Last Friday (Sep. 25) I surveyed birds at Red Slough. The weather was partly cloudy, mild, and calm. 50 species were found. Birding was slow and only a few migrants were observed. Here is my list for that day:
Date: 9/26/26 11:09 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Crested Caracara Reported in Jackson County
Someone reportedly saw a Crested Caracara yesterday afternoon in the same general area where we saw one last year near Tuckerman in Jackson County. Several of us went this morning to look for it but have not been successful in relocating it.
Many of the fields appear to have been recently disked, with 100+ Turkey Vultures cruising overhead or standing in the fields. We devotedly checked every one of them. Red-tails, Red-shouldered and Harriers were also present.
If you go, the roads are gravel and very dusty. As far as I can tell, most if not all of the gravel roads are county roads.
This seems to be the best place in Benton County for fall warblers. Many were low to the ground offering excellent views and were visible for some time. One of the Black-throated Greens was on the ground. I am not having much luck photographing them.
Again, the road needs to be walked by more people with more skill than I.
I changed the location from Sulphur Springs to Bella Vista as that is more appropriate, and moved its location to be just east of where Highlands Blvd passes under I-49. The previous location marker was off by half of a mile
Date: 9/23/26 11:16 am From: Than Boves <0000066ff0d310d7-dmarc-request...> Subject: This Sat: Fall Bird Banding at the A-State Bird Observatory
Hi all - This Sat we are hosting a special banding day at the A-State Bird Observatory for the Arkansas Bird Alliance and Memphis Chapter of TOS. Come experience fall migration with us! We will be opening nets at about 7:40 AM and will stay out until about 10 am. No promises, but this morning we caught 71 birds, including ~50 Gray Catbirds, so it could be a great morning.
Hope to see some of you there,
Than
---------------------------------------------------------------
Than J. Boves, PhD
Professor of Avian Ecology
Director of Graduate Program in Biology
Department of Biological Sciences
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR
________________________________
From: Than Boves <tboves...>
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 11:39 AM
To: Than Boves <tboves...>
Subject: Fall Bird Banding at the A-State Bird Observatory
Hi all - Once again, the most exciting time of the year is upon us....fall migration! Over the next few months, billions of birds will migrate south from their breeding grounds in Canada and the US in hopes of making it to their wintering grounds in the southern US, Mexico, Central and South America, and islands of the Caribbean. Along the way, many birds will stop right here in Jonesboro to refuel and prepare themselves for the dangerous journey ahead (which includes ridiculous non-stop flights across the Gulf of Mexico). Here at A-State, we experience this vicariously by studying these birds, which includes setting up nets on campus, capturing some of these migrants, collecting data from them (such as age, sex, body condition, symbionts, etc.), marking them with unique leg bands in case others re-capture them, and then releasing them unharmed.
We would like to invite you all to come join us at the A-State Bird Observatory to also (kind of) experience the phenomenon of avian migration! Every Wednesday and Sunday mornings starting next week (Sun, Aug 30), we will be opening nets, catching birds, and learning about them. The exact dates and starting times are below:
Date
Day
Time
8/30
Sun
6:30 AM
9/2
Wed
6:35 AM
9/6
Sun
6:35 AM
9/9
Wed
6:40 AM
9/13
Sun
6:40 AM
9/16
Wed
6:45 AM
9/20
Sun
6:45 AM
9/23
Wed
6:50 AM
9/27
Sun
6:50 AM
9/30
Wed
6:55 AM
10/4
Sun
7:00 AM
10/7
Wed
7:00 AM
10/11
Sun
7:05 AM
10/14
Wed
7:05 AM
10/18
Sun
7:10 AM
If you have not yet joined us, here is the location of the A-State Bird Observatory:
We will typically have 8-12 nets open for 2.5-3 hrs each morning. We almost always catch some birds, but some days are better than others (just like life). If there is precipitation, we will not be opening the nets. You can park in the grassy field east of the woods.
Feel free to share this info with others and hope to see some of you out this Fall!
Date: 9/21/26 10:49 am From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> Subject: Highlands Blvd Bella Vista / Sulphur Springs
This road has been absolutely fantastic for fall migrants this year. No one, besides myself has birdied there.
By there I mean the unpaved portion of the road. My routine is to drive basically west on that portion from Bella Vista, make a U-turn just before the I-49 overpass and park. I then walk for 1.5 miles to the west, and return by the same route going past where I had parked for another half mile.
Merlin heard Tennessee Warbler, a few times. It also heard Acadian, Least, and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers.
I spotted one Tennessee, but struck out on the empods.
> Does anyone know a place in Arkansas or elsewhere to get Pentax binoculars serviced?
>
> Sarah
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
There were close to 70 WOOD STORKS this evening at this same location, what we unofficially have named Green Pond. See below for location info. The numbers may already be declining due to departures. The eBird Bar Chart indicates they may stick around through next weekend, so there's still a chance to see them if you haven't already.
Early Teal season is upon us through Sep 27. Hunters may be present at the refuge from dawn to dusk, although the number of ducks currently is close to zero.
We desperately need rain. Cells 1-3 are rapidly drying up and the fields are crispy. Nowhere close to the big number of shorebirds and waders that we've enjoyed over the last few months.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz
The Roadrunners
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 2:18 PM, Patricia McLean<plm108...> wrote: The WOOD STORKS (as many as 40 now) are continuing on the small back pond at Bald Knob NWR today. The pond is on River Road and is casually called Green Pond.
Location is approx here.
Google Maps
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Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
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The vegetation around the pond is high, but if you walk into the woods on the south side of the pond, you can get better views.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz
The Roadrunners
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Sun, Sep 13, 2026 at 12:49 PM, Patricia McLean<plm108...> wrote: Someone recently posted and photographed two WOOD STORKS on eBird at the refuge along Huntsman Rd. Then yesterday someone posted them at the ponds on Mingo Creek Rd. This morning, as Michael and I were making the rounds, we stopped east of the Mingo ponds and saw four Wood Storks kettling and floating west with a group of vultures, toward the refuge. We went back to the ponds and then to the refuge where we found plenty of vultures but not the storks.
