scattered across all ponds.
> Ebird questioned me on the number of Pects and Buffs. It does seem a bit early for that many Pects.
>
> Sandy B.
>
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
Date: 3/26/25 9:09 am From: Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...> Subject: Re: Scissor-tailed
I saw one on Monday near Scranton.
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...>
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 8:14 AM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Scissor-tailed
Sunnymede Park. Seems early. Or maybe its just my life flying by.
Date: 3/26/25 8:32 am From: Donna Haynes <00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...> Subject: LR Port - Golden Plovers
Around 100 American Golden Plovers are present in the field in front of the fuel tank on Industrial Harbor Drive just past the power lines.Donna Haynes West Pulaski Co.
Date: 3/26/25 6:38 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Golden Plovers in River Valley
Lots of shorebirds and ducks migrating through Arkansas River Valley now. Yesterday (March 25) I had several productive hours on Sharp Chapel Road, observing birds in the extensive moist soil fields that have been added to Frog Bayou WMA. There was a continuous peeping from the partially flooded fields with emergent wetland vegetation teal in abundance, and both species.
I went down to the valley in part for migrating American Golden-Plovers and was not at all disappointed. Heres what I submitted to Cornells eBird: https://ebird.org/checklist/S220873491.
Enjoyed an encounter with another birder, Boyce Wofford, who some of you may recall found Whimbrels at Frog last year. Like me, he was set up with bins and scope. Told me he lives only 10 minutes away. He carries his birding gear with him on travels related to his career. I passed on to him my hope he will next find us a Long-billed Curlew.
Another fun fact about meeting Boyce: He asked me if I was kin to Neals in the area. Yes Sir! In years of visiting the valley, he is the only person who knows members of my Neal family who, after 200 years, still live in the Alma-Van Buren area.
The Yellow Grosbeak was seen yesterday, Mar 25, but instead of at the feeders, it was seen along a small stream to the left (south) of the house. See below for access information.Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/23/25 12:36 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) The Yellow Grosbeak continues today, Mar 23, near Berryville, Arkansas.Birders are welcome between 10 and sunset. Please stay tuned here or via Discord for future time or date changes as well as notable changes in sightings.To visit, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. She will give you her specific address at that time. Please know that you will be welcome to come when your schedule permits, so wait until 1-2 days before you plan to visit to contact her. Even a last minute request is welcomed, but please do not show up before 10a if that's the time she has agreed to. She's got young children to feed, clean and dress (plus get herself ready for the day) -- and she's busy trying to get all this and other things done before folks show up. And...if you went earlier and signed her book but didn't see the bird, she hopes you'll come back. Let her know and I suspect she'll work something favorable out for you.When there: Keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. The bird is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult for everyone to see. Patty McLean
Date: 3/25/25 1:30 pm From: Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> Subject: Re: First Ruby-throated male hummingbird
Thanks, Jeff.
The weather has indeed been strange this year and in addition to sub-zero deep cold just a month ago we have not had any rain for weeks. So in the absence of Fire Pinks and even Ohio Buckeyes, the Ruby-throats' first wild food plants here, I’ve put up my hummingbird feeder 2also…just in case.
Hope you and Joy are enjoying Spring!
J
> On Mar 25, 2025, at 1:48 PM, Jeffrey Short <bashman...> wrote:
>
> Our first RTHU this year was sighted 24 Mar '25. We have had feeders up for
> a week before.
>
> I agree that RTHU's are appearing earlier over the last few years (we
> returned 20 years ago). Our hummers used to arrive when the red buckeyes
> were blooming, but the late, frigid weather changed that.
>
> Jeff Short, Hot Spring Co.
> At the top loop of the backwards "S" on the continuation of the Ouachita
> River
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List
> [mailto:<ARBIRD-L...>] On Behalf Of Alyson Hoge
> Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 8:08 PM
> To: <ARBIRD-L...>
> Subject: First Ruby-throated male hummingbird
>
> Arrived about 3:30 pm today (March 18). Earliest appearance by 3 days since
> 2015, according to my records.
>
> The first Monarch butterfly should arrive sometime in the next 10 days, also
> according to the records.
>
> Alyson Hoge
> Southern Pulaski County
> ############################
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list:
> write to: mailto:<ARBIRD-L-SIGNOFF-REQUEST...> > or click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
> ############################
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list:
> write to: mailto:<ARBIRD-L-SIGNOFF-REQUEST...> > or click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
Date: 3/25/25 11:50 am From: Jeffrey Short <bashman...> Subject: Re: First Ruby-throated male hummingbird
Our first RTHU this year was sighted 24 Mar '25. We have had feeders up for a week before.
I agree that RTHU's are appearing earlier over the last few years (we returned 20 years ago). Our hummers used to arrive when the red buckeyes were blooming, but the late, frigid weather changed that.
Jeff Short, Hot Spring Co. At the top loop of the backwards "S" on the continuation of the Ouachita River
-----Original Message----- From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List [mailto:<ARBIRD-L...>] On Behalf Of Alyson Hoge Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 8:08 PM To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: First Ruby-throated male hummingbird
Arrived about 3:30 pm today (March 18). Earliest appearance by 3 days since 2015, according to my records.
The first Monarch butterfly should arrive sometime in the next 10 days, also according to the records.
Alyson Hoge Southern Pulaski County ############################
Similar reports of the Vermillion flycatcher have been reported on the Oklahoma Bird list serve.
Jerry Wayne Davis
Hot Sprngs, AR
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Mitchell Pruitt <mitchellpruitt24...>
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 9:27 AM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Fwd: Vermillion Flycatcher
See below from Jim Landrum. VERMILION FLYCATCHER in Benton Co.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Jim Landrum <Landrumj58...><mailto:<Landrumj58...>> Date: Tue, Mar 25, 2025 at 11:23
Subject: Vermillion Flycatcher
To: Mitchell Pruitt <mitchellpruitt24...><mailto:<mitchellpruitt24...>>
Mitchell
Just saw this at the corner of Shinn Springs and Russell in Siloam. Flew off towards Chesney. Trying to relocate.
Sent from my iPhone
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, 7:12 PM, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
When you visit Hot Springs you have to stop by Hulsey fish hatchery. Three or four ponds were drained in the far back. I had 62 Pectoral Sandpipers, 3 Leasts, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, 4 Wilson’s Snipe, Killdeer. 26 Bufflehead were still there, scattered across all ponds. Ebird questioned me on the number of Pects and Buffs. It does seem a bit early for that many Pects.
Sandy B.
Date: 3/23/25 7:50 pm From: Annick <000005716d7b162f-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Birds - Cornell Lab Nest Watch eNews with Nest Box Information
Speaking of nesting...I've noticed birds making nests in the hollow horizontal "arms" of traffic lights - does anyone know if this is successful for them? Since the arms are metal, I imagine that it gets pretty hot in them as temperatures increase, and I wonder if it gets too warm for the young to survive?
AnnickLittle Rock
On Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10:09:18 AM CDT, <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...> wrote:
Cornell Lab NestWatch eNews has a link to show the plans for 61 bird species and nest box placement information. There is also a request for you to submit a nest box plans that are successful.
We have 85 bird species that are cavity nesters and there is always a housing shortage. Responsible birders need to help solve this problem. The site helps you to select by region and type of habitat. The nesting season has started, and you can make and put out next boxes for your habitat and species for this nesting season.
Jerry Wayne DavisHot Springs, AR
NestWatch eNews: Our annual report is here, plus a free webinar
Right Bird, Right House - NestWatch
| | Right Bird, Right House - NestWatchRight Bird, Right House. Find out which birds you can build a nest box or nest structure for in your region and habitat.nestwatch.org |
When you visit Hot Springs you have to stop by Hulsey fish hatchery. Three
or four ponds were drained in the far back. I had 62 Pectoral Sandpipers, 3
Leasts, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, 4 Wilson’s Snipe, Killdeer. 26 Bufflehead
were still there, scattered across all ponds.
Ebird questioned me on the number of Pects and Buffs. It does seem a bit
early for that many Pects.
The Yellow Grosbeak continues today, Mar 23, near Berryville, Arkansas.SCHEDULE UPDATE: Birders are now welcome between 10 and sunset. Please stay tuned here or via Discord for future time or date changes as well as notable changes in sightings.To visit, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. She will give you her specific address at that time. Please know that you will be welcome to come when your schedule permits, so wait until 1-2 days before you plan to visit to contact her. Even a last minute request is welcomed, but please do not show up before 10a if that'sthe time she has agreed to. She's got young children to feed, clean and dress (plus get herself ready for the day) -- and she's busy trying to get all this and other things done before folks show up. She wants folks to know that she has truly enjoyed meeting everyone and hearing where they've come from etc. According to Shianne, Oregon is the furtherest someone has travel from to see "Jeffrey."Also...if you went earlier and signed her book but didn't see the bird, she hopes you'll come back. Let her know and I suspect she'll work something favorable out for you.When there: Keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. The bird is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult for everyone to see. Patty McLean
Date: 3/22/25 4:04 pm From: Lynn Foster <lfoster5211...> Subject: AAS Spring Convention--We Hope You Can Join Us!
Dear Arbirders--
The AAS Spring Convention is next month! Register now--Early Bird registration rates end after March 28! We hope you'll join us at Mt. Sequoyah in Fayetteville for an activity-packed meeting. Not a member? You're welcome to join us! Just a beginner? We're offering two field trips for beginning birders. For details and a link to register click here: https://arbirds.org/AAS/Meetings.aspx.
AAS Vice President Cheryl Johnson and Taylor Long, the Field Trip Coordinator for the upcoming meeting, have done an outstanding job of convention planning! Speakers include Leslie Cooper, Monarch and Pollinator Coordinator with Quail Forever in Arkansas; Joe Neal, Arkansas birder extraordinaire; and Kevin Pierson, Chief of Conservation and Global Strategy for Bat Conservation International. A total of 13 field trips are planned to Chesney Prairie, Woolsey Wet Prairie, Lake Fayetteville, Coler Preserve, Walton Preserve, Sharp Chapel Road, Hobbs State Park (including observation of banding), and Ninestone, with beginner field trips on the grounds of Mt. Sequoyah. For night owls, we are offering a research field trip that will enable participants to see banding of Eastern Screech-Owls! We'll also be able to see banding at Hobbs State Park. The Ninestone Trip is already filled, so don't procrastinate!
Still on the Hill will once again be performing for us on Saturday evening.
We welcome new items for the silent auction--proceeds will fund badly needed cots for the Halberg Ecology Camp--and also free items for the freebie table.
Always love to hear the first Louisiana Waterthrush to return to his territory on the creek singing from a tree limb high above the water. What a morning greeting!!!
Judith
Ninestone, Carroll County
############################
Date: 3/21/25 8:09 am From: <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...> Subject: Birds - Cornell Lab Nest Watch eNews with Nest Box Information
Cornell Lab NestWatch eNews has a link to show the plans for 61 bird species and nest box placement information. There is also a request for you to submit a nest box plans that are successful.
We have 85 bird species that are cavity nesters and there is always a housing shortage. Responsible birders need to help solve this problem. The site helps you to select by region and type of habitat. The nesting season has started, and you can make and put out next boxes for your habitat and species for this nesting season.
The Yellow Grosbeak was seen yesterday by a Michigan birder who's in college in Tennessee. See below for scheduling a visit. Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/18/25 9:20 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) SCHEDULING UPDATE: Shianne, the landowner, asked for me to make an update about birders' arrival times and dates, as follows:1. Please wait until until 1-2 days before you visit to notify her. She has too many projects underway (especially with her kids) to track who's coming and when. Just know that you will be welcome to come when your schedule permits. Stay tuned here or via Discord for time or date changes.2. She prefers afternoons (noon to dark) due to her busy schedule but she's willing to make exceptions within reason...but please, not before 8:30a. 3. If you ask for a morning exception, please do not show up earlier than when she expects you. She's got young children to feed, clean and dress (plus get herself ready for the day) -- and she's busy trying to get all this done before an early bird shows up. Again, though, she prefers afternoons and may end morning exceptions if they become too frequent or earlyShe wants folks to know that she has truly enjoyed meeting everyone and hearing where they've come from etc. Oregon is the furtherest for someone to travel from, so far.I'm sure some of the names on her sign-in book would give us a fascinating picture of the Big Year and other serious birders from around the country who have paid a visit to see this beautiful bird.Also...if you went earlier and signed her book but didn't see the bird, she hopes you'll come back. Let her know and I suspect she'll work something favorable out for you.TO SCHEDULE A TIME TO SEE THE BIRD: Text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible (within reason--but please, not beforev8:30a). There is a $25/person donation/access fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. The bird is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult for everyone to see. Good luck!Patty McLean
Jerry Wayne Davis
Hot Springs, AR
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Alyson Hoge <000002096ce84bce-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 6:52 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: First Ruby-throated male hummingbird
I will. What’s the address?
I entered it on hummingbirdcentral.com.
Alyson Hoge
> On Mar 18, 2025, at 8:33 PM, Jerry Davis <jwdavis...> wrote:
>
> I hope you and others will enter your sightings on the Ruby-throated Hummingbird tracking map to make others aware.
>
> Jerry Wayne Davis
> Hot Springs, AR
>
>> On 2025-03-18 8:08 pm, Alyson Hoge wrote:
>> Arrived about 3:30 pm today (March 18). Earliest appearance by 3 days since 2015, according to my records.
>> The first Monarch butterfly should arrive sometime in the next 10 days, also according to the records.
>> Alyson Hoge
>> Southern Pulaski County
>> ############################
>> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list:
>> write to: mailto:<ARBIRD-L-SIGNOFF-REQUEST...> >> or click the following link:
>> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
SCHEDULING UPDATE: Jeffrey, the Yellow Grosbeak was seen by several birders today, 3/18. Shianne, the landowner, asked for me to make a slight update about birders' arrival times and dates, as follows:1. Please wait until until 1-2 days before you visit to notify her. She has too many projects underway (especially with her kids) to track who's coming and when. Just know that you will be welcome to come when your schedule permits. Stay tuned here or via Discord for time or date changes.2. She prefers afternoons (noon to dark) due to her busy schedule but she's willing to make exceptions within reason...but please, not before 8:30a. 3. If you ask for a morning exception, please do not show up earlier than when she expects you. She's got young children to feed, clean and dress (plus get herself ready for the day) -- and she's busy trying to get all this done before an early bird shows up. Again, though, she prefers afternoons and may end morning exceptions if they become too frequent or earlyShe wants folks to know that she has truly enjoyed meeting everyone and hearing where they've come from etc. Oregon is the furtherest for someone to travel from so far, but she got a real kick out of a fellow who flew in, rented a car, purchased food and snacks for a long wait, and the bird showed up within a few minutes after his arrival. So he called the airline to move up his return flight and left early. Who does this!?! We'll, we know, don't we? 😉I'm sure some of the names on her sign-in book would give us a fascinating picture of the Big Year folks and other serious birders from around the country who have paid a visit to see this beautiful yellow and black bird.Also...if you went earlier and signed her book but didn't see the bird, she hopes you'll come back. Let her know and I suspect she'll work something favorable out for you.REMINDERS: To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible (within reason--but please, not beforev8:30a). There is a $25/person donation/access fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. The bird is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult for everyone to see. Enjoy! Patty McLean
Date: 3/18/25 6:52 pm From: Alyson Hoge <000002096ce84bce-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: First Ruby-throated male hummingbird
I will. What’s the address?
I entered it on hummingbirdcentral.com.
Alyson Hoge
> On Mar 18, 2025, at 8:33 PM, Jerry Davis <jwdavis...> wrote:
>
> I hope you and others will enter your sightings on the Ruby-throated Hummingbird tracking map to make others aware.
>
> Jerry Wayne Davis
> Hot Springs, AR
>
>> On 2025-03-18 8:08 pm, Alyson Hoge wrote:
>> Arrived about 3:30 pm today (March 18). Earliest appearance by 3 days since 2015, according to my records.
>> The first Monarch butterfly should arrive sometime in the next 10 days, also according to the records.
>> Alyson Hoge
>> Southern Pulaski County
>> ############################
>> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list:
>> write to: mailto:<ARBIRD-L-SIGNOFF-REQUEST...> >> or click the following link:
>> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
Date: 3/18/25 6:32 pm From: Jerry Davis <jwdavis...> Subject: Re: First Ruby-throated male hummingbird
I hope you and others will enter your sightings on the Ruby-throated Hummingbird tracking map to make others aware.
Jerry Wayne Davis Hot Springs, AR
On 2025-03-18 8:08 pm, Alyson Hoge wrote: > Arrived about 3:30 pm today (March 18). Earliest appearance by 3 days > since 2015, according to my records. > > The first Monarch butterfly should arrive sometime in the next 10 days, > also according to the records. > > Alyson Hoge > Southern Pulaski County > ############################ > > To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list: > write to: mailto:<ARBIRD-L-SIGNOFF-REQUEST...> > or click the following link: > http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
Date: 3/18/25 5:06 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Experiencing Birds away from Arkansas
I agree with Joe - this sounds WONDERFUL!!!
On Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 08:49:36 AM CDT, Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Great posting, Betty. What a wonderful trip! I loked at your eBird report and really enjoyed those Greater Prairie-Chickens.From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of betty_evans <betty_evans...>
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2025 5:26 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Experiencing Birds away from Arkansas Within a day's drive of NWA you can see some amazing spring bird activity. Loess Bluffs NWR in northern Missouri hosts many thousands of Snow Geese and a few hours west of there you can experience the stopover of thousands of Sandhill Cranes on their way to their nesting grounds in Canada. I took a short trip up last week to see those birds plus get an up-close view of dancing Greater Prairie Chickens. Here is my trip report https://ebird.org/tripreport/338003 I had seen all these species before, it was just a trip to experience the birds in their natural habitat, not to worry about making marks on a list.
Betty Evans
Date: 3/18/25 11:23 am From: DUNN, JANE <DUNNJ...> Subject: Re: Mature Bald Eagle SE Pulaski County
Wonderful
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Jodi Morris <mjodimorris...>
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 1:16:36 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Mature Bald Eagle SE Pulaski County
Saw a mature Bald Eagle soaring over I-530 where Bingham Road crosses over as I was headed to Lorance Creek Natural Area - the best sighting of the morning!
________________________________
Date: 3/18/25 11:16 am From: Jodi Morris <mjodimorris...> Subject: Mature Bald Eagle SE Pulaski County
Saw a mature Bald Eagle soaring over I-530 where Bingham Road crosses over as I was headed to Lorance Creek Natural Area - the best sighting of the morning!
After a weekend hiatus, the Yellow Grosbeak, aka Jeffery, continues as of yesterday, Mon Mar 17.See below for access information. Patty McLean
The homeowners welcome folks to come see him, preferably from noon until dark (with exceptions). To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible. There is a $25/person donation fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. The bird is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult for everyone to see.Thank you, everyone, for your ongoing support for those who want to see this U.S. Rarity here in Arkansas!Patty McLean -
Date: 3/18/25 8:51 am From: Kenny Nichols <kingbird101...> Subject: Re: Experiencing Birds away from Arkansas
LaDonna and I have been there many times. It truly is an amazing place.
Kenny Nichols
On Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 08:49:34 AM CDT, Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Great posting, Betty. What a wonderful trip! I loked at your eBird report and really enjoyed those Greater Prairie-Chickens.From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of betty_evans <betty_evans...>
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2025 5:26 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Experiencing Birds away from Arkansas Within a day's drive of NWA you can see some amazing spring bird activity. Loess Bluffs NWR in northern Missouri hosts many thousands of Snow Geese and a few hours west of there you can experience the stopover of thousands of Sandhill Cranes on their way to their nesting grounds in Canada. I took a short trip up last week to see those birds plus get an up-close view of dancing Greater Prairie Chickens. Here is my trip report https://ebird.org/tripreport/338003 I had seen all these species before, it was just a trip to experience the birds in their natural habitat, not to worry about making marks on a list.
Betty Evans
Date: 3/17/25 8:36 pm From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - March 17
The bird survey today started off clear, cool, and calm but turned partly cloudy, warm, and windy by noon. 62 species were found. Our summer breeders are starting to return. Newly returned breeders found today were Anhingas, Cattle Egret, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Yellow-throated Warbler. Here is my list for today:
Date: 3/17/25 11:46 am From: Rose Brown <rose.brown...> Subject: AEGIS Water & Wilderness Summer Camp at Ozark Natural Science Center
Ozark Natural Science Center is pleased to announce that registration is open for our 2025 AEGIS Summer Camp: Project Water & Wilderness
July 20 - August 2, 2025
This FREE camp is for Arkansas students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Water & Wilderness: Plugged into Nature will be held at Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC), an outdoor science education facility located deep in the Ozark Plateau region. Students at Water & Wilderness camp will be able to unplug from electronic distractions and plug into the ever-changing and exciting world of field biology where evolving technology and field science merge.
This incredible opportunity offers students the chance to assist field scientists as they gather data and explore a variety of habitats in the Ozark Natural Division, including beautiful oak-hickory forests, glades, and the amazing free-flowing Kings River. Students will track reptiles using radio-telemetry, learn from ornithologists about how they catch and band birds, monitor bats acoustically, search for fish and other aquatic life in the pools and riffles of the Kings River, examine the night sky, and more as they spend beautiful summer days and star-filled nights among the forest and river life. A capstone glade field study, canoe trip, and an overnight camping experience on the Kings River will be the highlights of this two-week experience.
Learn more about the program, eligibility, and the application process at www.onsc.us/aegis <http://www.onsc.us/aegis>
AEGIS Camp is made possible by Academic Enrichment for Gifted/Talented in Summer grant from Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Rose Brown, Executive Director
Breana Patterson, School Program and Camp Manager
Date: 3/16/25 8:59 am From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Doug James's 100th birth anniversary birding trip to Costa Rica Dec 14-21, 2025
This year is Prof. Doug James's 100th birth anniversary. Doug had the vision to start the Arkansas Audubon Society Trust (AAST) in 1972. He sold used textbooks to create and build the trust endowment, which has since ballooned to over $250,000. The trust supports many student projects every year, mostly on research and conservation of Arkansas birds.
To commemorate Doug's 100th birthday, all the money I raise this year on birding and nature tours will be donated to the AAST in his memory. I already have $1060 from my Belize and Panama tours this summer. My aim is to raise $3000 for the trust by the end of the year.
I hereby announce a fund raising birding trip to the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica Dec 14-21, 2025. Price is $2435 plus air, starting from and ending at Liberia, Costa Rica. Our local guide will be the legendary genius, Esteban Biamonte, who won many hearts from my last December's tour.
For pricing and itinerary, click here. For an eBird trip report from a similar previous tour to the region, see: https://ebird.org/tripreport/52076 Please contact me offline if interested.
KannanFt. Smith
Date: 3/16/25 6:49 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Experiencing Birds away from Arkansas
Great posting, Betty. What a wonderful trip! I loked at your eBird report and really enjoyed those Greater Prairie-Chickens.
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of betty_evans <betty_evans...>
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2025 5:26 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Experiencing Birds away from Arkansas
Within a day's drive of NWA you can see some amazing spring bird activity. Loess Bluffs NWR in northern Missouri hosts many thousands of Snow Geese and a few hours west of there you can experience the stopover of thousands of Sandhill Cranes on their way to their nesting grounds in Canada. I took a short trip up last week to see those birds plus get an up-close view of dancing Greater Prairie Chickens. Here is my trip report https://ebird.org/tripreport/338003 I had seen all these species before, it was just a trip to experience the birds in their natural habitat, not to worry about making marks on a list.
Within a day's drive of NWA you can see some amazing spring bird activity. Loess Bluffs NWR in northern Missouri hosts many thousands of Snow Geese and a few hours west of there you can experience the stopover of thousands of Sandhill Cranes on their way to their nesting grounds in Canada. I took a short trip up last week to see those birds plus get an up-close view of dancing Greater Prairie Chickens. Here is my trip report https://ebird.org/tripreport/338003 I had seen all these species before, it was just a trip to experience the birds in their natural habitat, not to worry about making marks on a list.
Betty Evans
Date: 3/15/25 7:13 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Short-billed Gull at Dardanelle Dam
Kenny and LaDonna Nichols found a Short-billed Gull (formerly know as Mew Gull) below the Dardanelle Dam late yesterday afternoon from the Riverview Recreation Area on the Dardanelle side. Folks are there this morning looking for it but haven't found it yet.Information about the Location with directions and tips for birding can be found here: https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L3671606Our eBird list with a photo of this gull. https://ebird.org/checklist/S218527952Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/15/25 5:05 am From: Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> Subject: ASCA field trip today
Nancy Young who lives in Garland Co. just let me know it is still storming in Pine Bluff. I recommend that everyone stay home and stay safe. Please help pass the word. Sorry for the short notice. Karen Holliday ASCA field trip coordinator
The Yellow Grosbeak was seen earlier today (Fri, Mar 14). Reminder: Access is not available this weekend but will resume on Monday. See email below for access information.We hope no one was negatively impacted by this ugly storm that is passing over Arkansas tonight. Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/14/25 9:30 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) "Jeffery" the Yellow Grosbeak was seen yesterday morning. Per the landowners, access will not be available (and gate closed/locked) this weekend. Access will be available on Monday. The homeowners welcome folks to come see him, preferably from noon until dark (with exceptions). To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible. There is a $25/person donation fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. The bird is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult for everyone to see.Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/11/25 7:14 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) Update: the Yellow Grosbeak was seen late today (around 6p) with birders from Oregon as well as Pennsylvania present. The Penn birders are the ones who found the Little Gull this morning at Lake Maumelle. ❤️ ACCESS IS CLOSED THIS WEEKEND. The Hunnicutts have a busy weekend planned, and the gate to their property will be closed. Otherwise, the schedule continues as follows:Folks are welcome to come see him, preferably from noon until dark (with exceptions). To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible. There is a $25/person donation fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. The bird is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult for everyone to see.Thank you, everyone, for your ongoing support for those who want to see this U.S. RarityPatty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/10/25 6:14 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) The Yellow Grosbeak was seen again today. See below for access details. Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/9/25 8:41 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) The Yellow Grosbeak was seen this morning by Shianne. Folks are welcome to come see him, preferably from noon until dark (with exceptions). To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible. There is a $25/person donation fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. Jeffrey is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult to see.We don't know how long he will continue here, and he has apparently found another food source, so isn'tat the feeder as often as previously. I will update daily as to his ongoing presence.Good luck, all! Patty
Date: 3/14/25 6:18 pm From: Dedra Gerard <000002df2472bba2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Barn Owl more info
Love it! So sorry I missed it!
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Friday, March 14, 2025, 11:07 AM, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
I walked onto the old dock at the backwater of the river and an owl flew out from under it. It landed in a tree park side and turned and looked at me. BARN OWL!!! Then it jumped into a cedar next to the tree and stayed hidden until Cheryl, Pam, and Kayley showed up. I had to walk close to the tree to try and see it when it flushed. It flew across the water where all of us got good looks and Cheryl got decent photos. I was walking for “exercise” and didn’t have my camera. Life bird for three. Made me so happy. New bird for the park. Bill Beall says they must be nesting somewhere nearby. Tomorrow is park cleanup morning.
SandyFort Smith
Date: 3/14/25 10:43 am From: Sarah Morris <saraha.morris1...> Subject: Re: Jackson County Caracara?
Ok, thanks.
On Fri, Mar 14, 2025 at 11:13 AM Patty McLean <plm108...> wrote:
> Not as far as we know. We've been a few times since we first saw it on Mar
> 3 and haven't seen it again. Paul Provence says he hasn't seen it either.
>
> Patty
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Sarah Morris <saraha.morris1...>
> Date: 3/14/25 8:43 AM (GMT-06:00)
> To: <ARBIRD-L...>
> Subject: Jackson County Caracara?
>
> Are they still seeing the crested caracara in Jackson County?
>
> Sarah Morris
>
> ------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
Date: 3/14/25 9:14 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Jackson County Caracara?
Not as far as we know. We've been a few times since we first saw it on Mar 3 and haven't seen it again. Paul Provence says he hasn't seen it either.Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Sarah Morris <saraha.morris1...> Date: 3/14/25 8:43 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Jackson County Caracara? Are they still seeing the crested caracara in Jackson County?Sarah Morris
Date: 3/14/25 9:07 am From: Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> Subject: Barn Owl more info
I walked onto the old dock at the backwater of the river and an owl flew
out from under it. It landed in a tree park side and turned and looked at
me. BARN OWL!!! Then it jumped into a cedar next to the tree and stayed
hidden until Cheryl, Pam, and Kayley showed up. I had to walk close to the
tree to try and see it when it flushed. It flew across the water where all
of us got good looks and Cheryl got decent photos. I was walking for
“exercise” and didn’t have my camera. Life bird for three. Made me so
happy.
New bird for the park. Bill Beall says they must be nesting somewhere
nearby.
Tomorrow is park cleanup morning.
Date: 3/14/25 8:03 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Purple Martins for 77 years
In Fort Smith, Bill Beall had 10 PURPLE MARTINS at his place when I talked with him this morning. This is about the number he expects by mid-March.
And heres some amazing data: this is year number 77 let me repeat that the Purple martins at his place this year marks 77 years in a row he has had them.
Way to go Bill Beall, former AAS President, current Treasurer for NWAAS. Way to go PURPLE MARTINS, making our old world turn in the right direction!
Date: 3/14/25 7:57 am From: Charles Anderson <oborocks0...> Subject: Re: Ornithology students encounter owl chicks on the forest floor
I'm just now reading about owl chicks' "branching" behavior and the fact
that they can climb back up trees to the nest or branch in Jennifer
Ackerman's What an Owl Knows. Very cool. Thanks for sharing this.
Chuck Anderson
Little Rock
On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 10:19 PM Donna Haynes <
<00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
"Jeffery" the Yellow Grosbeak was seen yesterday morning. Per the landowners, access will not be available (and gate closed/locked) this weekend. Access will be available on Monday. The homeowners welcome folks to come see him, preferably from noon until dark (with exceptions). To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible. There is a $25/person donation fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. The bird is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult for everyone to see.Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/11/25 7:14 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) Update: the Yellow Grosbeak was seen late today (around 6p) with birders from Oregon as well as Pennsylvania present. The Penn birders are the ones who found the Little Gull this morning at Lake Maumelle. ❤️ ACCESS IS CLOSED THIS WEEKEND. The Hunnicutts have a busy weekend planned, and the gate to their property will be closed. Otherwise, the schedule continues as follows:Folks are welcome to come see him, preferably from noon until dark (with exceptions). To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible. There is a $25/person donation fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. The bird is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult for everyone to see.Thank you, everyone, for your ongoing support for those who want to see this U.S. RarityPatty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/10/25 6:14 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) The Yellow Grosbeak was seen again today. See below for access details. Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/9/25 8:41 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) The Yellow Grosbeak was seen this morning by Shianne. Folks are welcome to come see him, preferably from noon until dark (with exceptions). To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible. There is a $25/person donation fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. Jeffrey is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult to see.We don't know how long he will continue here, and he has apparently found another food source, so isn'tat the feeder as often as previously. I will update daily as to his ongoing presence.Good luck, all! Patty
Date: 3/13/25 8:19 pm From: Donna Haynes <00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Ornithology students encounter owl chicks on the forest floor
What an amazing and adorable sight! Experiencing tht will be a core memory for many of your students! Thank you so much for sharing! Donna HaynesWest Pulaski Co.
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 6:59 PM, Ragupathy Kannan<0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> wrote: I live for OMG moments like this when I am out with my ornithology students. This afternoon we were exploring the River Valley Nature Center's pine woodlands when we ran into two downy Great Horned Owl chicks on the ground, apparently fallen out of a nest. Amidst many oohs and aaahs and sounds of camera shutters, we circled around the chicks from a decent distance and enjoyed them as they glared back at us openmouthed. Here are the photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S218324100A parent was seen briefly flying nearby.
Note the Purple Finches also, a good new bird to the class's burgeoning list.
KannanFt. Smith
Date: 3/13/25 4:59 pm From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Ornithology students encounter owl chicks on the forest floor
I live for OMG moments like this when I am out with my ornithology students. This afternoon we were exploring the River Valley Nature Center's pine woodlands when we ran into two downy Great Horned Owl chicks on the ground, apparently fallen out of a nest. Amidst many oohs and aaahs and sounds of camera shutters, we circled around the chicks from a decent distance and enjoyed them as they glared back at us openmouthed. Here are the photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S218324100A parent was seen briefly flying nearby.
Note the Purple Finches also, a good new bird to the class's burgeoning list.
KannanFt. Smith
Date: 3/13/25 4:13 pm From: Jack and Pam <00000064a46c579c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Lost Chapter?
Is anyone on this list a member of the TexArkana Audubon Society or know anything about this group? Do they still exist?Thanks for any information you can provide.
Jack StewartNewton County
Date: 3/13/25 1:51 pm From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> Subject: Gravette, AR
I decided to try my luck in the Gravette area today. A beautiful orange moon was low in the west. I don't think you can have a "harvest moon" north of the equator in March. My first leg was Leonard Ranch Rd. I had hardly gotten started when, I looked out in the field and saw a smallish hawk which I could not identify, but I'm glad I got out as in the field beyond iit was a gray ghost. My first Norther Harrier of the year. The bird on the ground did not look like a female harrier, I would however see one on the Tim Lake part of the trip
Just past the intersection of Crawley and Leonard Ranch, the song of the Western Meadowlark dominated. This is a great place fro blackbirds. Red-wings, Grckles. Cowbirds.and Eupagius sp. I was able to identify one as definitely Brewer's. Later on on the Austin Rd at the corner Austin and Crawley, I found seven in a tree with about 25 cowbirds, and a few Red-wings and was able to get some photographs.
