Date: 9/17/25 10:38 am From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> Subject: Pea Ridge National Military Park
I decided to start dividing Pea Ridge into sections, rather than report for the whole park. I also wanted to limit my time because based on the rather small sample size of one person. Pea Ridge is the population center for chiggers, and no matter what defensive measures I deploy in the field. short of sticking to the asphalt, they break through them. Showring them off quickly is the only solution. Along way of saying, I am shortening the time that I am out.
Today I started at stop 3. Crossing the road there is a trail which takes you to stop 4. They had done some mowing; so, an area not always accessible just before stop 4 was accessible. This ares proved non-productive. Lots of Red-headed Woodpeckers, and a singing Yellow-throated Vireo. The vireo is my pick for passerine migrant of the year. I am hearing them much more this year, and they sing as if they are on territory.
The second and last stop is from auto tour stop 5 towards stop 6 until the habitat changes, and the horse trail on the north side of the road until it permanently enters the woods. Lots of movement in the trees and bushes, including quite a few flycatchers. An early Orange-crowned Warbler was the highlight. Also, I had not seen Northern House Wren this year until the fall. I've had them on my last three outings at Logan Preserve, Chesney Prairie, and Pea Ridge.
I then headed home, passing some Wild Turkeys before I left the park.