Also, still present is a PEREGRINE FALCON, last seen harassing a few thousand shorebirds in Cells 2 and 3.
Someone reported two WHITE-FACED IBIS in Cell 5 but all we found today were two immature White Ibis in Cell 2.
There was a female YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD photographed a few days ago. It was hanging out with a flock of cowbirds and may still be present, although we did not look for it.
The cells are drying up and the sun is hot, with most of the shorebirds being seen in Cell 2. Ducks are also showing up but nothing unexpected for this time of year.
Rice harvesting has begun, so watch for heavy machinery and large trucks, some moving so fast on the gravel roads that they create a thick wall of dust that takes a while to clear. You may want to avoid stopping along these sections or at least park off the road far enough to not impede traffic (and be prepared to put your windows up).
Hoping this heat wave ends soon.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 9/19/26 8:11 am From: Sarah Morris <sarahmorris.ark...> Subject: Re: Pentax
He checked and they don’t service Pentax.
On Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 9:23 AM <jwdavis...> wrote:
> Bedford Camera in Fayetteville and Little Rock.
>
> Jerry
>
>
> On 2026-09-19 9:01 am, Sarah Morris wrote:
> > Does anyone know a place in Arkansas or elsewhere to get Pentax
> > binoculars serviced?
> >
> > Sarah
> >
> > -------------------------
> >
> > 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: 9/19/26 7:23 am From: Jerry Davis <jwdavis...> Subject: Re: Pentax
Bedford Camera in Fayetteville and Little Rock.
Jerry
On 2026-09-19 9:01 am, Sarah Morris wrote: > Does anyone know a place in Arkansas or elsewhere to get Pentax > binoculars serviced? > > Sarah > > ------------------------- > > 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: 9/19/26 6:36 am From: <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...> Subject: Re: September 19, 2016
That is great; I did not have Pine Siskins last year at my home in Hot Springs, for the first time.
This seems like an early arrival, but with drought and 8.4 million acres burned so far this year, they will have to seek food somewhere.
Jerry Wayne Davis
Hot Springs, AR
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...>
Sent: Saturday, September 19, 2026 6:30 AM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: September 19, 2016
Date: 9/18/26 4:52 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Rails especially Yellow
Thanks so much for this information! It becomes easier to see desired species when one knows them well. Conversely, it can be so difficult when not familiar with the species. This is such a help! Maybe someday I will see a Yellow Rail - my chances are somewhat increased now - so again - thanks!
On Friday, September 18, 2026 at 07:00:31 AM CDT, Timothy Barksdale <timothy.barksdale...> wrote:
HI Ian,
Because I have been chasing rails, especially Yellow and Black at night since the mid -1970's and have had quite a bit of success, I thought I might be helpful to you.
First, when Yellow rails flush, they are rather strong flyers, so they Move! This is a highly migratory species adapted for long flights. They only very rarely hop up like some little wimpy rail; they tend to flush hard and move deliberately, often 50 -75 yards -quickly. The flush will often be 10-15-even 25 feet off the ground but sometimes they will stay lower.
Then- the white secondaries really pop out. This is not a difficult thing to see, it is the most obvious thing. In spring and fall the base color is a creamy Yellow buff. at times this looks almost soft, burnt orange but with more buff. The black patterned "flecking" is well up on the back and in no way interferes with the white secondaries. I've never noticed a "black bar" on the wings.
I've only seen one Yellow Rail since the 1970's in daylight - during the day time from dawn to dusk. Flushing them in daylight, is crazy hard. However, at night, it is a very different story.
I've spent hours and hours at night in marshes in Missouri, North Dakota, Manitoba, Montana and Minnesota both seeing and showing many of these birds. This species comes alive at night and readily flushes. Just after take-off and during landing are the moments when feet and legs are noticeable.
Timing of the south bound movement is poorly known, but from my personal experience, October is the month. I suspect that YERA also lingers as long as possible during migration.
So - while I do not know what you did see, I think the description does not match well for Yellow Rail.
Date: 9/18/26 12:56 pm From: Kevin Krajcir <kjkrajcir...> Subject: October 2026 ASCA Presentation - RCW Conservation in AR by Jess Novobilsky
Good afternoon everyone,
Please join the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas on Thursday *October
1st *at 7 PM to hear Jess Novobilsky speak about the past, present, and
future of Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) conservation in Arkansas. ASCA is
meeting on October 1st, instead of its usual second Thursday, because we
encourage folks to get out to the Birding Festival of the South the weekend
of Oct 8-10th and the Arkansas Bird Alliance convention the weekend of Oct
16-18. To join for the presentation, please register here for the Zoom
link: Meeting Registration - Zoom
<https://audubon.zoom.us/meeting/register/RLfEEt37TZ2qCjet7e3kHg#/registration> .
Red-cockaded woodpeckers (Leuconotopicus borealis) [RCWs] are a charismatic
bird of mature, fire-sustained pine forests of the southeastern United
States. Due to their unique ecology and habitat requirements, as well as
logging and forestry practices that impact their habitat, this species was
one of the first to be listed with the Endangered Species Act in 1973.
However, with decades of intensive management, this species was down-listed
to “threatened” in 2024, and remains a testament to what sound scientific
research and collaborative stewardship can accomplish! The Arkansas Natural
Heritage Commission (ANHC) is dedicated to restoring the open-pine
ecosystems that RCWs call home. ANHC biologists and their partners have led
the way working to incorporate more prescribed fire, reduce woody
encroachment and invasive species, and install artificial nest cavities to
encourage birds to nest as habitat is being restored. As a testimony to
this leadership, four of the six locations where RCW populations currently
occur in Arkansas are part of the System of Natural Areas. Jess will
discuss the ANHC’s history in and future plans for the recovery of this
species across Arkansas.