I was disappointed in the sparrows. Just one Harris's, among the expected White-crowned and Savannah.
Date: 3/13/25 7:07 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
Roger Massey is at Bufflehead Bay this morning and says the CLARK'S GREBE is just out from shore. Of the few gulls presently there, none are Little Gulls. Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/10/25 6:22 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay Seen today at Bufflehead Bay. Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/9/25 1:40 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay The Clark's Grebe is continuing today with several other recently seen rarities, out from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/8/25 8:17 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay A number of folks at Bufflehead Bay have just spotted the Clark's. Patty-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/7/25 7:08 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay The Clark's Grebe continues this morning. According to Matt Matlock, and it's apparently relatively close to shore. Red-throated Loons and Red-necked Grebes are also close. Info on this location;https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/6/25 1:09 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) A group of us checked again this morning and we are calling this a Clark's based on an orange bill, clean white above/around the eye, and thin black down the back of the neck.We commandeered a fisherman to take Michael out to photo the bird with us on shore giving directions via cell phone. Now that's a story unto itself -- but he pulled it off and got some documentary photos which we'll add later to our shared eBird list.A big shout out to Roger Massey, who first located this bird, and to Kenny and LaDonna Nichols for noticing the interesting features that looked like a Clark's. If approved, this will be a first state record. Participants include Roger Massey, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols, Ragan Sutterfield, Sarah Morris, Randy Robinson, a young woman named Leah, and a super nice fisherman named Chris (who surely have a story to tell his friends and family).Best viewing area is Bufflehead Bay out toward the main body of water. A scope is highly recommended. Mornings have been good. Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/5/25 1:41 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) Well, another rarity was photographed on Sunday by Roger Massey from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. He reported it with photos as a Western Grebe, which altho rare is certainly less rare than a Clark's Grebe. On Monday, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols looked for it and found a large Aechmophorus grebe that appeared paler across the backside with a bright orange-yellow bill, which would suggest a Clark's Grebe. So the Arkansas Bird Records Committee is reviewing several photographs, and Michael and I are attempting to get more. It will be critical to confirm this with documentary photographs because if it turns out to be a Clark's Grebe, it will be the official first state record. Why so confusing? Well, initially these two were considered separate species and then became lumped for an extended period of time when the Clark's was considered a lighter morph of the Western. In 1985, they were again separated into two distinct species with the additional challenge of hybridization. Thus the need for careful study and review. While at Bufflehead Bay this morning, we also relocated the Pacific Loon and added an immature Red-throated Loon and a near-breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe. There were also several Horned Grebe showing their golden horns. We plan to go back this afternoon and try for documentary photos. Info on Bufflehead Bay. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/12/25 8:19 pm From: Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> Subject: Lake Maumelle this afternoon
Donna Haynes hadn't had an opportunity to get to Lake Maumelle to see the good birds being found. She had a free afternoon today so we went straight to Bufflehead Bay trail. The great news is the trail is now paved all the way to the point. Very physically accessible after years of having it paved only part way. Kudos to Central Arkansas Water who is doing a great job of improving access to many parts of the lake. Daniel Denman joined us. The more eyes the better. We birded the point first which is at the end of the paved trail. The Clark's Grebe, Pacific Loon, and Eared Grebe were quite close, easy to identify with scopes. We then walked the Farkleberry Trail (unpaved) to its end at the inlet where the wooden platform is, which is always productive. Found over 20 Common Loons, 30+ Ring-billed Gulls. A smaller gull showed up with a fluttering flight when landing on the water with dark underwings when it flared on landing. It looked to be smaller than the Bonaparte Gulls resting on the water. It had a very large dot behind the eye and some shading on the crown. Luckily Daniel got good photos which he'll add to the checklist. He just texted me that if the Little Gull is correct, he will have gotten four lifers this afternoon!! Horned Grebe, Clark's Grebe, Pacific Loon, and hopefully the Little Gull. He is so excited. I love watching the thrill and excitement when our newer birders get life birds. Donna hopes the small gull we saw is a Little Gull. Life bird for her too. I got the Little Gull for a state bird September 2008 at Lake Dardanelle. It's never dull in the birding world! Karen Holliday Maumelle
If you haven't heard this podcast, you might want to listen. It's less than 30 minutes long and discusses the McCormick Place disaster in October 2023, what McCormick did about it (decreasing bird strikes by 95%), why collisions happen (particularly here in the central US), and what you can do about them.
It's an episode from an NPR program called Up from Dust. It's well worth your time and very current (just broadcast last week).
And here's a reminder for Arkansas Audubon Society members: Arkansas Sun Solutions <https://www.arsunsolutions.com/> will install patterned window film on your home for a 10% discount. What McCormick Place used was Feather Friendly film. That's what I have on my house, and it's working great for me.
Date: 3/12/25 12:05 pm From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Little gull at lk maumelle
Several of us scanned the Lake this morning from Bufflehead Bay and Loon Point with no Little Gull seen. Nor was the Clark's Grebe seen. But the Red-necked Grebes, Pacific and Red-throated Loons and at least one Eared Grebe were present. A scope is helpful because the birds were mostly so far away. I'll note that the sunlight can play tricks with the underwings of the Bonaparte's, making them appear rather dark (altho not black). The folks who found it yesterday are from Pennsylvania and told Michael they typically see hundreds of Little Gulls off the coast of Delaware and are very familiar with the species.Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/11/25 12:12 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Little gull at lk maumelle Roger's last sighting was from here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/5dhncqN71xA7uYX9AA scope and sturdy hiking boots are helpful. Patty-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/11/25 11:44 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Little gull at lk maumelle Roger Massey reports a Little Gull out from the Farkleberry Trail.Patty McLean
Date: 3/11/25 7:43 pm From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - March 11
It was clear and mild (70's) with some light wind on the bird survey today. 58 species were found. I re-found one of our wintering Common Gallinules after not seeing it for about a month. Won't be long and the migratory ones will be returning. Rebuds are just starting to bloom. New leaves are starting to come out on some of the trees. Spring is here! Here is my list for today:
Update: the Yellow Grosbeak was seen late today (around 6p) with birders from Oregon as well as Pennsylvania present. The Penn birders are the ones who found the Little Gull this morning at Lake Maumelle. ❤️ ACCESS IS CLOSED THIS WEEKEND. The Hunnicutts have a busy weekend planned, and the gate to their property will be closed. Otherwise, the schedule continues as follows:Folks are welcome to come see him, preferably from noon until dark (with exceptions). To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible. There is a $25/person donation fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. The bird is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult for everyone to see.Thank you, everyone, for your ongoing support for those who want to see this U.S. RarityPatty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/10/25 6:14 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) The Yellow Grosbeak was seen again today. See below for access details. Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/9/25 8:41 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) The Yellow Grosbeak was seen this morning by Shianne. Folks are welcome to come see him, preferably from noon until dark (with exceptions). To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible. There is a $25/person donation fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. Jeffrey is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult to see.We don't know how long he will continue here, and he has apparently found another food source, so isn'tat the feeder as often as previously. I will update daily as to his ongoing presence.Good luck, all! Patty
Date: 3/11/25 4:18 pm From: Anita Schnee <000003224553d416-dmarc-request...> Subject: Big Doings Amongst the Bluebirds
Today the bluebirds were all in an uproar. Six to eight of them flying around and into each other, twittering like no tomorrow. Brown Farm, east Fayetteville, on one of those blissful days like you can't hardly believe.
Date: 3/11/25 10:15 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Little gull at lk maumelle
Roger's last sighting was from here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/5dhncqN71xA7uYX9AA scope and sturdy hiking boots are helpful. Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/11/25 11:44 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Little gull at lk maumelle Roger Massey reports a Little Gull out from the Farkleberry Trail.Patty McLean
Date: 3/11/25 8:01 am From: Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> Subject: Upcoming ASCA Field Trips
ASCA Field Trips March, April, May 2025March 15Delta Rivers Nature Center, Boyd Point Wastewater Facility, Lake Saracen, Wilbur West RoadPine Bluff, Jefferson Co. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Dixon Rd. commuter lot, Exit 3 off I-530 South. We’ll arrive at the Delta Rivers Nature Center in Pine Bluff around 8:00 a.m. We’ll bird the parking lot until the Center opens at 8:30 a.m. The area has diverse habitats such as cypress and tupelo swamps, open water, and wetlands. Lingering sparrows, winter finches, wrens, egrets, and herons will be our main targets. Walking is on paved trails and boardwalks. Next stop is the Boyd Point Wastewater Facility to look for ducks and gulls. If time permits, we’ll also check Lake Saracen and Wilber West Road. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. The trip can last into the afternoon. Participants are welcome to leave at any time.From the Dixon Rd. commuter lot, take I-530 south to Pine Bluff for 35 miles until I-530 becomes Hwy. 65B (Exit 35). Go 6 miles, continuing past Lake Saracen (Lake Pine Bluff). Turn left onto Regional Park Drive. (Convention Center Dr.). Continue on Regional Park Drive approximately 1.2 miles. Turn right onto 1400 Black Dog Road. Follow signs to the Nature Center. GPS: 34.239187, -91.990982. Website is www.deltarivers.comApril 19Bell Slough South AGFC Wildlife Management AreaMayflower, Faulkner Co. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the main entrance to the Bell Slough Wildlife Management Area (WMA) off Hwy. 365. Our target birds will be spring migrants. Bell Slough is a mix of ecosystems consisting of 2,040 acres of woodlands and wetlands situated between Little Rock and the Mayflower/Conway region. There are 117 species of birds documented for the area, including the adjacent waterfowl resting habitat. The Bell Slough Kenny Vernon Nature Trail consists of three connecting trails, each ranging in length from about a half-mile to 2 1/4 miles. The WMA has a nice mix of wildflowers that attract numerous butterflies. Wear study walking shoes. This will be a morning trip. From Little Rock, go west on I-40. Exit I-40 at Mayflower (Exit 135) and turn east (right) at the light onto Hwy. 89. Then turn south (right) just past the commuter parking lot onto the service road. Follow the service road paralleling I-40, then veer right at the fork. Follow this road until you cross the Palarm Creek bridge. Turn left into the WMA parking lot. GPS: 34.946164, -92.407896May 10Gillam Park, Little Rock Audubon Center (LRAC) and David D. Terry Lock and DamLittle Rock, Pulaski Co. Join our field trip to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) and experience the excitement of spring migration. At least four thousand different species of birds are moving from their wintering grounds to their summer nesting sites. It will be a great day to be outside enjoying nature. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Gillam Park in the far parking lot. Gillam has excellent habitat for spring warblers. There will be moderate walking on fairly level, but possibly muddy trails. Once finished at Gillam, we’ll drive to the LRAC and walk the wildlife observation trail. Last, we’ll head to Industrial Harbor Road and David D. Terry Lock & Dam to look for Western Kingbirds, Great-tailed Grackles, Bobolinks, and Painted Buntings. Bring water and snacks, the trip can last into early afternoon. Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots.Directions—Gillam Park is in southeast Little Rock near the airport. Address is 5300 Gillam Park Road, Little Rock. Take I-30 West heading south from Little Rock. Then exit onto I-440 going towards the airport. Take Exit 1-Springer Road. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto Springer Road. Go approximately 1 mile to just past the LRAC. Turn right onto Gillam Park Road. Follow it into the park to the last parking lot. GPS: 34.698684, -92.264514Karen Holliday ASCA field trip coordinator
Yes! I hope Riatta does follow in the footsteps of those of us passionate about birding.
Therefore I gave her a 'First Guide to Birds of North America' by Roger Tory Peterson, complete with a printed list of all bird species we saw on the day when we visited.
I suggested that maybe her mom, Shianne, could look them up in the index, so they could see their pictures. It may help her learn to read and spell as well. That was also my first bird book, as it was many of ours, and I spent hours looking at ALL the field guides on the shelves beside my desk. Riatta, who is only 3, has been encouraged to ride, rope, and sing, and I hope this will encourage her to read, spell, and identify birds also.
Judith
Ninestone, Carroll County
> On Mar 10, 2025, at 11:19 PM, Karen Garrett <kjgarrett84...> wrote:
>
> And maybe, just maybe, we have a new family of birders. That little girl might follow in the footsteps of young people, passionate about birding, that then make a career out of it. You never know.
>
>
> On Mon, Mar 10, 2025, 11:02 PM Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> <mailto:<ladyhawke1...>> wrote:
> I don't think its thousands. But the money is going to be very helpful. The owners of the small farm are using the money to set up a college fund for their children. A wonderful windfall for a family who doesn't have much income.
> I know the poor lost Grosbeak would be happy to know his unexpected visit to Arkansas was exciting for birders in our state and surrounding states, and also generated college funds for the owner's children. A great gift from the Grosbeak to us.
> Karen Holliday
> Maumelle
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Jonathan Perry <jonathanperry24...> <mailto:<jonathanperry24...>> > Date: 3/10/25 7:05 PM <> (GMT-06:00)
> To: <ARBIRD-L...> <mailto:<ARBIRD-L...> > Subject: Re: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County)
>
> Lord, I hope a lot. I love free enterprise, don’t we all?
> Jonathan
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
>>
>>
>> Show
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 <http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1> > To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 <http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1>
So happy you got to bird the Stuttgart airport for the first time and see your Ferruginous Hawk! Awesome! I'm so glad we were able to to talk about it before you left Lake Maumelle after seeing the Clark's Grebe that morning. Then heading to Stuttgart. Happy to give you the code to get in the terminal. Thanks for letting me know it's still the same. I was happy to advise you on the proper procedures for how to bird the Stuttgart airport and deal with aircraft landing and taking off. Important. Karen Holliday Maumelle
-------- Original message --------From: Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...> Date: 3/10/25 9:09 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Ferruginous Hawk
After visiting Lake Maumelle on Saturday morning to see the Clark's Grebe and loons (that Grebe and the Pacific and Red-throated loons were all lifers for me) I decided to head to the Stuttgart Airport for the 1st time. I struck out on any Longspurs
or Pipits but did see my 1st ever Ferruginous Hawk! Ebird checklist attached with photos. I was not sure what it was since I had never see one but I did think it was different so got some photos and posted them on INaturalist. Those fine folks helped
me ID it as a Ferruginous. So it turned out to be a 4 lifer day, Yippee!
Thanks to Karen Holliday for your help regarding directions to Stuttgart.
And maybe, just maybe, we have a new family of birders. That little girl
might follow in the footsteps of young people, passionate about birding,
that then make a career out of it. You never know.
On Mon, Mar 10, 2025, 11:02 PM Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> wrote:
> I don't think its thousands. But the money is going to be very helpful.
> The owners of the small farm are using the money to set up a college fund
> for their children. A wonderful windfall for a family who doesn't have much
> income.
> I know the poor lost Grosbeak would be happy to know his unexpected
> visit to Arkansas was exciting for birders in our state and surrounding
> states, and also generated college funds for the owner's children. A great
> gift from the Grosbeak to us.
> Karen Holliday
> Maumelle
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Jonathan Perry <jonathanperry24...>
> Date: 3/10/25 7:05 PM (GMT-06:00)
> To: <ARBIRD-L...>
> Subject: Re: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County)
>
> Lord, I hope a lot. I love free enterprise, don’t we all?
> Jonathan
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
>
>
> Show
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
I don't think its thousands. But the money is going to be very helpful. The owners of the small farm are using the money to set up a college fund for their children. A wonderful windfall for a family who doesn't have much income. I know the poor lost Grosbeak would be happy to know his unexpected visit to Arkansas was exciting for birders in our state and surrounding states, and also generated college funds for the owner's children. A great gift from the Grosbeak to us.Karen Holliday Maumelle -------- Original message --------From: Jonathan Perry <jonathanperry24...> Date: 3/10/25 7:05 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Re: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) Lord, I hope a lot. I love free enterprise, don’t we all?Jonathan Sent from my iPadShow
Date: 3/10/25 5:05 pm From: Jonathan Perry <jonathanperry24...> Subject: Re: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County)
Lord, I hope a lot. I love free enterprise, don’t we all?
Sent from my iPad
> On Mar 10, 2025, at 6:26 PM, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
>
>
> How many thousands of dollars has the owner made?
>
>
>> On Mon, Mar 10, 2025 at 6:14 PM Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>> The Yellow Grosbeak was seen again today. See below for access details.
>>
>> Patty McLean
>>
>> -------- Original message --------
>> From: Patty McLean <plm108...>
>> Date: 3/9/25 8:41 AM (GMT-06:00)
>> To: <ARBIRD-L...>
>> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County)
>>
>> The Yellow Grosbeak was seen this morning by Shianne. Folks are welcome to come see him, preferably from noon until dark (with exceptions).
>>
>> To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible.
>>
>> There is a $25/person donation fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo.
>>
>> Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. Jeffrey is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult to see.
>>
>> We don't know how long he will continue here, and he has apparently found another food source, so isn'tat the feeder as often as previously. I will update daily as to his ongoing presence.
>>
>> Good luck, all!