Jess received her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Conservation and
Management from Delaware Valley University in 2015. After that, she
traveled across the United States working various wetlands field jobs
before attending the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville to earn her
master’s in Biology in 2024. She currently works for the Arkansas Natural
Heritage Commission as the agency’s Habitat Coordinator and Red-cockaded
Woodpecker Recovery Coordinator.
Date: 9/18/26 5:49 am From: Timothy Barksdale <timothy.barksdale...> Subject: Rails especially Yellow
HI Ian,
Because I have been chasing rails, especially Yellow and Black at night since the mid -1970's and have had quite a bit of success, I thought I might be helpful to you.
First, when Yellow rails flush, they are rather strong flyers, so they Move! This is a highly migratory species adapted for long flights. They only very rarely hop up like some little wimpy rail; they tend to flush hard and move deliberately, often 50 -75 yards -quickly. The flush will often be 10-15-even 25 feet off the ground but sometimes they will stay lower.
Then- the white secondaries really pop out. This is not a difficult thing to see, it is the most obvious thing. In spring and fall the base color is a creamy Yellow buff. at times this looks almost soft, burnt orange but with more buff. The black patterned "flecking" is well up on the back and in no way interferes with the white secondaries. I've never noticed a "black bar" on the wings.
I've only seen one Yellow Rail since the 1970's in daylight - during the day time from dawn to dusk. Flushing them in daylight, is crazy hard. However, at night, it is a very different story.
I've spent hours and hours at night in marshes in Missouri, North Dakota, Manitoba, Montana and Minnesota both seeing and showing many of these birds. This species comes alive at night and readily flushes. Just after take-off and during landing are the moments when feet and legs are noticeable.
Timing of the south bound movement is poorly known, but from my personal experience, October is the month. I suspect that YERA also lingers as long as possible during migration.
So - while I do not know what you did see, I think the description does not match well for Yellow Rail.
Date: 9/17/26 7:44 am From: Kenny Nichols <kingbird101...> Subject: Re: Possible Yellow Rail at Chesney.
If you didn’t see the white wing patches, it wasn’t a Yellow Rail. If it
had been, the white would have been the ONLY thing you would have noticed.
Kenny Nichols
Dardanelle, AR
On Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 6:10 PM Ian MacGregor <
<00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> I thought of Bobolink, but once convinced it was a rail did not look it
> up. The plumage matches very well with what I saw.
>
> I think I’m improving then make a very silly mistake.
>
> Ian
>
>
> Sent from Proton Mail <https://proton.me/mail/home> for iOS.
>
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> On Wednesday, 09/16/26 at 16:28 Joseph Neal <joeneal...> wrote:
>
> I have seen a few Bobolinks in Sept at Chesney. Is that a possibility?
> ------------------------------
> *From:* The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...>
> on behalf of Ian MacGregor <
> <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, September 16, 2026 3:16 PM
> *To:* <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
> *Subject:* Possible Yellow Rail at Chesney.
>
> I have been having a very good month. The warblers have been extremely
> cooperative. Yesterday I had a yong White Ibis at Logan Springs
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S393178366 >
> While the Ibis circled before it landed I could see its while lower back
> and rump. But after it landed, It appeared to me to be all. dark in the
> early morning light. Indeed I thought I must have been mistaken and
> would have put it down as a much more likely White-faced, if it were not
> for the pictures.
>
> Which brings me to the bird in question. I was just about finished i with
> my close to five hour walk. I reached the last east/west fencing which
> separates the chicken farm from the preserve. My car was in sight. I
> looked at just following the fence line to my car, but decided against it.
> I instead followed the path through the grass. Just before the path made
> the turn to the east paralleling the fencing a small bird flushed. I noted
> its back part of its wings were striped with black. The stripes ran
> parallel ro the axis of the body. The bird flushed directly in front of
> me. and so close I could see that detail with the naked eye. My first
> very brief thought was just a female Red-winged, but then I thought, “
> that’s a rail!!”
>
> I got glasses on it just before it dropped into the grass. The bird’s
> flight seemed very slow, the wing beats were not abnormally slow but the
> progress seemed to be, The birds shape was a bit quail like, but the wing
> loading was not. The bird flew steadily on normal wingbeats.
>
> It did not dangle its legs. I did not notice white in the secondaries.
> I think I saw enough of the bird that I should have. I don’t know if
> other rails ever use grassland habitats.
>
> I look at pictures of rails and see Yellow as the only one which would
> present such a back pattern, but again I should have seen the white
> secondaries and did not.
>
> When the bird dropped back into the grass it lowered its legs which were
> of the expected length for a rail.
>
> I did not notice legs sticking out behind the bird in flight. Looks like I
> should have seen at least part of a foot.
>
> I was hot from the walk and did not want to harass the bird by crashing
> through the grass looking for it.
>
> Ian MacGregor Bella Vista
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent from Proton Mail <https://proton.me/mail/home> for iOS.
>
> ------------------------------
>
> 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: 9/17/26 7:41 am From: twbutler1941 <twbutler1941...> Subject: Re: Possible Yellow Rail at Chesney.
I agee Kenny. It's like a white handkerchief tied on each wing when it flies.Sent from my Galaxy Tab® S2
-------- Original message --------From: Kenny Nichols <kingbird101...> Date: 9/17/26 9:03 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Re: Possible Yellow Rail at Chesney. If you didn’t see the white wing patches, it wasn’t a Yellow Rail. If it had been, the white would have been the ONLY thing you would have noticed. Kenny NicholsDardanelle, AROn Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 6:10 PM Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> wrote:I thought of Bobolink, but once convinced it was a rail did not look it up. The plumage matches very well with what I saw.I think I’m improving then make a very silly mistake.IanSent from Proton Mail for iOS.-------- Original Message --------On Wednesday, 09/16/26 at 16:28 Joseph Neal <joeneal...> wrote:
I have seen a few Bobolinks in Sept at Chesney. Is that a possibility?
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 3:16 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Possible Yellow Rail at Chesney.