>>
>> Patty
>>
>>
>>
>> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
>> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >>
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
On Mon, Mar 10, 2025 at 6:14 PM Patty McLean <
<000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> The Yellow Grosbeak was seen again today. See below for access details.
>
> Patty McLean
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Patty McLean <plm108...>
> Date: 3/9/25 8:41 AM (GMT-06:00)
> To: <ARBIRD-L...>
> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County)
>
> The Yellow Grosbeak was seen this morning by Shianne. Folks are welcome to
> come see him, preferably from noon until dark (with exceptions).
>
> To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at
> 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the
> day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often
> be flexible.
>
> There is a $25/person donation fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo.
>
> Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within
> 40 feet of the feeder area. Jeffrey is very shy and will disappear into the
> trees when spooked, making him more difficult to see.
>
> We don't know how long he will continue here, and he has apparently found
> another food source, so isn'tat the feeder as often as previously. I will
> update daily as to his ongoing presence.
>
> Good luck, all!
>
> Patty
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
Date: 3/10/25 4:22 pm From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
Seen today at Bufflehead Bay. Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/9/25 1:40 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay The Clark's Grebe is continuing today with several other recently seen rarities, out from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/8/25 8:17 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay A number of folks at Bufflehead Bay have just spotted the Clark's. Patty-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/7/25 7:08 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay The Clark's Grebe continues this morning. According to Matt Matlock, and it's apparently relatively close to shore. Red-throated Loons and Red-necked Grebes are also close. Info on this location;https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/6/25 1:09 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) A group of us checked again this morning and we are calling this a Clark's based on an orange bill, clean white above/around the eye, and thin black down the back of the neck.We commandeered a fisherman to take Michael out to photo the bird with us on shore giving directions via cell phone. Now that's a story unto itself -- but he pulled it off and got some documentary photos which we'll add later to our shared eBird list.A big shout out to Roger Massey, who first located this bird, and to Kenny and LaDonna Nichols for noticing the interesting features that looked like a Clark's. If approved, this will be a first state record. Participants include Roger Massey, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols, Ragan Sutterfield, Sarah Morris, Randy Robinson, a young woman named Leah, and a super nice fisherman named Chris (who surely have a story to tell his friends and family).Best viewing area is Bufflehead Bay out toward the main body of water. A scope is highly recommended. Mornings have been good. Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/5/25 1:41 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) Well, another rarity was photographed on Sunday by Roger Massey from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. He reported it with photos as a Western Grebe, which altho rare is certainly less rare than a Clark's Grebe. On Monday, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols looked for it and found a large Aechmophorus grebe that appeared paler across the backside with a bright orange-yellow bill, which would suggest a Clark's Grebe. So the Arkansas Bird Records Committee is reviewing several photographs, and Michael and I are attempting to get more. It will be critical to confirm this with documentary photographs because if it turns out to be a Clark's Grebe, it will be the official first state record. Why so confusing? Well, initially these two were considered separate species and then became lumped for an extended period of time when the Clark's was considered a lighter morph of the Western. In 1985, they were again separated into two distinct species with the additional challenge of hybridization. Thus the need for careful study and review. While at Bufflehead Bay this morning, we also relocated the Pacific Loon and added an immature Red-throated Loon and a near-breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe. There were also several Horned Grebe showing their golden horns. We plan to go back this afternoon and try for documentary photos. Info on Bufflehead Bay. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
The Yellow Grosbeak was seen again today. See below for access details. Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/9/25 8:41 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) The Yellow Grosbeak was seen this morning by Shianne. Folks are welcome to come see him, preferably from noon until dark (with exceptions). To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible. There is a $25/person donation fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. Jeffrey is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult to see.We don't know how long he will continue here, and he has apparently found another food source, so isn'tat the feeder as often as previously. I will update daily as to his ongoing presence.Good luck, all! Patty
Michael and i went looking for Brian's Ferruginous Hawk today with no luck. However we did find a beautiful Krider's Red-tailed along U.S. 11 near the airport and the Say's Phoebe reported earlier. They Say's was feeding along the fence, approx here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NNTbQCvBvn7QHMNLAPatty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
-------- Original message --------From: Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...> Date: 3/10/25 9:14 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Ferruginous Hawk
After visiting Lake Maumelle on Saturday morning to see the Clark's Grebe and loons (that Grebe and the Pacific and Red-throated loons were all lifers for me) I decided to head to the Stuttgart Airport for the 1st time. I struck out on any Longspurs
or Pipits but did see my 1st ever Ferruginous Hawk! Ebird checklist attached with photos. I was not sure what it was since I had never see one but I did think it was different so got some photos and posted them on INaturalist. Those fine folks helped
me ID it as a Ferruginous. So it turned out to be a 4 lifer day, Yippee!
Thanks to Karen Holliday for your help regarding directions to Stuttgart.
Date: 3/10/25 7:09 am From: Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...> Subject: Ferruginous Hawk
After visiting Lake Maumelle on Saturday morning to see the Clark's Grebe and loons (that Grebe and the Pacific and Red-throated loons were all lifers for me) I decided to head to the Stuttgart Airport for the 1st time. I struck out on any Longspurs or Pipits but did see my 1st ever Ferruginous Hawk! Ebird checklist attached with photos. I was not sure what it was since I had never see one but I did think it was different so got some photos and posted them on INaturalist. Those fine folks helped me ID it as a Ferruginous. So it turned out to be a 4 lifer day, Yippee!
Thanks to Karen Holliday for your help regarding directions to Stuttgart.
Date: 3/10/25 5:11 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/9/25 1:40 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay The Clark's Grebe is continuing today with several other recently seen rarities, out from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/8/25 8:17 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay A number of folks at Bufflehead Bay have just spotted the Clark's. Patty-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/7/25 7:08 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay The Clark's Grebe continues this morning. According to Matt Matlock, and it's apparently relatively close to shore. Red-throated Loons and Red-necked Grebes are also close. Info on this location;https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/6/25 1:09 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) A group of us checked again this morning and we are calling this a Clark's based on an orange bill, clean white above/around the eye, and thin black down the back of the neck.We commandeered a fisherman to take Michael out to photo the bird with us on shore giving directions via cell phone. Now that's a story unto itself -- but he pulled it off and got some documentary photos which we'll add later to our shared eBird list.A big shout out to Roger Massey, who first located this bird, and to Kenny and LaDonna Nichols for noticing the interesting features that looked like a Clark's. If approved, this will be a first state record. Participants include Roger Massey, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols, Ragan Sutterfield, Sarah Morris, Randy Robinson, a young woman named Leah, and a super nice fisherman named Chris (who surely have a story to tell his friends and family).Best viewing area is Bufflehead Bay out toward the main body of water. A scope is highly recommended. Mornings have been good. Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/5/25 1:41 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) Well, another rarity was photographed on Sunday by Roger Massey from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. He reported it with photos as a Western Grebe, which altho rare is certainly less rare than a Clark's Grebe. On Monday, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols looked for it and found a large Aechmophorus grebe that appeared paler across the backside with a bright orange-yellow bill, which would suggest a Clark's Grebe. So the Arkansas Bird Records Committee is reviewing several photographs, and Michael and I are attempting to get more. It will be critical to confirm this with documentary photographs because if it turns out to be a Clark's Grebe, it will be the official first state record. Why so confusing? Well, initially these two were considered separate species and then became lumped for an extended period of time when the Clark's was considered a lighter morph of the Western. In 1985, they were again separated into two distinct species with the additional challenge of hybridization. Thus the need for careful study and review. While at Bufflehead Bay this morning, we also relocated the Pacific Loon and added an immature Red-throated Loon and a near-breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe. There were also several Horned Grebe showing their golden horns. We plan to go back this afternoon and try for documentary photos. Info on Bufflehead Bay. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/9/25 5:52 pm From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Shorebirds and Short-eared Owls at Bald Knob NWR
Michael and I made an afternoon trip through the Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge today and found thousands of lingering ducks, hundreds of shorebirds (including new arrivals of Pectoral, STILT, LB Dowitchers and a single Am golden-plover) plus TWO Short-eared Owls that came out a little after 6:50p, while there was still good light The first owl was hunting along one of the levys and nabbed what's probably a swamp rat. Soon a Northern Harrier showed up and STOLE it from him. Dawna Stirrup was just up the road and we called her to come join us. We watched the owl fly over the field for a good 15 minutes until it flew too far away. Eventually a second owl, a much darker morph, showed up, giving us great views. This is the approx location where we watched these grand owls: https://goo.gl/maps/JYiDAMiRqScAcddd7The Golden-plover was in one of the north fields just south the Admin Bldg. The Long-billed Dowitchers and Stilt Sandpipers were in Cell 2. Pectorals and Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs were in various fields. A few Wilson's Snipe also made an appearance as did several Bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and a Loggerhead Shrike. It was all a nice treat in preparation of Spring Migration. Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/9/25 11:41 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
The Clark's Grebe is continuing today with several other recently seen rarities, out from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/8/25 8:17 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay A number of folks at Bufflehead Bay have just spotted the Clark's. Patty-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/7/25 7:08 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay The Clark's Grebe continues this morning. According to Matt Matlock, and it's apparently relatively close to shore. Red-throated Loons and Red-necked Grebes are also close. Info on this location;https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/6/25 1:09 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) A group of us checked again this morning and we are calling this a Clark's based on an orange bill, clean white above/around the eye, and thin black down the back of the neck.We commandeered a fisherman to take Michael out to photo the bird with us on shore giving directions via cell phone. Now that's a story unto itself -- but he pulled it off and got some documentary photos which we'll add later to our shared eBird list.A big shout out to Roger Massey, who first located this bird, and to Kenny and LaDonna Nichols for noticing the interesting features that looked like a Clark's. If approved, this will be a first state record. Participants include Roger Massey, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols, Ragan Sutterfield, Sarah Morris, Randy Robinson, a young woman named Leah, and a super nice fisherman named Chris (who surely have a story to tell his friends and family).Best viewing area is Bufflehead Bay out toward the main body of water. A scope is highly recommended. Mornings have been good. Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/5/25 1:41 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) Well, another rarity was photographed on Sunday by Roger Massey from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. He reported it with photos as a Western Grebe, which altho rare is certainly less rare than a Clark's Grebe. On Monday, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols looked for it and found a large Aechmophorus grebe that appeared paler across the backside with a bright orange-yellow bill, which would suggest a Clark's Grebe. So the Arkansas Bird Records Committee is reviewing several photographs, and Michael and I are attempting to get more. It will be critical to confirm this with documentary photographs because if it turns out to be a Clark's Grebe, it will be the official first state record. Why so confusing? Well, initially these two were considered separate species and then became lumped for an extended period of time when the Clark's was considered a lighter morph of the Western. In 1985, they were again separated into two distinct species with the additional challenge of hybridization. Thus the need for careful study and review. While at Bufflehead Bay this morning, we also relocated the Pacific Loon and added an immature Red-throated Loon and a near-breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe. There were also several Horned Grebe showing their golden horns. We plan to go back this afternoon and try for documentary photos. Info on Bufflehead Bay. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, 3:32 PM, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
Many thanks to all y’all for getting me to the trail to the Clark’s Grebe. That guy was all the way across the lake, but we got it. I set up my scope and got on a Horned Grebe, a life bird for Pam. She was looking at it and said, “Wait. Isn’t that the Clark’s right behind it?” And sure enough, its blurry self was back there. We were able to make out two Red-throated Loons also. But the lighting was bad, and the north wind picked up, so we couldn’t find any of the other rarities.
Sandy
Date: 3/9/25 7:49 am From: Anita Schnee <000003224553d416-dmarc-request...> Subject: Front-row seat to pileated chipper
This morning I watched, for around ten minutes from around 30 feet, a pileated woodpecker whacking the heck out of an old apple tree, taking advantage of the cavity left by a fallen limb. Couldn't quite discern the gender -- but there was no mistaking the verve. Wood chips flew everywhere. The hole was big enough for his or her head to get into. Brown Farm, east Fayetteville.
Date: 3/9/25 6:50 am From: Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> Subject: Re: Question re: American Woodcocks
Thanks, everyone. We’ve always had them here from mid-Feb through late March, so not sure what’s different this year.
Judith
> On Mar 8, 2025, at 6:55 PM, Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Attached below is the Weekly Bar Chart for American Woodcock across our entire state. This is based on data from eBird. So the good news is that it looks like they'll be around for a bit longer.
>
> But you can check for your specific region by going to eBird, tap EXPLORE, then under EXPLORE SPECIES, type in American Woodcock (or the banding code AMWO) and tap on the selection. It will open an informative page with photos of the bird selected. Scroll down to Weekly Bar Chart and enter your county. It will give you the Chart for your area, which will give a better idea of how much longer you might have to look/listen for them.
>
> You can use this same process for any bird species you're interested in.
>
> Patty
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...>
> Date: 3/8/25 5:32 PM (GMT-06:00)
> To: <ARBIRD-L...>
> Subject: Re: Question re: American Woodcocks
>
> On my one attempt to see them display at Osage Park, there were a throng of people enjoying the evening. I heard nothing, but Merlin claimed at least one as there.
>
> After many reported early Woodcocks, about four inches of snow fell and one or two nights saw sub-zero temperatures. I think that may have had an impact.
>
> Ian MacGregor Bella Vista
>
> On Sat, Mar 8, 2025 at 12:06 PM, Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> <mailto:On Sat, Mar 8, 2025 at 12:06 PM, Judy Griffith <<a href=>> wrote:
>>
>> The only Woodcock I’ve seen this year was on February 3, rather early for here.
>> Usually we see and hear them displaying later in February into March and often flush them along trails through the woods or around fields.
>> However we’ve had zero sightings nor have we heard them since the early one.
>> Are others seeing Woodcocks as usual this year? If not, any ideas what’s going on?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Judith, Carroll County
>> ############################
>>
>> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list:
>> write to: mailto:<ARBIRD-L-SIGNOFF-REQUEST...> >> or click the following link:
>> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 <http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1> > To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 <http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1><20250308_184345.jpg>
The Yellow Grosbeak was seen this morning by Shianne. Folks are welcome to come see him, preferably from noon until dark (with exceptions). To see the bird, text Shianne a day or two before your visit at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. While Shianne prefers afternoons, she can often be flexible. There is a $25/person donation fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. Jeffrey is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult to see.We don't know how long he will continue here, and he has apparently found another food source, so isn'tat the feeder as often as previously. I will update daily as to his ongoing presence.Good luck, all! Patty
Attached below is the Weekly Bar Chart for American Woodcock across our entire state. This is based on data from eBird. So the good news is that it looks like they'll be around for a bit longer.But you can check for your specific region by going to eBird, tap EXPLORE, then under EXPLORE SPECIES, type in American Woodcock (or the banding code AMWO) and tap on the selection. It will open an informative page with photos of the bird selected. Scroll down to Weekly Bar Chart and enter your county. It will give you the Chart for your area, which will give a better idea of how much longer you might have to look/listen for them.You can use this same process for any bird species you're interested in.Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> Date: 3/8/25 5:32 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Re: Question re: American Woodcocks On my one attempt to see them display at Osage Park, there were a throng of people enjoying the evening. I heard nothing, but Merlin claimed at least one as there.After many reported early Woodcocks, about four inches of snow fell and one or two nights saw sub-zero temperatures. I think that may have had an impact.Ian MacGregor Bella VistaOn Sat, Mar 8, 2025 at 12:06 PM, Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> wrote: The only Woodcock I’ve seen this year was on February 3, rather early for here.
Usually we see and hear them displaying later in February into March and often flush them along trails through the woods or around fields.
However we’ve had zero sightings nor have we heard them since the early one.
Are others seeing Woodcocks as usual this year? If not, any ideas what’s going on?
Thanks,
Judith, Carroll County
############################
Date: 3/8/25 4:02 pm From: N Rock <4rockbird...> Subject: Re: Question re: American Woodcocks
I had my first ones in my yard on Feb 6th (earlier than in the past), and
have heard them pretty much since then when I'm outside at the right time.
I heard them last night. Not sure what they did during the deep
freeze/snow. I sure as heck wasn't out there then. It's almost time, I'll
go check now.
Nancy Rock
Shell Knob, MO (just above the Carroll Co. Ark line).
On Sat, Mar 8, 2025, 12:07 PM Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> wrote:
> The only Woodcock I’ve seen this year was on February 3, rather early for
> here.
> Usually we see and hear them displaying later in February into March and
> often flush them along trails through the woods or around fields.
> However we’ve had zero sightings nor have we heard them since the early
> one.
> Are others seeing Woodcocks as usual this year? If not, any ideas what’s
> going on?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Judith, Carroll County
> ############################
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list:
> write to: mailto:<ARBIRD-L-SIGNOFF-REQUEST...> > or click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
Date: 3/8/25 3:32 pm From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Question re: American Woodcocks
On my one attempt to see them display at Osage Park, there were a throng of people enjoying the evening. I heard nothing, but Merlin claimed at least one as there.
After many reported early Woodcocks, about four inches of snow fell and one or two nights saw sub-zero temperatures. I think that may have had an impact.