I have been having a very good month. The warblers have been extremely cooperative. Yesterday I had a yong White Ibis at Logan Springs
While the Ibis circled before it landed I could see its while lower back and rump. But after it landed, It appeared to me to be all. dark in the early morning light. Indeed I thought I must have been mistaken and would have put it down as a much
more likely White-faced, if it were not for the pictures.
Which brings me to the bird in question. I was just about finished i with my close to five hour walk. I reached the last east/west fencing which separates the chicken farm from the preserve. My car was in sight. I looked at just following the fence
line to my car, but decided against it. I instead followed the path through the grass. Just before the path made the turn to the east paralleling the fencing a small bird flushed. I noted its back part of its wings were striped with black. The stripes
ran parallel ro the axis of the body. The bird flushed directly in front of me. and so close I could see that detail with the naked eye. My first very brief thought was just a female Red-winged, but then I thought, “ that’s a rail!!”
I got glasses on it just before it dropped into the grass. The bird’s flight seemed very slow, the wing beats were not abnormally slow but the progress seemed to be, The birds shape was a bit quail like, but the wing loading was not. The bird
flew steadily on normal wingbeats.
It did not dangle its legs. I did not notice white in the secondaries. I think I saw enough of the bird that I should have. I don’t know if other rails ever use grassland habitats.
I look at pictures of rails and see Yellow as the only one which would present such a back pattern, but again I should have seen the white secondaries and did not.
When the bird dropped back into the grass it lowered its legs which were of the expected length for a rail.
I did not notice legs sticking out behind the bird in flight. Looks like I should have seen at least part of a foot.
I was hot from the walk and did not want to harass the bird by crashing through the grass looking for it.
It was partly cloudy and hot with some light wind on the survey today. 50 species were found. Not too many migrants were found today. Searched hard for storks today but no luck. Not much water left on the slough. We need rain bad. Still have a couple active Neotropic Cormorant nests and there are still a few Anhinga young that are close to fledging. Here is my list for today:
-------- Original Message --------
On Wednesday, 09/16/26 at 16:28 Joseph Neal <joeneal...> wrote:
> I have seen a few Bobolinks in Sept at Chesney. Is that a possibility?
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...>
> Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 3:16 PM
> To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
> Subject: Possible Yellow Rail at Chesney.
>
> I have been having a very good month. The warblers have been extremely cooperative. Yesterday I had a yong White Ibis at Logan Springs
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S393178366 >
> While the Ibis circled before it landed I could see its while lower back and rump. But after it landed, It appeared to me to be all. dark in the early morning light. Indeed I thought I must have been mistaken and would have put it down as a much more likely White-faced, if it were not for the pictures.
>
> Which brings me to the bird in question. I was just about finished i with my close to five hour walk. I reached the last east/west fencing which separates the chicken farm from the preserve. My car was in sight. I looked at just following the fence line to my car, but decided against it. I instead followed the path through the grass. Just before the path made the turn to the east paralleling the fencing a small bird flushed. I noted its back part of its wings were striped with black. The stripes ran parallel ro the axis of the body. The bird flushed directly in front of me. and so close I could see that detail with the naked eye. My first very brief thought was just a female Red-winged, but then I thought, “ that’s a rail!!”
>
> I got glasses on it just before it dropped into the grass. The bird’s flight seemed very slow, the wing beats were not abnormally slow but the progress seemed to be, The birds shape was a bit quail like, but the wing loading was not. The bird flew steadily on normal wingbeats.
>
> It did not dangle its legs. I did not notice white in the secondaries. I think I saw enough of the bird that I should have. I don’t know if other rails ever use grassland habitats.
>
> I look at pictures of rails and see Yellow as the only one which would present such a back pattern, but again I should have seen the white secondaries and did not.
>
> When the bird dropped back into the grass it lowered its legs which were of the expected length for a rail.
>
> I did not notice legs sticking out behind the bird in flight. Looks like I should have seen at least part of a foot.
>
> I was hot from the walk and did not want to harass the bird by crashing through the grass looking for it.
>
> Ian MacGregor Bella Vista
>
> Sent from [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/mail/home) for iOS.
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
While the Ibis circled before it landed I could see its while lower back and rump. But after it landed, It appeared to me to be all. dark in the early morning light. Indeed I thought I must have been mistaken and would have put it down as a much more likely White-faced, if it were not for the pictures.
Which brings me to the bird in question. I was just about finished i with my close to five hour walk. I reached the last east/west fencing which separates the chicken farm from the preserve. My car was in sight. I looked at just following the fence line to my car, but decided against it. I instead followed the path through the grass. Just before the path made the turn to the east paralleling the fencing a small bird flushed. I noted its back part of its wings were striped with black. The stripes ran parallel ro the axis of the body. The bird flushed directly in front of me. and so close I could see that detail with the naked eye. My first very brief thought was just a female Red-winged, but then I thought, “ that’s a rail!!”
I got glasses on it just before it dropped into the grass. The bird’s flight seemed very slow, the wing beats were not abnormally slow but the progress seemed to be, The birds shape was a bit quail like, but the wing loading was not. The bird flew steadily on normal wingbeats.
It did not dangle its legs. I did not notice white in the secondaries. I think I saw enough of the bird that I should have. I don’t know if other rails ever use grassland habitats.
I look at pictures of rails and see Yellow as the only one which would present such a back pattern, but again I should have seen the white secondaries and did not.
When the bird dropped back into the grass it lowered its legs which were of the expected length for a rail.
I did not notice legs sticking out behind the bird in flight. Looks like I should have seen at least part of a foot.
I was hot from the walk and did not want to harass the bird by crashing through the grass looking for it.
Date: 9/16/26 12:44 pm From: Joe Tucker <000001df0ca37a3b-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Bald Knob NWR Recent Sightings
For anyone who wants to plug the coordinates into their GPS, the decimal equivalent is : 35.210222, -91.609000
On Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 02:18:38 PM CDT, Patricia McLean <plm108...> wrote:
The WOOD STORKS (as many as 40 now) are continuing on the small back pond at Bald Knob NWR today. The pond is on River Road and is casually called Green Pond.
Location is approx here.
Google Maps
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|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
The vegetation around the pond is high, but if you walk into the woods on the south side of the pond, you can get better views.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz
The Roadrunners
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Sun, Sep 13, 2026 at 12:49 PM, Patricia McLean<plm108...> wrote: Someone recently posted and photographed two WOOD STORKS on eBird at the refuge along Huntsman Rd. Then yesterday someone posted them at the ponds on Mingo Creek Rd. This morning, as Michael and I were making the rounds, we stopped east of the Mingo ponds and saw four Wood Storks kettling and floating west with a group of vultures, toward the refuge. We went back to the ponds and then to the refuge where we found plenty of vultures but not the storks.
Also, still present is a PEREGRINE FALCON, last seen harassing a few thousand shorebirds in Cells 2 and 3.
Someone reported two WHITE-FACED IBIS in Cell 5 but all we found today were two immature White Ibis in Cell 2.
There was a female YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD photographed a few days ago. It was hanging out with a flock of cowbirds and may still be present, although we did not look for it.
The cells are drying up and the sun is hot, with most of the shorebirds being seen in Cell 2. Ducks are also showing up but nothing unexpected for this time of year.
Rice harvesting has begun, so watch for heavy machinery and large trucks, some moving so fast on the gravel roads that they create a thick wall of dust that takes a while to clear. You may want to avoid stopping along these sections or at least park off the road far enough to not impede traffic (and be prepared to put your windows up).
Hoping this heat wave ends soon.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 9/16/26 12:24 pm From: Sarah Morris <sarahmorris.ark...> Subject: REMINDER: Upcoming ASCA Field Trips
Everyone is invited to join the upcoming field trips for the Audubon
Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA). All trips are open to the public.
Birders of all experience levels are welcome. You do not have to be an ASCA
member to attend. People may leave a trip at any time.
For more information, contact ASCA Field Trip Coordinator Sarah Morris at
<sarahmorris.ark...> or (870) 926-7127. For the Beginner Birder
Outings, contact the project leader, Ariana Remmel, at
<ariana.remmel...>
*September 19 – Pine Bluff area*
*Meet: *9 a.m. at Boyd Point Wastewater Facility
The group will meet at the Boyd Point Wastewater Facility
<https://ebird.org/hotspot/L504941> to look for ducks and gulls. Because
the facility is behind a locked gate, we will start here at 9 a.m. so an
employee can let the group in. This portion of the field trip will
primarily involve birding by vehicle. Restrooms will not be readily
available at this stop.
Next, we’ll head to the AGFC Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center
<https://ebird.org/hotspot/L504959?rank=hc>, where restrooms will be
available. The area has diverse habitats, including cypress and tupelo
swamps, open water, and wetlands. Walking is on paved trails and
boardwalks. If time permits, we'll also check Lake Saracen.
*What to bring:*
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Binocular or scope (if available)
- Lunch
*Meeting Location:*
Boyd Point Wastewater Treatment Facility
900 Island Harbor Marina Road, Pine Bluff
GPS: 34.270797, -91.972484
Meet in the parking lot area just inside the gate. If the gate is not yet
open, wait just outside it.
Little Rock area: Meet at 8 a.m. at the Dixon Road commuter lot, Exit 3 off
I-530 South (34.67215202740333, -92.26640124582458).
Are you curious about birds or looking for opportunities to practice your
bird watching skills? Join us for an outing designed for beginner birders
and folks who want to practice the basics.
*Every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. from September 5-23*,
we’ll walk a ~1.5-mile loop through *Two Rivers Park
<https://ebird.org/hotspot/L211862>*, starting from the bridge on River
Mountain Road. A paved trail will take us over the Little Maumelle River,
through vibrant pine-dominated woods, and alongside lush wetland habitat.
As we go, two group leaders will cover skills such as how to use
binoculars, how to identify birds, and how to use habitat clues to find
birds. (We’ll have a few pairs of binoculars available to borrow during the
outing.) Birders and nature enthusiasts of all experience levels are
encouraged to participate!
*Schedule*
1. Saturday, September 5, at 9 a.m.
2. Wednesday, September 9, at 7:30 a.m.
3. Saturday, September 12, at 9 a.m.
4. Wednesday, September 16, at 7:30 a.m.
5. Saturday, September 19, at 9 a.m.
6. Wednesday, September 23, at 7:30 a.m.
*Location*
We’ll gather at the base of the bridge near the roundabout 15 minutes
before the scheduled outing time. Look for the group by the interpretive
sign about the Arkansas River Trail. If you arrive late, you can catch up
with the group by following the bridge path.
4468 River Mountain Rd, Little Rock, AR 72212
GPS: 34.797585, -92.382828
*Note: If using a maps app to navigate (which is encouraged), be sure to
set the address as Two Rivers Park Bridge, NOT Two Rivers Park (which will
take you to a different entrance).*
The bridge entrance to the park is accessible from the interchange between
I-430 and Cantrell Road (Hwy 10) in Little Rock. If arriving via I-430
(from either direction), take Exit 9 to Cantrell Rd and follow signs to
River Mountain Road. If traveling west on Cantrell, take the I-430 S ramp
to River Mountain Road. If traveling east on Cantrell, exit right before
you go over the bridge (in front of the Tide Cleaner building) and take a
left under the bridge toward River Mountain Road. After making the hairpin
turn onto River Mountain Road, follow the road past the houses and all the
way down the hill till you see the river. You can park at the boat launch
or in the lot at the base of the bridge.
*Access notes:*
The parking lot has a few ADA-compliant parking spaces.
There are restrooms and a water fountain in the parking lot.
The paved trail over the bridge and throughout the park is wheelchair
accessible.
The trail does not have evenly spaced benches, but picnic tables and
seating will be available at our halfway point.
*Inclement weather plan:*
If there’s heavy rain and/or lightning in the forecast for the morning,
consider these trips canceled. We won’t make any special announcement about
cancellations, so use your best judgment.