Ian MacGregor Bella Vista
On Sat, Mar 8, 2025 at 12:06 PM, Judy Griffith <[<9waterfall9...>](mailto:On Sat, Mar 8, 2025 at 12:06 PM, Judy Griffith <<a href=)> wrote:
> The only Woodcock I’ve seen this year was on February 3, rather early for here.
> Usually we see and hear them displaying later in February into March and often flush them along trails through the woods or around fields.
> However we’ve had zero sightings nor have we heard them since the early one.
> Are others seeing Woodcocks as usual this year? If not, any ideas what’s going on?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Judith, Carroll County
> ############################
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list:
> write to: mailto:<ARBIRD-L-SIGNOFF-REQUEST...> > or click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
> On Mar 8, 2025, at 4:37 p.m., Art Weigand <aweigand13...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> <2003799296283176213.jpg>
>
> The Sand-hill crane (looking pretty miserable) was seen at 4:30 today in a pasture just in from highway 23 on CR 108 on the north side of the road.
>
> Art Weigand
> Oak Ridge Park
> Beaver Lake
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
Many thanks to all y’all for getting me to the trail to the Clark’s Grebe.
That guy was all the way across the lake, but we got it.
I set up my scope and got on a Horned Grebe, a life bird for Pam. She was
looking at it and said, “Wait. Isn’t that the Clark’s right behind it?” And
sure enough, its blurry self was back there.
We were able to make out two Red-throated Loons also. But the lighting was
bad, and the north wind picked up, so we couldn’t find any of the other
rarities.
I found a Yellow-headed Blackbird this morning in a mixed flock of blackbirds and starlings in Fayetteville just west of Garland Ave across the street from the University Experimental Farm (xfarm). The flocks do move around a lot, so I'm not sure it's worth a specific pin, but I did find it in the grassy field here (36.093082,-94.1803291). It moved from there a bit NW into trees off Knapp St. It wasn't able to be relocated in subsequent attempts, though, neither there nor at the xfarm proper.
Date: 3/8/25 11:07 am From: Ashlyn Ohm <4ever4hiskingdom...> Subject: Re: Question re: American Woodcocks
We have been hearing woodcock displays almost nightly in Garland County since 2/3. They took a break during our severe cold/ice storm but then returned afterwards. There was only one male still displaying on the night of 3/6, and I heard none last night. It’s possible they are finished for the season here.
The peak of displaying seemed to be around February 20th and the following week.
> On Mar 8, 2025, at 12:55 PM, Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> We heard at least 6 calling, whirring and dripping last evening in White County.
>
>
> Patty McLean
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Kenneth Younger <kyounger...>
> Date: 3/8/25 12:23 PM (GMT-06:00)
> To: <ARBIRD-L...>
> Subject: Re: Question re: American Woodcocks
>
> Good question. We had a flurry at the beginning of February as well, but not sure if that's because all of us here in the Fayetteville area went to see them within the week or so at the known good spot, and then no longer searched for them; or if they moved on. Sort of makes me want to go check :)
>
> Thanks,
> -Kenny
>
> On Sat, Mar 8, 2025 at 12:07 PM Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> <mailto:<9waterfall9...>> wrote:
>> The only Woodcock I’ve seen this year was on February 3, rather early for here.
>> Usually we see and hear them displaying later in February into March and often flush them along trails through the woods or around fields.
>> However we’ve had zero sightings nor have we heard them since the early one.
>> Are others seeing Woodcocks as usual this year? If not, any ideas what’s going on?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Judith, Carroll County
>> ############################
>>
>> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list:
>> write to: mailto:<ARBIRD-L-SIGNOFF-REQUEST...> <mailto:<ARBIRD-L-SIGNOFF-REQUEST...> >> or click the following link:
>> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
Date: 3/8/25 11:01 am From: Jacob Wessels <jacoblwessels...> Subject: Mississippi Ornithological Society spring meeting April 25-27
Dear Arkansas birders,
I'm writing to pass along information about the upcoming Mississippi
Ornithological Society spring meeting, below. We are trying to spread the
word among birders in neighboring states. The meeting looks like it will be
a lot of fun.
Good birding,
Jacob Wessels
Newsletter Editor/Board Member, Mississippi Ornithological Society
---
Please join us for the spring MOS meeting April 25-27 on the western Gulf
coast of Mississippi, with special guest Tom Stephenson, a professional
birding guide and author of *The Warbler Guide*. More details and online
registration are now available here:
https://missbird.org/meetings/
Discounted registration is available for first-time attendees of an MOS
meeting, and for students.
Birding field trips will visit the migrant traps and salt marshes at
Ansley, extensive freshwater marsh habitat on nearby private land seldom
visited by birders, and coastal jetties and harbors.
Tom's presentation on Saturday evening can help you learn bird
vocalizations! A description is pasted below.
*“How to Study and Memorize Bird Songs (and just about anything else)”*
Identifying the warblers and other species singing in the field is one of
the most enjoyable and satisfying aspects of birding. However, trying to
learn and remember the important ID points of bird vocalizations can be
difficult and sometimes very frustrating. This lecture will cover many new
techniques that make it easier to identify singing birds. Based on the
system outlined in *The Warbler Guide*, the lecture will also explain how
understanding a song’s structure, using objective, easy-to-hear song
qualities, can speed up the identification process and make separating
similar-sounding species much easier. Learning and remembering songs is
another important skill for birders. The lecture will also cover the
science of memory and learning, and outline a simple, 3-step system that
works very effectively for memorizing bird vocalizations and anything else
you’d like to remember!
Date: 3/8/25 10:55 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Question re: American Woodcocks
We heard at least 6 calling, whirring and dripping last evening in White County.Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Kenneth Younger <kyounger...> Date: 3/8/25 12:23 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Re: Question re: American Woodcocks Good question. We had a flurry at the beginning of February as well, but not sure if that's because all of us here in the Fayetteville area went to see them within the week or so at the known good spot, and then no longer searched for them; or if they moved on. Sort of makes me want to go check :)Thanks,-KennyOn Sat, Mar 8, 2025 at 12:07 PM Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> wrote:The only Woodcock I’ve seen this year was on February 3, rather early for here.
Usually we see and hear them displaying later in February into March and often flush them along trails through the woods or around fields.
However we’ve had zero sightings nor have we heard them since the early one.
Are others seeing Woodcocks as usual this year? If not, any ideas what’s going on?
Thanks,
Judith, Carroll County
############################
Date: 3/8/25 10:23 am From: Kenneth Younger <kyounger...> Subject: Re: Question re: American Woodcocks
Good question. We had a flurry at the beginning of February as well, but
not sure if that's because all of us here in the Fayetteville area went to
see them within the week or so at the known good spot, and then no longer
searched for them; or if they moved on. Sort of makes me want to go check :)
Thanks,
-Kenny
On Sat, Mar 8, 2025 at 12:07 PM Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> wrote:
> The only Woodcock I’ve seen this year was on February 3, rather early for
> here.
> Usually we see and hear them displaying later in February into March and
> often flush them along trails through the woods or around fields.
> However we’ve had zero sightings nor have we heard them since the early
> one.
> Are others seeing Woodcocks as usual this year? If not, any ideas what’s
> going on?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Judith, Carroll County
> ############################
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list:
> write to: mailto:<ARBIRD-L-SIGNOFF-REQUEST...> > or click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
Date: 3/8/25 10:07 am From: Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> Subject: Question re: American Woodcocks
The only Woodcock I’ve seen this year was on February 3, rather early for here.
Usually we see and hear them displaying later in February into March and often flush them along trails through the woods or around fields.
However we’ve had zero sightings nor have we heard them since the early one.
Are others seeing Woodcocks as usual this year? If not, any ideas what’s going on?
Thanks,
Judith, Carroll County
############################
Date: 3/8/25 6:18 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
A number of folks at Bufflehead Bay have just spotted the Clark's. Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/7/25 7:08 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay The Clark's Grebe continues this morning. According to Matt Matlock, and it's apparently relatively close to shore. Red-throated Loons and Red-necked Grebes are also close. Info on this location;https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/6/25 1:09 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) A group of us checked again this morning and we are calling this a Clark's based on an orange bill, clean white above/around the eye, and thin black down the back of the neck.We commandeered a fisherman to take Michael out to photo the bird with us on shore giving directions via cell phone. Now that's a story unto itself -- but he pulled it off and got some documentary photos which we'll add later to our shared eBird list.A big shout out to Roger Massey, who first located this bird, and to Kenny and LaDonna Nichols for noticing the interesting features that looked like a Clark's. If approved, this will be a first state record. Participants include Roger Massey, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols, Ragan Sutterfield, Sarah Morris, Randy Robinson, a young woman named Leah, and a super nice fisherman named Chris (who surely have a story to tell his friends and family).Best viewing area is Bufflehead Bay out toward the main body of water. A scope is highly recommended. Mornings have been good. Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/5/25 1:41 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) Well, another rarity was photographed on Sunday by Roger Massey from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. He reported it with photos as a Western Grebe, which altho rare is certainly less rare than a Clark's Grebe. On Monday, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols looked for it and found a large Aechmophorus grebe that appeared paler across the backside with a bright orange-yellow bill, which would suggest a Clark's Grebe. So the Arkansas Bird Records Committee is reviewing several photographs, and Michael and I are attempting to get more. It will be critical to confirm this with documentary photographs because if it turns out to be a Clark's Grebe, it will be the official first state record. Why so confusing? Well, initially these two were considered separate species and then became lumped for an extended period of time when the Clark's was considered a lighter morph of the Western. In 1985, they were again separated into two distinct species with the additional challenge of hybridization. Thus the need for careful study and review. While at Bufflehead Bay this morning, we also relocated the Pacific Loon and added an immature Red-throated Loon and a near-breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe. There were also several Horned Grebe showing their golden horns. We plan to go back this afternoon and try for documentary photos. Info on Bufflehead Bay. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Jeffrey, the Yellow Grosbeak, was seen by several birders today, March 7. To see the bird, text Shianne at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine. Shianne prefers afternoons but is flexible. There is a $25/person fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. Jeffrey is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult to see.We don't know how long he will continue here and he has apparently found another food source. I will update daily as to his ongoing presence.Good luck, all! Patty McLean
On any ebird list you can click on the little flag after the location name and it will open a map showing where the list was created. See the illustration below, circled in red.Here is the Birding Hotspots write up on the site. Lake Maumelle--Bufflehead Bay/Marina - Pulaski, Arkansas, US - Birding Hotspots
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Lake Maumelle--Bufflehead Bay/Marina - Pulaski, Arkansas, US - Birding H...
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On Friday, March 7, 2025 at 06:39:04 PM CST, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
Having never been to Lake Maumelle, how do I get to Buffalo Bay? Is there parking to overlook the lake or do I have to walk a trail to get to the grebe sight?
Thanks,Sandy
Jim Dixon
Little Rock
www.jamesdixon.us
"There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after." — Thorin
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> On Behalf Of Sandy Berger
Sent: Friday, March 7, 2025 6:38 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Clarke’s Grebe
Having never been to Lake Maumelle, how do I get to Buffalo Bay? Is there parking to overlook the lake or do I have to walk a trail to get to the grebe sight?
Having never been to Lake Maumelle, how do I get to Buffalo Bay? Is there parking to overlook the lake or do I have to walk a trail to get to the grebe sight?
Date: 3/7/25 11:06 am From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
Wow, what a lovely photo, Michael and Patty!
On Friday 7 March, 2025 at 07:29:41 am GMT-6, Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
I haven't had my coffee yet and wasn't thinking clearly. Here you go...our eBird report from Bufflehead Bay with Michael's photos (from the boat) of the Clark's Grebe. https://ebird.org/checklist/S216929314 Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Date: 3/7/25 7:26 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
I’m eager to see one of the photos taken of the Clark’s Grebe. Kannan
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Friday, March 7, 2025, 7:08 AM, Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
The Clark's Grebe continues this morning. According to Matt Matlock, and it's apparently relatively close to shore. Red-throated Loons and Red-necked Grebes are also close. Info on this location;https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628 Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/6/25 1:09 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?)
A group of us checked again this morning and we are calling this a Clark's based on an orange bill, clean white above/around the eye, and thin black down the back of the neck.
We commandeered a fisherman to take Michael out to photo the bird with us on shore giving directions via cell phone. Now that's a story unto itself -- but he pulled it off and got some documentary photos which we'll add later to our shared eBird list.
A big shout out to Roger Massey, who first located this bird, and to Kenny and LaDonna Nichols for noticing the interesting features that looked like a Clark's. If approved, this will be a first state record.
Participants include Roger Massey, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols, Ragan Sutterfield, Sarah Morris, Randy Robinson, a young woman named Leah, and a super nice fisherman named Chris (who surely have a story to tell his friends and family).
Best viewing area is Bufflehead Bay out toward the main body of water. A scope is highly recommended. Mornings have been good.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/5/25 1:41 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?)
Well, another rarity was photographed on Sunday by Roger Massey from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. He reported it with photos as a Western Grebe, which altho rare is certainly less rare than a Clark's Grebe. On Monday, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols looked for it and found a large Aechmophorus grebe that appeared paler across the backside with a bright orange-yellow bill, which would suggest a Clark's Grebe. So the Arkansas Bird Records Committee is reviewing several photographs, and Michael and I are attempting to get more. It will be critical to confirm this with documentary photographs because if it turns out to be a Clark's Grebe, it will be the official first state record.
Why so confusing? Well, initially these two were considered separate species and then became lumped for an extended period of time when the Clark's was considered a lighter morph of the Western. In 1985, they were again separated into two distinct species with the additional challenge of hybridization.
Thus the need for careful study and review.
While at Bufflehead Bay this morning, we also relocated the Pacific Loon and added an immature Red-throated Loon and a near-breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe. There were also several Horned Grebe showing their golden horns. We plan to go back this afternoon and try for documentary photos.
Info on Bufflehead Bay. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628 Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/7/25 7:18 am From: Chris Kellner <ckellner...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
I agree with Kenny, those are some amazing shots and take all of the guesswork out of the id.
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> On Behalf Of Kenny Nichols
Sent: Friday, March 7, 2025 8:10 AM
To: <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
⛔ WARNING: This email is from outside of ATU. Be cautious of phishing and verify the sender's address. DO NOT share your username, password, Duo code, or any other personal information. ⛔
I just want to give a big THANK YOU to Michael for going out on the boat and getting these photos under difficult conditions. I'm sure the fisherman was like "what the heck". And we were all so eager for him to get his usual "magazine cover" shots that I think we overwhelmed him with our directions to the bird. Seeing the bird out on a boat is much more difficult than looking thru a scope on land. And a thank you to Patty for flagging down the boater, otherwise we'd never have the photos we have.
I haven't had my coffee yet and wasn't thinking clearly. Here you go...our eBird report from Bufflehead Bay with Michael's photos (from the boat) of the Clark's Grebe.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S216929314
Patty
-------- Original message --------
From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...><mailto:<0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...>> Date: 3/7/25 7:26 AM (GMT-06:00)
To: <ARBIRD-L...><mailto:<ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
I’m eager to see one of the photos taken of the Clark’s Grebe.
Kannan
On Friday, March 7, 2025, 7:08 AM, Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...><mailto:<000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
The Clark's Grebe continues this morning. According to Matt Matlock, and it's apparently relatively close to shore. Red-throated Loons and Red-necked Grebes are also close. Info on this location;
https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628
Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------
From: Patty McLean <plm108...><mailto:<plm108...>> Date: 3/6/25 1:09 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: <ARBIRD-L...><mailto:<ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?)
A group of us checked again this morning and we are calling this a Clark's based on an orange bill, clean white above/around the eye, and thin black down the back of the neck.
We commandeered a fisherman to take Michael out to photo the bird with us on shore giving directions via cell phone. Now that's a story unto itself -- but he pulled it off and got some documentary photos which we'll add later to our shared eBird list.
A big shout out to Roger Massey, who first located this bird, and to Kenny and LaDonna Nichols for noticing the interesting features that looked like a Clark's. If approved, this will be a first state record.
Participants include Roger Massey, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols, Ragan Sutterfield, Sarah Morris, Randy Robinson, a young woman named Leah, and a super nice fisherman named Chris (who surely have a story to tell his friends and family).
Best viewing area is Bufflehead Bay out toward the main body of water. A scope is highly recommended. Mornings have been good.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz
The Roadrunners
-------- Original message --------
From: Patty McLean <plm108...><mailto:<plm108...>> Date: 3/5/25 1:41 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: <ARBIRD-L...><mailto:<ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?)
Well, another rarity was photographed on Sunday by Roger Massey from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. He reported it with photos as a Western Grebe, which altho rare is certainly less rare than a Clark's Grebe. On Monday, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols looked for it and found a large Aechmophorus grebe that appeared paler across the backside with a bright orange-yellow bill, which would suggest a Clark's Grebe. So the Arkansas Bird Records Committee is reviewing several photographs, and Michael and I are attempting to get more. It will be critical to confirm this with documentary photographs because if it turns out to be a Clark's Grebe, it will be the official first state record.