*For more information, contact project leader Ariana Remmel at *
*<ariana.remmel...>* <ariana.remmel...>*.*
There are no ASCA field trips planned in October. Instead, we encourage
birders to attend the following events:
- The *Birding Festival of the South* in Hot Springs is scheduled for
October 8-10. For more information or to register, visit
https://www.hotsprings.org/events/birding-festival-of-the-south/.
- The *Arkansas Bird Alliance’s (formerly Arkansas Audubon Society)* *2026
Fall Conference* will be held in Russellville on October 16-17. To
register for this event or for more information, visit
https://arbirds.org.
The WOOD STORKS (as many as 40 now) are continuing on the small back pond at Bald Knob NWR today. The pond is on River Road and is casually called Green Pond.
Location is approx here.
Google Maps
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The vegetation around the pond is high, but if you walk into the woods on the south side of the pond, you can get better views.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz
The Roadrunners
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Sun, Sep 13, 2026 at 12:49 PM, Patricia McLean<plm108...> wrote: Someone recently posted and photographed two WOOD STORKS on eBird at the refuge along Huntsman Rd. Then yesterday someone posted them at the ponds on Mingo Creek Rd. This morning, as Michael and I were making the rounds, we stopped east of the Mingo ponds and saw four Wood Storks kettling and floating west with a group of vultures, toward the refuge. We went back to the ponds and then to the refuge where we found plenty of vultures but not the storks.
Also, still present is a PEREGRINE FALCON, last seen harassing a few thousand shorebirds in Cells 2 and 3.
Someone reported two WHITE-FACED IBIS in Cell 5 but all we found today were two immature White Ibis in Cell 2.
There was a female YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD photographed a few days ago. It was hanging out with a flock of cowbirds and may still be present, although we did not look for it.
The cells are drying up and the sun is hot, with most of the shorebirds being seen in Cell 2. Ducks are also showing up but nothing unexpected for this time of year.
Rice harvesting has begun, so watch for heavy machinery and large trucks, some moving so fast on the gravel roads that they create a thick wall of dust that takes a while to clear. You may want to avoid stopping along these sections or at least park off the road far enough to not impede traffic (and be prepared to put your windows up).
Hoping this heat wave ends soon.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 9/16/26 8:09 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bald Knob NWR Field Trip
Hello, Arkansas Birders. Friends of Bald Knob NWR is hosting a field trip on Saturday Oct 3 to look for lingering migrants and wintering visitors at the refuge. These include waterfowl, shorebirds, waders and passerines such as warblers and sparrows. All are invited.
WHEN: Saturday, October 3, 8a-noon
WHERE: BKNWR Admin Bldg, 1439 Coal Chute Rd, Bald Knob
Date: 9/13/26 10:50 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bald Knob NWR Recent Sightings
Someone recently posted and photographed two WOOD STORKS on eBird at the refuge along Huntsman Rd. Then yesterday someone posted them at the ponds on Mingo Creek Rd. This morning, as Michael and I were making the rounds, we stopped east of the Mingo ponds and saw four Wood Storks kettling and floating west with a group of vultures, toward the refuge. We went back to the ponds and then to the refuge where we found plenty of vultures but not the storks.
Also, still present is a PEREGRINE FALCON, last seen harassing a few thousand shorebirds in Cells 2 and 3.
Someone reported two WHITE-FACED IBIS in Cell 5 but all we found today were two immature White Ibis in Cell 2.
There was a female YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD photographed a few days ago. It was hanging out with a flock of cowbirds and may still be present, although we did not look for it.
The cells are drying up and the sun is hot, with most of the shorebirds being seen in Cell 2. Ducks are also showing up but nothing unexpected for this time of year.
Rice harvesting has begun, so watch for heavy machinery and large trucks, some moving so fast on the gravel roads that they create a thick wall of dust that takes a while to clear. You may want to avoid stopping along these sections or at least park off the road far enough to not impede traffic (and be prepared to put your windows up).
Hoping this heat wave ends soon.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 9/12/26 8:02 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: BOOT-SUCKING MUD BENEFITS BIRD MIGRATION THROUGH Northwest Arkansas City
SHOREBIRDS (AKA, sandpipers) are leaving their rocky, snowy, tundra nesting country way north of us. They are on the wing from nesting in Alaska and northern Canada. On the wing and migrating over and sometimes stopping down in Northwest Arkansas City.
We dont have any tundra, but the long drought and hot weather sounds an alert for birders in Northwest Arkansas City. Mudflats are exposed as our springs, streams, and ponds begin go down. Freshly exposed mud is full of numerous maggot-like or mealworm-like insect larvae.
Even a tiny bird migrating through say Semipalmated Sandpiper knows a fresh mudflat with boot-sucking mud will help them energize for the rest of their migration, say down into Mexico and South America. As migration proceeds, muddy flats around our springs, streams, and lakes are at times fill with avian visitors.
Ive been out on some of our 100 degree days in order to visit mudflats and identify birds. A partial list would include Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Willet, Spotted Sandpiper, Upland Sandpiper well, I could go on with at least 13 more.
All the way back to mid-July, migrating shorebirds have found these flats. On September 11, several of us loaded into a canoe and kayaks and paddled through Blue Springs in the upper Beaver Lake area. Mudflats have appeared along feeder streams. They all hosted shorebirds probing soft mud for yummy larvae of Shore Flies (family Eghydridae), various worms, and others.
The mudflats and the new short green grass that soon develops also provides habitat for the early migrating ducks like Blue-winged Teal and Green-winged Teal. In the same areas we see flocks of migrating egrets like stunning, tall, white American Egret and sometimes including Cattle Egret and Snowy Egret.
The southward migration so obvious at these mudflats also includes other migratory birds like terns. On our Blue Springs paddling expedition we had great views of Foresters Terns diving for small fish. We also saw first Pied-billed Grebe migrants.
On a weekday, you have this habitat more or less to yourself. Alan Bland, paddling a kayak, pointed out a Beaver lodge. We could hear the White-eyed Vireos, also migrating, up in the adjoining woodlands.
A snag tree up on the ridge hosted another interesting migrant, an Olive-sided Flycatcher. It was spotted from his kayak by local bird expert, Kenny Younger.
How long will this mudflat habitat last? Old Man and Old Woman Weather will have the last word on this. Big rains refills springs, rivers, and lakes. Mudflats with their generous supplies of boot-sucking and larvae-rich mud disappear under the lake.
Those Solitary Sandpipers of August and September will be long gone. But with climate change, there is a guarantee that in coming years we face more intense heat and more drought. So there will be mudflats.
There will be boot-sucking mud. There will be fly larvae in the mud. There will be some birders out there, too, trying to figure out what its all about.
Date: 9/11/26 8:30 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Exciting News! More Field Trips around the State
Hello fellow Arkansas bird enthusiasts! 🐦 As our community of birders continues to grow, we are excited about the opportunity to organize more birding trips across our beautiful state.
In partnership with the Arkansas Bird Alliance (ARBA), Audubon Society of Central Arkansas, and other birding groups, we are reaching out to recruit folks to lead or co-lead public field trips to showcase your favorite birding spots. This not only benefits us as individual birders but also fosters connections among birders in different regions of Arkansas.
This will initially be done as a "trial" to see how much interest exists for more regularly offered field trips with a friendly reminder (for now, at least) to double-check that your planned outing doesn't overlap with another field trip within the same area on the same day.
I'm working with ARBA to develop TIPS for Field Trip Leaders to share with folks who are interested.
To get started during this "trial period," please let me know if you'd like to join this effort by sending me your name, the area/hotspots you'd like to lead a trip to, and approx dates. This way we can help coordinate outings and help get the word out by adding it to the ARBA calendar as well as the listserv, Facebook and Discord.
Friends of Bald Knob NWR and several NE Arkansas birders are planning to offer public birding trips to hotspots in those areas, beginning soon.
Thank you for considering and joining this effort. I look forward to hearing from folks.
Patty McLeanConway AR
Date: 9/11/26 3:05 am From: Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> Subject: Lee Creek Reservoir
Because of the drought Lee Creek Reservoir, which is in Crawford County, is
very low. There is a huge mud flat showing. Yesterday afternoon I had seven
shorebird species plus 300ish Blue-winged Teal.
You’ll need a scope. The strip is a bit far and those birds blend right in.
The survey started off mostly clear, calm, and mild, turning partly cloudy and hot with a moderate wind. 47 species were found. The main emphasis today was on looking for migrant Passerines. Highlight was finding an immature Wood Stork. Here is my list for today:
If you're planning a trip to Bald Knob NWR in the morning, there will be several of us from the Friends of Bald Knob group, showing folks around and helping with bird ID, etc. Feel free to join us. All are welcome.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz Friends of Bald Knob NWR
It was partly cloudy and warm, with a light wind on the bird survey today. 42 species were found. Was a slow day. Concentrated on water birds mostly so saw few Passerines. Black-bellied Whistling Duck numbers continue to increase. A few shorebirds were starting to show up. There are still some gallinules with small young and there are still a few Anhinga nests and Neotropic Cormorant nests with young. Here is my list for today:
Date: 9/2/26 2:55 pm From: Kevin Krajcir <kjkrajcir...> Subject: September 2026 ASCA Presentation - Dr. Maureen McClung - Lake Conway Renovation Project
Good afternoon!
Please join the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA) on Thursday September 10th at 7 PM to hear Dr. Maureen McClung talk about her research into how the Lake Conway Renovation Project impacts bird communities that use the lake's habitats. Dr. McClung is a Professor of Biology and Chair of Environmental Studies at Hendrix College in Conway.
The Lake Conway Renovation Project near Mayflower, Arkansas, is a five-year initiative aimed at rebuilding the dam at Palarm Creek, improving recreational opportunities, and reducing sediment in the lakebed. The project requires draining much of the lake as the dam is rebuilt and allowing the growth of vegetation to break down much of the sediment in the lakebed. This change in habitat provides an opportunity to study how the project impacts the surrounding bird community, especially since the area has hosted several eBird hotspots prior to the onset of the lake drain. In spring 2026, she tasked her Field Ornithology course with designing a protocol for using eBird data to examine how the birds fare during and after the renovation project. In this talk, she will share the approach the class designed and some preliminary findings from 2020 through 2024, as well as advertise how the birding community can help contribute to this community-science driven effort. They need your help for this project to be successful, and all that's needed is for birders to do what they do best!
Dr. Maureen McClung is a Professor of Biology and Chair of Environmental Studies at Hendrix College in Conway where she teaches classes in ornithology, conservation biology, and animal behavior. She also enjoys doing research with students employing tools like game cameras and bird banding to study interactions between wildlife and humans. She grew up in Eureka Springs and attended college at Hendrix before earning her MSc at UNC-Chapel Hill studying tamarins in Peru and her PhD at the UA-Fayetteville studying songbirds in the Ozarks. She is married to Travis, a video producer, and has two sons, Felix and Harry, who play the trombone and piano, respectively. The jury is still out on whether they will love nature as much as mom, but she has her fingers crossed.
Some of you may recall the keynote talk at the Spring state meeting about
Wendell Barry. There is an article on PBS news saying that he passed away
today.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Mr. Berry and the life he lead. He was
from the same part of Kentucky as my father. He was also the same age as my
dad. So they grew up in a beautiful area and would have known the same
things. But, as I traveled through that part of Kentucky last fall I was
appalled by what I saw along the Ohio River. There were gigantic factories
along the river that stretched on for miles. Dow Silicones, North American
Stainless, Steel Technologies LLC are just some of the factories. It made
me sad. I loved that area I saw as a child when we visited family.
I’ve often wondered what Mr. Barry thought about those factories. I kind of
think I know the answer.