Why so confusing? Well, initially these two were considered separate species and then became lumped for an extended period of time when the Clark's was considered a lighter morph of the Western. In 1985, they were again separated into two distinct species with the additional challenge of hybridization.
Thus the need for careful study and review.
While at Bufflehead Bay this morning, we also relocated the Pacific Loon and added an immature Red-throated Loon and a near-breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe. There were also several Horned Grebe showing their golden horns. We plan to go back this afternoon and try for documentary photos.
Date: 3/7/25 6:10 am From: Kenny Nichols <kingbird101...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
I just want to give a big THANK YOU to Michael for going out on the boat and getting these photos under difficult conditions. I'm sure the fisherman was like "what the heck". And we were all so eager for him to get his usual "magazine cover" shots that I think we overwhelmed him with our directions to the bird. Seeing the bird out on a boat is much more difficult than looking thru a scope on land. And a thank you to Patty for flagging down the boater, otherwise we'd never have the photos we have.
Kenny
On Friday, March 7, 2025 at 07:29:39 AM CST, Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
I haven't had my coffee yet and wasn't thinking clearly. Here you go...our eBird report from Bufflehead Bay with Michael's photos (from the boat) of the Clark's Grebe. https://ebird.org/checklist/S216929314 Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Date: 3/7/25 7:26 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
I’m eager to see one of the photos taken of the Clark’s Grebe. Kannan
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Friday, March 7, 2025, 7:08 AM, Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
The Clark's Grebe continues this morning. According to Matt Matlock, and it's apparently relatively close to shore. Red-throated Loons and Red-necked Grebes are also close. Info on this location;https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628 Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/6/25 1:09 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?)
A group of us checked again this morning and we are calling this a Clark's based on an orange bill, clean white above/around the eye, and thin black down the back of the neck.
We commandeered a fisherman to take Michael out to photo the bird with us on shore giving directions via cell phone. Now that's a story unto itself -- but he pulled it off and got some documentary photos which we'll add later to our shared eBird list.
A big shout out to Roger Massey, who first located this bird, and to Kenny and LaDonna Nichols for noticing the interesting features that looked like a Clark's. If approved, this will be a first state record.
Participants include Roger Massey, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols, Ragan Sutterfield, Sarah Morris, Randy Robinson, a young woman named Leah, and a super nice fisherman named Chris (who surely have a story to tell his friends and family).
Best viewing area is Bufflehead Bay out toward the main body of water. A scope is highly recommended. Mornings have been good.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/5/25 1:41 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?)
Well, another rarity was photographed on Sunday by Roger Massey from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. He reported it with photos as a Western Grebe, which altho rare is certainly less rare than a Clark's Grebe. On Monday, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols looked for it and found a large Aechmophorus grebe that appeared paler across the backside with a bright orange-yellow bill, which would suggest a Clark's Grebe. So the Arkansas Bird Records Committee is reviewing several photographs, and Michael and I are attempting to get more. It will be critical to confirm this with documentary photographs because if it turns out to be a Clark's Grebe, it will be the official first state record.
Why so confusing? Well, initially these two were considered separate species and then became lumped for an extended period of time when the Clark's was considered a lighter morph of the Western. In 1985, they were again separated into two distinct species with the additional challenge of hybridization.
Thus the need for careful study and review.
While at Bufflehead Bay this morning, we also relocated the Pacific Loon and added an immature Red-throated Loon and a near-breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe. There were also several Horned Grebe showing their golden horns. We plan to go back this afternoon and try for documentary photos.
Info on Bufflehead Bay. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628 Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/7/25 5:29 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
I haven't had my coffee yet and wasn't thinking clearly. Here you go...our eBird report from Bufflehead Bay with Michael's photos (from the boat) of the Clark's Grebe. https://ebird.org/checklist/S216929314Patty -------- Original message --------From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Date: 3/7/25 7:26 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
I’m eager to see one of the photos taken of the Clark’s Grebe. KannanSent from Yahoo Mail for iPadOn Friday, March 7, 2025, 7:08 AM, Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:The Clark's Grebe continues this morning. According to Matt Matlock, and it's apparently relatively close to shore. Red-throated Loons and Red-necked Grebes are also close. Info on this location;https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628 Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/6/25 1:09 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) A group of us checked again this morning and we are calling this a Clark's based on an orange bill, clean white above/around the eye, and thin black down the back of the neck.We commandeered a fisherman to take Michael out to photo the bird with us on shore giving directions via cell phone. Now that's a story unto itself -- but he pulled it off and got some documentary photos which we'll add later to our shared eBird list.A big shout out to Roger Massey, who first located this bird, and to Kenny and LaDonna Nichols for noticing the interesting features that looked like a Clark's. If approved, this will be a first state record. Participants include Roger Massey, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols, Ragan Sutterfield, Sarah Morris, Randy Robinson, a young woman named Leah, and a super nice fisherman named Chris (who surely have a story to tell his friends and family).Best viewing area is Bufflehead Bay out toward the main body of water. A scope is highly recommended. Mornings have been good. Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/5/25 1:41 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) Well, another rarity was photographed on Sunday by Roger Massey from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. He reported it with photos as a Western Grebe, which altho rare is certainly less rare than a Clark's Grebe. On Monday, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols looked for it and found a large Aechmophorus grebe that appeared paler across the backside with a bright orange-yellow bill, which would suggest a Clark's Grebe. So the Arkansas Bird Records Committee is reviewing several photographs, and Michael and I are attempting to get more. It will be critical to confirm this with documentary photographs because if it turns out to be a Clark's Grebe, it will be the official first state record. Why so confusing? Well, initially these two were considered separate species and then became lumped for an extended period of time when the Clark's was considered a lighter morph of the Western. In 1985, they were again separated into two distinct species with the additional challenge of hybridization. Thus the need for careful study and review. While at Bufflehead Bay this morning, we also relocated the Pacific Loon and added an immature Red-throated Loon and a near-breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe. There were also several Horned Grebe showing their golden horns. We plan to go back this afternoon and try for documentary photos. Info on Bufflehead Bay. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/7/25 5:26 am From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
I’m eager to see one of the photos taken of the Clark’s Grebe. Kannan
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Friday, March 7, 2025, 7:08 AM, Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
The Clark's Grebe continues this morning. According to Matt Matlock, and it's apparently relatively close to shore. Red-throated Loons and Red-necked Grebes are also close. Info on this location;https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628 Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/6/25 1:09 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?)
A group of us checked again this morning and we are calling this a Clark's based on an orange bill, clean white above/around the eye, and thin black down the back of the neck.
We commandeered a fisherman to take Michael out to photo the bird with us on shore giving directions via cell phone. Now that's a story unto itself -- but he pulled it off and got some documentary photos which we'll add later to our shared eBird list.
A big shout out to Roger Massey, who first located this bird, and to Kenny and LaDonna Nichols for noticing the interesting features that looked like a Clark's. If approved, this will be a first state record.
Participants include Roger Massey, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols, Ragan Sutterfield, Sarah Morris, Randy Robinson, a young woman named Leah, and a super nice fisherman named Chris (who surely have a story to tell his friends and family).
Best viewing area is Bufflehead Bay out toward the main body of water. A scope is highly recommended. Mornings have been good.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/5/25 1:41 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?)
Well, another rarity was photographed on Sunday by Roger Massey from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. He reported it with photos as a Western Grebe, which altho rare is certainly less rare than a Clark's Grebe. On Monday, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols looked for it and found a large Aechmophorus grebe that appeared paler across the backside with a bright orange-yellow bill, which would suggest a Clark's Grebe. So the Arkansas Bird Records Committee is reviewing several photographs, and Michael and I are attempting to get more. It will be critical to confirm this with documentary photographs because if it turns out to be a Clark's Grebe, it will be the official first state record.
Why so confusing? Well, initially these two were considered separate species and then became lumped for an extended period of time when the Clark's was considered a lighter morph of the Western. In 1985, they were again separated into two distinct species with the additional challenge of hybridization.
Thus the need for careful study and review.
While at Bufflehead Bay this morning, we also relocated the Pacific Loon and added an immature Red-throated Loon and a near-breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe. There were also several Horned Grebe showing their golden horns. We plan to go back this afternoon and try for documentary photos.
Info on Bufflehead Bay. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628 Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/7/25 5:08 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Clark's Grebe at Lake Maumrlelle/Bufflehead Bay
The Clark's Grebe continues this morning. According to Matt Matlock, and it's apparently relatively close to shore. Red-throated Loons and Red-necked Grebes are also close. Info on this location;https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/6/25 1:09 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) A group of us checked again this morning and we are calling this a Clark's based on an orange bill, clean white above/around the eye, and thin black down the back of the neck.We commandeered a fisherman to take Michael out to photo the bird with us on shore giving directions via cell phone. Now that's a story unto itself -- but he pulled it off and got some documentary photos which we'll add later to our shared eBird list.A big shout out to Roger Massey, who first located this bird, and to Kenny and LaDonna Nichols for noticing the interesting features that looked like a Clark's. If approved, this will be a first state record. Participants include Roger Massey, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols, Ragan Sutterfield, Sarah Morris, Randy Robinson, a young woman named Leah, and a super nice fisherman named Chris (who surely have a story to tell his friends and family).Best viewing area is Bufflehead Bay out toward the main body of water. A scope is highly recommended. Mornings have been good. Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/5/25 1:41 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) Well, another rarity was photographed on Sunday by Roger Massey from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. He reported it with photos as a Western Grebe, which altho rare is certainly less rare than a Clark's Grebe. On Monday, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols looked for it and found a large Aechmophorus grebe that appeared paler across the backside with a bright orange-yellow bill, which would suggest a Clark's Grebe. So the Arkansas Bird Records Committee is reviewing several photographs, and Michael and I are attempting to get more. It will be critical to confirm this with documentary photographs because if it turns out to be a Clark's Grebe, it will be the official first state record. Why so confusing? Well, initially these two were considered separate species and then became lumped for an extended period of time when the Clark's was considered a lighter morph of the Western. In 1985, they were again separated into two distinct species with the additional challenge of hybridization. Thus the need for careful study and review. While at Bufflehead Bay this morning, we also relocated the Pacific Loon and added an immature Red-throated Loon and a near-breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe. There were also several Horned Grebe showing their golden horns. We plan to go back this afternoon and try for documentary photos. Info on Bufflehead Bay. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/6/25 11:21 am From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: My memory of possible Clark"s Grebe in Arkansas
My first sighting of a Western Grebe was with Kenny and LaDonna at Lake Dardanelle, perhaps at their property. Jacque Brown was there too. Kenny has been a big help for me with Dardanelle birds, especially gulls. Thanks, Kenny!
I love birding in Latin America! I've seen a Harpy Eagle, not wild, but at the Belize Zoo.
On Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 09:01:37 AM CST, Elizabeth Shores <efshores...> wrote:
Thanks for this story of Arkansas birders, Karen. Have fun in Guyana.
Elizabeth Shores
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 6, 2025, at 7:42 AM, Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> wrote:
Years ago, when I started doing serious birding, not just backyard birding, an alert went out that Kenny Nichols had a possible Clark's Grebe at Kiddie Pool Point, next to his cabin on Lake Dardanelle. Dottie and Doris Boyles and I jumped in the car and immediately drove to Lake Dardanelle because the Clark's Grebe would be a state record.
It is one of my favorite early birding memories. We got to the lake and were standing on the hillside in the snow that had fallen the day before at kiddie pool point watching the titans of the Arkansas birding community looking through their scopes at the grebe and discussing the pros and cons of it being a Clark's Grebe. The titans were Max and Helen Parker, Lois and Lacy Sterling, Charles Mills, Joe Neal, and of course Kenny Nichols. They thought it could be a Clark's Grebe and submitted it. Unfortunately, the Birds Record Committee determined that the bird was a Western Grebe. But, it was a fun and great learning experience listening to the titans that day discussing the pros and cons of the possible Clark's Grebe.
Several years later I was birding near Salt Lake City with the Salt Lake City Audubon group. We stopped at a lake that was packed with Western Grebes and Clark's Grebes, an enormous number of grebes. With the help of the local birders, they pointed out the differences of the two grebes. As I scanned with my scope I quickly picked up the different field marks of the two grebes. Fairly easy when you have them side by side by the dozens. But, not as easy when determining one loan grebe far out on Lake Maumelle.
Birding has brought so much joy to my life with good birds and great birding friends. I leave in a week for a birding trip to Guyana South America. New country for me. I've birded in several South American countries, but I will still pick up quite a few new species in Guyana. My target bird is the Harpy Eagle, which I've missed in other South American countries. Our tour company is keeping an eye on a Harpy Eagle nest that has a juvenile and adults. Fingers crossed the eagles are still there when we get there. Karen Holliday Maumelle
Date: 3/6/25 11:09 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?)
A group of us checked again this morning and we are calling this a Clark's based on an orange bill, clean white above/around the eye, and thin black down the back of the neck.We commandeered a fisherman to take Michael out to photo the bird with us on shore giving directions via cell phone. Now that's a story unto itself -- but he pulled it off and got some documentary photos which we'll add later to our shared eBird list.A big shout out to Roger Massey, who first located this bird, and to Kenny and LaDonna Nichols for noticing the interesting features that looked like a Clark's. If approved, this will be a first state record. Participants include Roger Massey, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols, Ragan Sutterfield, Sarah Morris, Randy Robinson, a young woman named Leah, and a super nice fisherman named Chris (who surely have a story to tell his friends and family).Best viewing area is Bufflehead Bay out toward the main body of water. A scope is highly recommended. Mornings have been good. Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/5/25 1:41 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?) Well, another rarity was photographed on Sunday by Roger Massey from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. He reported it with photos as a Western Grebe, which altho rare is certainly less rare than a Clark's Grebe. On Monday, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols looked for it and found a large Aechmophorus grebe that appeared paler across the backside with a bright orange-yellow bill, which would suggest a Clark's Grebe. So the Arkansas Bird Records Committee is reviewing several photographs, and Michael and I are attempting to get more. It will be critical to confirm this with documentary photographs because if it turns out to be a Clark's Grebe, it will be the official first state record. Why so confusing? Well, initially these two were considered separate species and then became lumped for an extended period of time when the Clark's was considered a lighter morph of the Western. In 1985, they were again separated into two distinct species with the additional challenge of hybridization. Thus the need for careful study and review. While at Bufflehead Bay this morning, we also relocated the Pacific Loon and added an immature Red-throated Loon and a near-breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe. There were also several Horned Grebe showing their golden horns. We plan to go back this afternoon and try for documentary photos. Info on Bufflehead Bay. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/6/25 9:55 am From: Dedra Gerard <000002df2472bba2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Keep AR Beautiful Sunnymede Cleanup
Sounds good!
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, 9:07 AM, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
Birding In and Around Fort Smith is joining with #keepARbeautiful and the Great American Cleanup to clean up Sunnymede Park. We will work from 9 - 12 on Saturday March 15.Keep Arkansas Beautiful has provided bags and gloves and tshirts for participants. Bottled water will also be provided. If you plan on coming, be sure to wear long sleeved shirts and long pants. There is poison ivy. The city is taking care of what we pick up and will get it to the landfill. There will be time to do a bit of birding so bring your binoculars. We have seen over 215 bird species at the park.
Sandy Fort Smith
Date: 3/6/25 7:39 am From: Anderson, Leif - FS, AR <000002b0bc8b0106-dmarc-request...> Subject: FOS Black and White Warbler
Greetings all,
I just had my FOS B & W Warbler at the suet feeder, here in Hector. This is 2 weeks earlier than the AAS checklist, normal arrival time.
, Leif at Hector
This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.
Date: 3/6/25 7:07 am From: Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> Subject: Keep AR Beautiful Sunnymede Cleanup
Birding In and Around Fort Smith is joining with #keepARbeautiful and the Great American Cleanup to clean up Sunnymede Park. We will work from 9 - 12 on Saturday March 15. Keep Arkansas Beautiful has provided bags and gloves and tshirts for participants. Bottled water will also be provided. If you plan on coming, be sure to wear long sleeved shirts and long pants. There is poison ivy. The city is taking care of what we pick up and will get it to the landfill. There will be time to do a bit of birding so bring your binoculars. We have seen over 215 bird species at the park.
Date: 3/6/25 7:01 am From: Elizabeth Shores <efshores...> Subject: Re: My memory of possible Clark"s Grebe in Arkansas
Thanks for this story of Arkansas birders, Karen. Have fun in Guyana.
Elizabeth Shores
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 6, 2025, at 7:42 AM, Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> wrote:
>
> Years ago, when I started doing serious birding, not just backyard birding, an alert went out that Kenny Nichols had a possible Clark's Grebe at Kiddie Pool Point, next to his cabin on Lake Dardanelle. Dottie and Doris Boyles and I jumped in the car and immediately drove to Lake Dardanelle because the Clark's Grebe would be a state record.
>
> It is one of my favorite early birding memories. We got to the lake and were standing on the hillside in the snow that had fallen the day before at kiddie pool point watching the titans of the Arkansas birding community looking through their scopes at the grebe and discussing the pros and cons of it being a Clark's Grebe. The titans were Max and Helen Parker, Lois and Lacy Sterling, Charles Mills, Joe Neal, and of course Kenny Nichols. They thought it could be a Clark's Grebe and submitted it. Unfortunately, the Birds Record Committee determined that the bird was a Western Grebe. But, it was a fun and great learning experience listening to the titans that day discussing the pros and cons of the possible Clark's Grebe.
>
> Several years later I was birding near Salt Lake City with the Salt Lake City Audubon group. We stopped at a lake that was packed with Western Grebes and Clark's Grebes, an enormous number of grebes. With the help of the local birders, they pointed out the differences of the two grebes. As I scanned with my scope I quickly picked up the different field marks of the two grebes. Fairly easy when you have them side by side by the dozens. But, not as easy when determining one loan grebe far out on Lake Maumelle.
>
> Birding has brought so much joy to my life with good birds and great birding friends. I leave in a week for a birding trip to Guyana South America. New country for me. I've birded in several South American countries, but I will still pick up quite a few new species in Guyana. My target bird is the Harpy Eagle, which I've missed in other South American countries. Our tour company is keeping an eye on a Harpy Eagle nest that has a juvenile and adults. Fingers crossed the eagles are still there when we get there.
> Karen Holliday
> Maumelle
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
Date: 3/6/25 5:42 am From: Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> Subject: My memory of possible Clark"s Grebe in Arkansas
Years ago, when I started doing serious birding, not just backyard birding, an alert went out that Kenny Nichols had a possible Clark's Grebe at Kiddie Pool Point, next to his cabin on Lake Dardanelle. Dottie and Doris Boyles and I jumped in the car and immediately drove to Lake Dardanelle because the Clark's Grebe would be a state record. It is one of my favorite early birding memories. We got to the lake and were standing on the hillside in the snow that had fallen the day before at kiddie pool point watching the titans of the Arkansas birding community looking through their scopes at the grebe and discussing the pros and cons of it being a Clark's Grebe. The titans were Max and Helen Parker, Lois and Lacy Sterling, Charles Mills, Joe Neal, and of course Kenny Nichols. They thought it could be a Clark's Grebe and submitted it. Unfortunately, the Birds Record Committee determined that the bird was a Western Grebe. But, it was a fun and great learning experience listening to the titans that day discussing the pros and cons of the possible Clark's Grebe.Several years later I was birding near Salt Lake City with the Salt Lake City Audubon group. We stopped at a lake that was packed with Western Grebes and Clark's Grebes, an enormous number of grebes. With the help of the local birders, they pointed out the differences of the two grebes. As I scanned with my scope I quickly picked up the different field marks of the two grebes. Fairly easy when you have them side by side by the dozens. But, not as easy when determining one loan grebe far out on Lake Maumelle. Birding has brought so much joy to my life with good birds and great birding friends. I leave in a week for a birding trip to Guyana South America. New country for me. I've birded in several South American countries, but I will still pick up quite a few new species in Guyana. My target bird is the Harpy Eagle, which I've missed in other South American countries. Our tour company is keeping an eye on a Harpy Eagle nest that has a juvenile and adults. Fingers crossed the eagles are still there when we get there. Karen Holliday Maumelle
Date: 3/5/25 1:39 pm From: Robert Day <rhday52...> Subject: Re: "Relates to policies impacting birds, birding, or habitat."
So, if they are going to cut 280 million acres in NFs and NPs and NFs have
only 193 million acres in toto, much of which already is cut and cannot be
cut anytime soon, doesn't that imply that much, much more than 87 million
acres will have to be cut from NPs? This is starting to sound like the
disaster that occurred in Canada years ago in which they signed a contract
for (I believe ) an enormous amount of timber to go to a Japanese or
Chinese company, so they had to log some national parks? I may not have all
of the details right (it has been a very long time since I read about
this), but my memory is that it became a disaster.
Bob Day
SW Bentonville
cell: 907-460-7061; <rhday52...>
On Wed, Mar 5, 2025 at 11:41 AM Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> wrote:
> BREAKING: Trump executive order will clear-cut 280 MILLION acres of our
> national forests and parks to sell for timber.
>
> How does this affect birds protected by the Neotropical Migratory Bird
> Conservation Act, Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle
> Protection Act, The US Endangered Species Act, and other regulations that
> affect birds?
>
> AI Overview: "The United States national forests cover 193 million acres,
> which is about 8.5% of the country's total land area. The U.S. Forest
> Service manages these lands.
>
> Judith
> Ninestone, Carroll County
> ############################
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list:
> write to: mailto:<ARBIRD-L-SIGNOFF-REQUEST...> > or click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
Date: 3/5/25 11:41 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Mystery Grebe (Western or Clark's?)
Well, another rarity was photographed on Sunday by Roger Massey from Bufflehead Bay on Lake Maumelle. He reported it with photos as a Western Grebe, which altho rare is certainly less rare than a Clark's Grebe. On Monday, Kenny and LaDonna Nichols looked for it and found a large Aechmophorus grebe that appeared paler across the backside with a bright orange-yellow bill, which would suggest a Clark's Grebe. So the Arkansas Bird Records Committee is reviewing several photographs, and Michael and I are attempting to get more. It will be critical to confirm this with documentary photographs because if it turns out to be a Clark's Grebe, it will be the official first state record. Why so confusing? Well, initially these two were considered separate species and then became lumped for an extended period of time when the Clark's was considered a lighter morph of the Western. In 1985, they were again separated into two distinct species with the additional challenge of hybridization. Thus the need for careful study and review. While at Bufflehead Bay this morning, we also relocated the Pacific Loon and added an immature Red-throated Loon and a near-breeding plumaged Red-necked Grebe. There were also several Horned Grebe showing their golden horns. We plan to go back this afternoon and try for documentary photos. Info on Bufflehead Bay. https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L796628Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/5/25 9:55 am From: Lynn Foster <lfoster5211...> Subject: AAS Call to Action--Monarch Butterflies
Dear Arbirders:
Monarch butterflies aren't birds, but birds benefit from the habitat that
is necessary for monarchs to exist. It has been noted on this discussion
list that the US Fish and Wildlife Service will be considering whether to
designate the monarch a threatened species. USFWS wants comments by March
12, one week from today. If you have not yet sent a comment, I encourage
you to do so.
The AAS Board of Directors is finalizing the text of a comment. Because the
deadline is a week away, I thought that even though our draft may not be
100% final, seeing the gist of it might help some of you who are
considering commenting yourselves. The text follows, in italics.
*The Arkansas Audubon Society is a statewide organization committed to
fostering a greater knowledge of the natural history of Arkansas and
promoting conservation of the state’s natural resources. We support the
listing of the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) as threatened under the
Endangered Species Act. We also support the designation of critical habitat
wherever necessary throughout this species’ range to support its recovery. *
*Like many conservation entities, we have been concerned by the drastic
population declines of the North American populations of this species.
Their complicated life history, spanning many states and three countries,
makes conservation difficult, which is another reason why these efforts
should be overseen at the federal level. Indeed, their unique life cycle is
yet another reason to declare them threatened. Monarchs fly through
Arkansas in the spring and again in the fall, migrating to and from their
overwintering grounds in Mexico. A few monarchs even stay in the state
throughout the summer. It has also been documented that a generation of
monarchs, possibly a fifth generation, is born in Arkansas in late summer,
making Arkansas a locus of critical habitat for both breeding and migrating
monarchs.*
*In 2015, Arkansas published a Wildlife Action Plan which designated the
monarch as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. This designation was
based on “the drastic decline of the migratory subspecies” and the
recommendation of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. At that
time, habitat loss was noted as the main threat to this species, and data
gaps such as identifying migratory corridors and determining important
areas within the state for breeding monarchs needed to be filled. There is
still much work to do to benefit this species in Arkansas. Arkansas’s plan
is currently being revised with new information, which will provide new
rankings and updated concerns. It is our belief that the status of the
monarch in Arkansas has only worsened since 2015. Federal listing and
designation of critical habitat will support conservation efforts
throughout its range and throughout Arkansas. *
*Thank you for considering this comment. We are hopeful that the Service
will take this important step towards preserving this iconic species.*
Date: 3/5/25 9:41 am From: Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> Subject: "Relates to policies impacting birds, birding, or habitat."
BREAKING: Trump executive order will clear-cut 280 MILLION acres of our national forests and parks to sell for timber.
How does this affect birds protected by the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, The US Endangered Species Act, and other regulations that affect birds?
AI Overview: "The United States national forests cover 193 million acres, which is about 8.5% of the country's total land area. The U.S. Forest Service manages these lands.
Judith
Ninestone, Carroll County
############################
Date: 3/5/25 9:35 am From: Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> Subject: "Relates to policies impacting birds, birding, or habitat."
BREAKING: Trump executive order will clear-cut 280 MILLION acres of our national forests and parks to sell for timber.
How does this affect birds protected by the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, The US Endangered Species Act, and other regulations that affect birds?
Shianne Hunnicutt sent a text that Jeffrey stuck it out through the rain, wind and cold weather and is greatly appreciating his sunflower seeds and chips this morning.Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/3/25 7:37 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) Seen at the feeder this morning! Patty-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/1/25 8:45 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) Our Yellow Grosbeak has a name: Jeffrey. Decided by Shianne's daughter.He's mostly showing up at the feeders in the mid-afternoon and sometimes late afternoon. So, until further notice, folks are welcome to come daily from noon until dark. If his schedule changes, we'll update here and on ARBIRD. To visit, contact Shianne at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine.There is a $25/person fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. Jeffrey is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult to see.We don't know how long he will continue here and he has apparently found another food source. I will update daily as to his ongoing presence.Good luck, all! Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 2/28/25 7:53 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) The Yellow Grosbeak was seen again today. See below for information about visiting. Patty-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 2/27/25 7:19 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) The Yellow Grosbeak showed up again today, giving all birders present a great opportunity to see it. Also, Shianne Hunnicutt and our own Taylor Long were interviewed about the bird by NWA Channel 5 News. Story here: https://www.5newsonline.com/video/news/local/rare-mexican-bird-draws-birders-arkansas-ranch/527-a5594516-fb92-4d21-9c90-dc7b802cd6daCURRENT SCHEDULEFri, Feb 28: 2:30-5p (afternoon only)Sat, Mar 1: 12n until dark. Prepayment via Zelle or Venmo is required for this particular day.Let Shianne know (via text at 417-349-2317) what time and how many people are in your party and please only show up during that time.There is a $25/person fee. This is an exceptionally rare U.S. bird, and this type of fee is quite usual in other places such as Texas and Arizona when rarities are on private property. All visitors are asked to stay a respectful distance from the front porch and feeders (at least about 40 feet). The bird gets shy when people are too close or loud and it tends to disappear into the thick cover of the cedar trees for an extended time. So for the sake of everyone who wants to see it and get photographs, please be mindful of this. If someone has paid and missed the bird, Shianne hopes you will come back with no additional payment needed. She truly wants everyone to see it. She also extends a big thank you to the birder who gifted them the new platform feeder and the cracked sunflower seeds. Apparently the bird LOVES it. Stay tuned for updates as well as a future schedule, as needed.Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/4/25 4:37 pm From: Glenn <000001214b3fcb01-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Jackson County Birds
Not to mention the rough-legged hawk that wintered near the Possum-Grape exit for several years.
Glenn
On Tue, Mar 4, 2025 at 4:10 PM, Patty McLean<000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote: Over the past few years, Jackson County has been on the radar of some serious birders and photographers. For me, it started when TWO Snowy Owls showed up in January 2022. They stayed in the area for several weeks, giving birders and nature lovers a total delight.
Then this past December, an immature Long-tailed Duck showed up at the Grubbs WTP. Michael and I went to see it several times because it is such an infrequent visitor to Arkansas and was relatively close to view -- an extra treat. We initially thought it was a female, but when we saw it yesterday, we knew it was actually a young male, showing a bicolored pink and black bill and distinct white feathering atop the upper wing. From "Birds of the World:" an immature Long-tailed Duck appears similar to a female (as is also true with Northern Harriers) and can make the ID to gender a challenge. But don't be tempted to go until the flood waters recede after today's rain. The adjacent Cache River Relief area was already crossing the road yesterday (but shallow).
Additionally, Smith's Longspurs have been reported by several birders this winter from the fields around the Newport Airport. We haven't figured out where to look for them yet, but hope to go there one of these times.
But the real news of the day was relocating the Crested Caracara found by Paul Provence. And, frankly, we just got lucky. One of those "right time, right place" moments. And if David Finch hadn't noticed an interesting bird land in the distant field, we might have missed it altogether.
Although several other birders showed up and didn't see the Caracara, they did find a few other interesting birds in the vicinity: a dark, nearly black Red-tailed Hawk and what appears to be a Golden Eagle.
We've created a stakeout hotspot for folks to use from the Caracara location on Jackson County Road 66. https://ebird.org/checklist/S216472075 All i can say is Wowza! Jackson County is definitely a great place to look for some unusual and surprising birds! Here's a link to some of the frequently birded hotspots in the county. https://birdinghotspots.org/region/US-AR-067 Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
I was thinking about this as I sought an outside path this evening (at Butterfield, which, as a retirement community on a tight footprint, seems almost urban with 400+ residents and 200+ employees, you can imagine the area that must be used for parking, since many residents continue to drive their own cars) and heard a lot of bird chat as the resident birds were settling for the night.
Butterfield has a rather formal landscape, with lots of trimmed and clipped evergreens. This wouldn't seem to be great for birds, but with the nearby creek and trail and other nearby wild areas (Lake Fayetteville, the botanical garden, a golf course, numerous trails) we have our share of birds. Only down at the creekside have we seen unusual birds for urban settings, but I think the long-time bird observers here may have seen some right on the campus. And the birds love the closely trimmed evergreen shrubs and trees for the roosting places they offer. I can hear them inside as I pass.
We plan to put both giant and smaller sunflowers on our garden plot in the community garden. And we're advocating for a more lush landscape, with more food plants.
Harriet Jansma
Northern edge of Fayetteville
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 5:45 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: Thank you Birding Community!
Donna,
This email actually brought tears to my eyes. I know that a great many of us deeply love the birds and fellow birders. Through birding we have truly connected with these wonderful feathered beings and other wild creatures as well. I feel privileged to have this connection and feel sorry for the many unaware people. If they were connected their lives would be richer, and they too would do what they could to save birds.
On Friday, February 28, 2025 at 04:37:04 AM CST, Donna Haynes <00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
I wasn't going to write anything, but I hope this is found as a post filled with kindness and respect. I want to just thank all of our amazing scientists, conservation professionals we have in our birding community! I have learned SO much from all of you and many of our "civilian" birders as well! It took a while before I felt truly accepted by the Arkansas Birding Community. (I started birding with others around 2009) I imagine it would have taken so much longer if I had not had an open and teachable mind. It probably would have never happened if I continually told veteran birders(and scientists) they are wrong.
Because of all of our birding community I have grown not only as a person, but as an advocate for the birds as well! (I am and will always be a work in progress)I don't scream to the heavens about what I personally do for birds often! Most of us don't. We're not looking for accolades... We just want to save birds! Our Arkansas Birding Community as a whole is so dedicated to saving birds in any way they can wether it be financially, offering time, reaching out/volunteering in their local communities and schools, just talking to people about birds on a daily basis (in person or on the socials), planting native plants for birds, contacting our representatives and asking them to do better for birds and in many other ways! I see all of you and want to thank you for all you do for birds and birders of Arkansas! Let's go birding, listen to those who have dedicated their lives to birds and learn together!
Donna Haynes
West Pulaski Co.
Date: 3/4/25 3:46 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Thank you Birding Community!
Donna,
This email actually brought tears to my eyes. I know that a great many of us deeply love the birds and fellow birders. Through birding we have truly connected with these wonderful feathered beings and other wild creatures as well. I feel privileged to have this connection and feel sorry for the many unaware people. If they were connected their lives would be richer, and they too would do what they could to save birds.
On Friday, February 28, 2025 at 04:37:04 AM CST, Donna Haynes <00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
I wasn't going to write anything, but I hope this is found as a post filled with kindness and respect. I want to just thank all of our amazing scientists, conservation professionals we have in our birding community! I have learned SO much from all of you and many of our "civilian" birders as well! It took a while before I felt truly accepted by the Arkansas Birding Community. (I started birding with others around 2009) I imagine it would have taken so much longer if I had not had an open and teachable mind. It probably would have never happened if I continually told veteran birders(and scientists) they are wrong. Because of all of our birding community I have grown not only as a person, but as an advocate for the birds as well! (I am and will always be a work in progress)I don't scream to the heavens about what I personally do for birds often! Most of us don't. We're not looking for accolades... We just want to save birds! Our Arkansas Birding Community as a whole is so dedicated to saving birds in any way they can wether it be financially, offering time, reaching out/volunteering in their local communities and schools, just talking to people about birds on a daily basis (in person or on the socials), planting native plants for birds, contacting our representatives and asking them to do better for birds and in many other ways! I see all of you and want to thank you for all you do for birds and birders of Arkansas! Let's go birding, listen to those who have dedicated their lives to birds and learn together! Donna HaynesWest Pulaski Co.