Sandy Berger
PS. There is a downed tree in the middle of the Arkansas River, between Van
Buren and Fort Smith. It has been chosen as a roosting site for at least 5,
possibly 6, species of heron/egrets including the White Ibis. There may be
a pair of juvenile Little Blue there too. It’s quite far from shore and is
getting quite dark when the birds arrive.
Date: 9/1/26 4:03 pm From: Sarah Morris <sarahmorris.ark...> Subject: Upcoming ASCA Field Trips
Everyone is invited to join the upcoming field trips for the Audubon
Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA). All trips are open to the public.
Birders of all experience levels are welcome. You do not have to be an ASCA
member to attend. People may leave a trip at any time.
For more information, contact ASCA Field Trip Coordinator Sarah Morris at
<sarahmorris.ark...> or (870) 926-7127. For the Beginner Birder
Outings, contact the project leader, Ariana Remmel, at
<ariana.remmel...>
*September 19 – Pine Bluff area*
*Meet: *9 a.m. at Boyd Point Wastewater Facility
The group will meet at the Boyd Point Wastewater Facility
<https://ebird.org/hotspot/L504941> to look for ducks and gulls. Because
the facility is behind a locked gate, we will start here at 9 a.m. so an
employee can let the group in. This portion of the field trip will
primarily involve birding by vehicle. Restrooms will not be readily
available at this stop.
Next, we’ll head to the AGFC Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center
<https://ebird.org/hotspot/L504959?rank=hc>, where restrooms will be
available. The area has diverse habitats, including cypress and tupelo
swamps, open water, and wetlands. Walking is on paved trails and
boardwalks. If time permits, we'll also check Lake Saracen.
*What to bring:*
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Binocular or scope (if available)
- Lunch
*Meeting Location:*
Boyd Point Wastewater Treatment Facility
900 Island Harbor Marina Road, Pine Bluff
GPS: 34.270797, -91.972484
Meet in the parking lot area just inside the gate. If the gate is not yet
open, wait just outside it.
Little Rock area: Meet at 8 a.m. at the Dixon Road commuter lot, Exit 3 off
I-530 South (34.67215202740333, -92.26640124582458).
Are you curious about birds or looking for opportunities to practice your
bird watching skills? Join us for an outing designed for beginner birders
and folks who want to practice the basics.
*Every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. from September 5-23*,
we’ll walk a ~1.5-mile loop through *Two Rivers Park
<https://ebird.org/hotspot/L211862>*, starting from the bridge on River
Mountain Road. A paved trail will take us over the Little Maumelle River,
through vibrant pine-dominated woods, and alongside lush wetland habitat.
As we go, two group leaders will cover skills such as how to use
binoculars, how to identify birds, and how to use habitat clues to find
birds. (We’ll have a few pairs of binoculars available to borrow during the
outing.) Birders and nature enthusiasts of all experience levels are
encouraged to participate!
*Schedule*
1. Saturday, September 5, at 9 a.m.
2. Wednesday, September 9, at 7:30 a.m.
3. Saturday, September 12, at 9 a.m.
4. Wednesday, September 16, at 7:30 a.m.
5. Saturday, September 19, at 9 a.m.
6. Wednesday, September 23, at 7:30 a.m.
*Location*
We’ll gather at the base of the bridge near the roundabout 15 minutes
before the scheduled outing time. Look for the group by the interpretive
sign about the Arkansas River Trail. If you arrive late, you can catch up
with the group by following the bridge path.
4468 River Mountain Rd, Little Rock, AR 72212
GPS: 34.797585, -92.382828
*Note: If using a maps app to navigate (which is encouraged), be sure to
set the address as Two Rivers Park Bridge, NOT Two Rivers Park (which will
take you to a different entrance).*
The bridge entrance to the park is accessible from the interchange between
I-430 and Cantrell Road (Hwy 10) in Little Rock. If arriving via I-430
(from either direction), take Exit 9 to Cantrell Rd and follow signs to
River Mountain Road. If traveling west on Cantrell, take the I-430 S ramp
to River Mountain Road. If traveling east on Cantrell, exit right before
you go over the bridge (in front of the Tide Cleaner building) and take a
left under the bridge toward River Mountain Road. After making the hairpin
turn onto River Mountain Road, follow the road past the houses and all the
way down the hill till you see the river. You can park at the boat launch
or in the lot at the base of the bridge.
*Access notes:*
The parking lot has a few ADA-compliant parking spaces.
There are restrooms and a water fountain in the parking lot.
The paved trail over the bridge and throughout the park is wheelchair
accessible.
The trail does not have evenly spaced benches, but picnic tables and
seating will be available at our halfway point.
*Inclement weather plan:*
If there’s heavy rain and/or lightning in the forecast for the morning,
consider these trips canceled. We won’t make any special announcement about
cancellations, so use your best judgment.
*For more information, contact project leader Ariana Remmel at *
*<ariana.remmel...>* <ariana.remmel...>*.*
There are no ASCA field trips planned in October. Instead, we encourage
birders to attend the following events:
- The *Birding Festival of the South* in Hot Springs is scheduled for
October 8-10. For more information or to register, visit
https://www.hotsprings.org/events/birding-festival-of-the-south/.
- The *Arkansas Bird Alliance’s (formerly Arkansas Audubon Society)* *2026
Fall Conference* will be held in Russellville on October 16-17. To
register for this event or for more information, visit
https://arbirds.org.
A couple of our local birders found some uncommon to rare birds recently in the Fort Smith area. Pam Carney found three juvenile White Ibis roosting with Cattle Egrets on the Crawford County side of the Arkansas River at Van Buren. They were on a snag in the river. Eagle-eyed Matt Matlock found a juvenile Cave Swallow hanging with Cliff Swallows on a snag at Frog Bayou WMA at Ozark Lake/Dyer Bay on the Arkansas River. Tis the season for wanderers.
Sandy Berger
PS. A reminder. Birding in and Around Fort Smith is hosting a field trip to Sunnymede Park and Carol Ann Cross Park right here in town on September 12.