Yahoo Mail - Email Simplified
Date: 3/4/25 3:30 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Arkansas birds and hog factory farms
Joe,
Thanks so much for your comments. I agree completely. We Arkansans are so very fortunate to have this wonderful river! We owe a debt of gratitude to all who fought to keep this river. We can repay this debt by working to keep our river pristine, protecting her from factory farms and their ilk.
I worked a bit with Leesia, and saw at first hand how the lovely Louisiana Waterthrush flourished in the clean waters, but did not fare as well in polluted places.
On Friday, February 28, 2025 at 03:31:53 PM CST, Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Buffalo National River was designated an Important Bird Area by Audubon Arkansas in 2016 (https://www.arkansas.com/articles/buffalo-national-river-designated-important-bird-area).Buffalo National River is home to approximately 200 bird species, providing critical habitat and an important stop for many along their migratory routes,” said Emily Jones, senior southeast program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association (2016).I got to thinking about native birds that depend on the Buffalo in the context of efforts to expand hog factory farming into the Buffalo watershed. Does their presence or absence make a difference in terms of birds?Whether you are a supporter of building factory hog farms or if you if you a bird watcher, this is a reasonable question to ask. Current bills in Arkansas Legislature would allow return of factory hog farms to the Buffalo. If passed, these would reverse protections put in place in 2019 after the C and H hog factory farm was closed due to significant public opposition.Let me speak on the bird side. Numerous special bird habitats documented in National Science Foundation Grant No. NSF SPI 79-05277: “Environmental Evaluation: Use and Expansion of the Graber method (A student-oriented study of the Buffalo National River in Arkansas.)” 1979. Douglas James was faculty advisor.Nine students from UA-Fayetteville undertook a broad study of environmental impacts on the Buffalo. Bird communities in the upper Buffalo were included (bird species, Table 10). Undertaken in 1978, these studies provide baseline data soon after establishment of the National River (1972).In additional to this NSF project, consider data collected in the US Fish and Wildlife Breeding Bird Survey, Christmas Bird Counts, personal field trips (recorded in Arkansas Audubon Society database and Cornell’s eBird), technical papers in Arkansas Academy (and other journals), plus graduate student research.These data show uniform richness of bird communities in the Buffalo watershed. There is no other place in Arkansas that even closely compares.One study involved Louisiana Waterthrushes conducted by Leesia Marshall as part of her PhD 2004-2008 (“Territories, territoriality, and conservation of the Louisiana Waterthrush and its habitat, the watershed of the upper Buffalo River” 2012). She banded and then tracked individual birds.Waterthrushes set up nesting territories of various lengths along the river. River segments least impacted by pollution had highest rates of birds returning to same territories in subsequent years. Pollution at various levels impacted availability of food resources. Birds in least polluted segments were able to raise young in shorter stream segments.Take home message: Marshall demonstrates Louisiana Waterthrushes thrive best in stream segments with least pollution. The relevance of this is shown by research conducted during the C and H Farm controversy: despite state-permitted controls, hog waste pollution from C and H seeped into underlying limestone bedrock and traveled through ground water into the Buffalo.This is the story well-documented in other parts of the US with hog factory farms: polluted watersheds.https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/stink-swine-and-nuisance-the-north-carolina-hog-industry-and-its-waste-mana. The hog factory industry “… defends their waste management system as “state of the art.” Their lagoons collect feces, urine, blood, and other waste produced by the pigs … contents are sprayed onto nearby fields as fertilizer ...”In terms of negative impacts on Arkansas bird communities, what we don’t know is just how far all of this goes. How far across the floodplain, to other species like Kentucky Warblers. How far up the slopes to Cerulean Warblers in the canopy.Leesia Marshall showed impacts on the Buffalo’s Louisiana Waterthrushes. How many other bird species are impacted? And if native insect communities are impacted by pollution, how far up the great chain of being go negative impacts?There are other places where hog farms can be built. There is only one Buffalo River.In 2016, Emily Jones of National Parks Conservation Association stated: “Clean water is essential to our health, the health of our national parks and the health of native wildlife that call the Buffalo home. It takes all of us working together to protect the health of the national river.”
Date: 3/4/25 2:10 pm From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Jackson County Birds
Over the past few years, Jackson County has been on the radar of some serious birders and photographers. For me, it started when TWO Snowy Owls showed up in January 2022. They stayed in the area for several weeks, giving birders and nature lovers a total delight. Then this past December, an immature Long-tailed Duck showed up at the Grubbs WTP. Michael and I went to see it several times because it is such an infrequent visitor to Arkansas and was relatively close to view -- an extra treat. We initially thought it was a female, but when we saw it yesterday, we knew it was actually a young male, showing a bicolored pink and black bill and distinct white feathering atop the upper wing. From "Birds of the World:" an immature Long-tailed Duck appears similar to a female (as is also true with Northern Harriers) and can make the ID to gender a challenge. But don't be tempted to go until the flood waters recede after today's rain. The adjacent Cache River Relief area was already crossing the road yesterday (but shallow).Additionally, Smith's Longspurs have been reported by several birders this winter from the fields around the Newport Airport. We haven't figured out where to look for them yet, but hope to go there one of these times.But the real news of the day was relocating the Crested Caracara found by Paul Provence. And, frankly, we just got lucky. One of those "right time, right place" moments. And if David Finch hadn't noticed an interesting bird land in the distant field, we might have missed it altogether. Although several other birders showed up and didn't see the Caracara, they did find a few other interesting birds in the vicinity: a dark, nearly black Red-tailed Hawk and what appears to be a Golden Eagle. We've created a stakeout hotspot for folks to use from the Caracara location on Jackson County Road 66. https://ebird.org/checklist/S216472075All i can say is Wowza! Jackson County is definitely a great place to look for some unusual and surprising birds! Here's a link to some of the frequently birded hotspots in the county. https://birdinghotspots.org/region/US-AR-067Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/3/25 7:39 pm From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - March 3
It was overcast, cool, and a little windy on the bird survey today. 55 species were found. Best find today was a very early Snowy Egret. Here is my list for today:
The Long-tailed Duck at the Grubbs WTP in Jackson County continues today. Interestingly, the area is flooded (yuk) and only 2 Gadwalls were on the ponds with the Long-tail. In addition, this bird is beginning to show MALE characteristics including a bicolored bill with pink. We think it's most likely the same immature bird as initially reported in December 2024 as a female, which is a common characteristic of an immature male. But time and molt are bring a clearer identification. So we're going with a first-year male. See photos in our attached eBird report here.https://ebird.org/checklist/S216528717Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Now that's a good one. Thanks to autocorrect, Terry is now Boohoo Butler. But no Boohoos for him today with the caracara as a life bird!. 🤣😇😉Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/3/25 2:25 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Crested Caracara (Jackson County) We decided we had to give it a try and just go for it. Then we heard thaBoohoo! Butler, Kenny Nations and David Finch were heading there too, so we had high hopes. When we got to this one section of County Road 66, our luck was magnified when David said, "what's that bird that just landed in the field over there?" Looking at it through my bins made me think harrier but it was so far (~800 yards) that a scope was necessary. That's when we all scored a big Bingo! It spent 15-20 minutes on the ground feeding on something (they eat carrion, lizards and small mammals), and then it moved to the top of a dead tree where we were able to snap a few digiscope photos. After a few brief minutes, it took to the air, kettling with vultures, red-tails, and a harrier or two. Then it dropped below the treeline and we didn'tsee it again. We showed a few newly arrived birders where we'dseen it and where to watch for it, and then headed out. Hopefully it will show itself again for all to see.It was a state bird for all of us and a LIFER for Terry. Woohoo!I've set up a stakeout hotspot, with the point where we were standing when we saw it, with the bird being seen on the north side of the road. Paul Provence, the initial observer, saw it in the field to the south of this spot, so be sure to check the entire area. I moved a discarded red cap to the side of the road where we last saw it from.https://ebird.org/checklist/S216472075Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/3/25 10:44 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Crested Caracara (Jackson County) Michael Linz, David Finch, Terry Butler, Kenny Nations and I are looking at the CRESTED CARACARA found by Paul Provence earlier in the week. Very distant but yellow head, dark wings and cap visible. Continuing in this area. https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWnGTLuebBiXVSvS6?g_st=icPatty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
It was 8oo yards+ away. It finely flew and we got good looks in flight. Sent from my Galaxy Tab® S2
-------- Original message --------From: Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> Date: 3/3/25 1:36 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Caracara Terry Butler called earlier to let me know they found the Caracara. But it could only be seen with a scope because it was way out in the field, about 800 feet. He said it was walking around on the ground with some vultures.. They could see the yellow head. I think the reason we didn't find it yesterday was there were a lot of disturbances going on. In one field was a tractor with a spray rig spraying fertilizer or chemicals on the ground. Plus, a crop duster plane was spraying another nearby field, and there were big farm trucks moving around in the fields. Good luck if you go for it! Glad to know those disturbances didn't scare it off! Karen Holliday
We decided we had to give it a try and just go for it. Then we heard thaBoohoo! Butler, Kenny Nations and David Finch were heading there too, so we had high hopes. When we got to this one section of County Road 66, our luck was magnified when David said, "what's that bird that just landed in the field over there?" Looking at it through my bins made me think harrier but it was so far (~800 yards) that a scope was necessary. That's when we all scored a big Bingo! It spent 15-20 minutes on the ground feeding on something (they eat carrion, lizards and small mammals), and then it moved to the top of a dead tree where we were able to snap a few digiscope photos. After a few brief minutes, it took to the air, kettling with vultures, red-tails, and a harrier or two. Then it dropped below the treeline and we didn'tsee it again. We showed a few newly arrived birders where we'dseen it and where to watch for it, and then headed out. Hopefully it will show itself again for all to see.It was a state bird for all of us and a LIFER for Terry. Woohoo!I've set up a stakeout hotspot, with the point where we were standing when we saw it, with the bird being seen on the north side of the road. Paul Provence, the initial observer, saw it in the field to the south of this spot, so be sure to check the entire area. I moved a discarded red cap to the side of the road where we last saw it from.https://ebird.org/checklist/S216472075Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/3/25 10:44 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Crested Caracara (Jackson County) Michael Linz, David Finch, Terry Butler, Kenny Nations and I are looking at the CRESTED CARACARA found by Paul Provence earlier in the week. Very distant but yellow head, dark wings and cap visible. Continuing in this area. https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWnGTLuebBiXVSvS6?g_st=icPatty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/3/25 11:36 am From: Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> Subject: Caracara
Terry Butler called earlier to let me know they found the Caracara. But it could only be seen with a scope because it was way out in the field, about 800 feet. He said it was walking around on the ground with some vultures.. They could see the yellow head. I think the reason we didn't find it yesterday was there were a lot of disturbances going on. In one field was a tractor with a spray rig spraying fertilizer or chemicals on the ground. Plus, a crop duster plane was spraying another nearby field, and there were big farm trucks moving around in the fields. Good luck if you go for it! Glad to know those disturbances didn't scare it off! Karen Holliday
Date: 3/3/25 8:50 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Western Grebe and Pacific Loon (Lake Maumelle)
Roger Massey just texted that he's got a Western Grebe and a Pacific Loon off Bufflehead Bay at Lake Maumelle.Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Michael Linz, David Finch, Terry Butler, Kenny Nations and I are looking at the CRESTED CARACARA found by Paul Provence earlier in the week. Very distant but yellow head, dark wings and cap visible. Continuing in this area. https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWnGTLuebBiXVSvS6?g_st=icPatty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Seen at the feeder this morning! Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/1/25 8:45 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) Our Yellow Grosbeak has a name: Jeffrey. Decided by Shianne's daughter.He's mostly showing up at the feeders in the mid-afternoon and sometimes late afternoon. So, until further notice, folks are welcome to come daily from noon until dark. If his schedule changes, we'll update here and on ARBIRD. To visit, contact Shianne at 417-349-2317 and let her know what time and date you plan to come. Even the day of your visit is fine.There is a $25/person fee via cash or Zelle/Venmo. Please keep a respectful distance from the bird and do not approach within 40 feet of the feeder area. Jeffrey is very shy and will disappear into the trees when spooked, making him more difficult to see.We don't know how long he will continue here and he has apparently found another food source. I will update daily as to his ongoing presence.Good luck, all! Patty McLean -------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 2/28/25 7:53 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) The Yellow Grosbeak was seen again today. See below for information about visiting. Patty-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 2/27/25 7:19 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: RE: Yellow Grosbeak (Berryville/Carroll County) The Yellow Grosbeak showed up again today, giving all birders present a great opportunity to see it. Also, Shianne Hunnicutt and our own Taylor Long were interviewed about the bird by NWA Channel 5 News. Story here: https://www.5newsonline.com/video/news/local/rare-mexican-bird-draws-birders-arkansas-ranch/527-a5594516-fb92-4d21-9c90-dc7b802cd6daCURRENT SCHEDULEFri, Feb 28: 2:30-5p (afternoon only)Sat, Mar 1: 12n until dark. Prepayment via Zelle or Venmo is required for this particular day.Let Shianne know (via text at 417-349-2317) what time and how many people are in your party and please only show up during that time.There is a $25/person fee. This is an exceptionally rare U.S. bird, and this type of fee is quite usual in other places such as Texas and Arizona when rarities are on private property. All visitors are asked to stay a respectful distance from the front porch and feeders (at least about 40 feet). The bird gets shy when people are too close or loud and it tends to disappear into the thick cover of the cedar trees for an extended time. So for the sake of everyone who wants to see it and get photographs, please be mindful of this. If someone has paid and missed the bird, Shianne hopes you will come back with no additional payment needed. She truly wants everyone to see it. She also extends a big thank you to the birder who gifted them the new platform feeder and the cracked sunflower seeds. Apparently the bird LOVES it. Stay tuned for updates as well as a future schedule, as needed.Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
I was talking with Terry Butler this evening. He was asking about our try for the Caracara. I had to let him know we didn't see it. But he and Kenny Nations are going to try for it tomorrow, March 3. Terry gave me an update on the swans at the Heber Springs Seeco ponds. The swans have left. What was amazing was he said he and his helpers put out 8 tons of feed for the swans this winter. Eight tons of feed! Plus, they also bought gravel for the parking lots. He said the entire cost for everything was covered by what they get in the donation boxes at the ponds! Everything from dollar bills and up. Just an FYI, if you go see the swans, any donation is really helpful. We are so very, very lucky to have our wintering swans each year.Karen Holliday Maumelle
Several of us spent most of today in Jackson County scanning for the Caracara. When we got there, my carload of birders found Sarah Morris already there. She hadn't seen it. One of the local residents came by and told us he had seen it last week in the field that Paul Provence gave me the GPS coordinates for. That was the area we spent scanning for most of the day. Unfortunately it never slowed. Paul showed up and said he had seen it yesterday. Fun to visit with him and catch up. Turns out he grew up in Tuckerman and his family owns most of the land where they've been seeing the Caracara. One field had a huge flock of Snow Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese, plus a couple of Ross's Geese. At least 2,500 birds total. It's always a noisy and exciting experience when a giant flock of geese lift off and move. In the flooded part of the field there were Gadwalls, Shovelers, Wigeons, Pintails, Green-winged Teal, Mallards, and one Redhead. At one point in the search, Kenny and LaDonna decided to make a quick scout through the adjacent area in case the Caracara had moved. They came back disappointed to report no Caracara. We also saw a total of 6-8 Bald Eagles, adults and juveniles, soaring overhead. Also found Snipe, Pipits, Killdeer, Savannah Sparrows, Turkey and Black Vultures, Harriers (males and females) and Red-tailed Hawks. It was a fun, relaxing, sunny day with good birds and good birding friends. Karen Holliday Chasing the elusive Jackson County Caracara GPS coordinates 35.769938, -91.264212 (Jackson City Road 66 Newport AR)
Date: 3/2/25 12:09 pm From: Kevin Krajcir <kjkrajcir...> Subject: March 2025 ASCA Presentation
Good afternoon,
Please join the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA) next Thursday March 13th at 7 PM via Zoom to hear about King Rail movement and breeding ecology in southern Arkansas. Our presenter, Jess Novobilsky, studied this cryptic marsh bird for her master’s thesis at the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville. Jess currently works for the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission as the agency’s Habitat Coordinator.
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![https://www.hummingbirdcentral.com/images/migration-2025/2025-hummingbird-migration-map-og.jpg]<https://www.hummingbirdcentral.com/hummingbird-migration-spring-2025-map.htm>](https://www.hummingbirdcentral.com/images/migration-2025/2025-hummingbird-migration-map-og.jpg]<https://www.hummingbirdcentral.com/hummingbird-migration-spring-2025-map.htm>){kind=link}
