Date: 1/19/26 9:19 pm From: Sarah Morris <saraha.morris1...> Subject: Re: ASCA Field Trips Jan. & Feb.
The Audubon Society of Central Arkansas's first field trip of 2026 kicked
off January 19 at Lake Dardanelle’s Delaware Recreation Area. The 20
participants observed 20 different species, including eight Canvasback
ducks, two Horned Grebes, 11 Common Goldeneye, and a circling flock of
1,000 Snow Geese.
From there, the group stopped at Inner Delaware Bay, where 21 species were
observed, including a large raft of American Coots, before heading to
Riverview Recreation Area at the dam site on the Dardanelle side. At the
dam site, participants spotted one American Herring Gull searching for food
among 100 Ring-billed Gulls, 300 Double-crested Cormorants, and 200
American White Pelicans. A total of seven species were recorded at this
stop.
The afternoon was spent at Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. At the
headquarters parking area, the group heard a Barred Owl calling and
observed 13 additional species, including Cedar Waxwings and several
woodpecker species. While traveling along the river channel and the old
spillway, participants spotted 31 species. While two Bald Eagles and large
numbers of Ring-billed Gulls and Double-crested Cormorants were seen, fewer
ducks were present compared to previous years. At the boat ramp, nearly 40
ducks were found, including Northern Shovelers, Gadwall, Mallards, and
Green-winged Teal.
The final stop was the refuge’s Observation Tower. Although American
Wigeons reported earlier in the day were not relocated, the group found
more Northern Shovelers, Gadwall, and Green-winged Teal in the ponds, along
with a kettle of 56 Black Vultures circling overhead.
As the group exited the refuge, a short walk along a road bordered by
swampy habitat produced a highlight: a bold Winter Wren and three
additional Bald Eagles, including a juvenile. It was a fun and productive
day of birding, resulting in 52 species observed.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
> From: Sarah Morris <saraha.morris1...>
> Date: Sun, Jan 4, 2026 at 8:43 PM
> Subject: ASCA Field Trips Jan. & Feb.
> To: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...>
> Cc: Dawna Stirrup <drdenman...>
>
>
> Below are the upcoming Audubon Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA) field
> trips for January and February. Our trips are open to everyone, regardless
> of your level of birding experience. You don't have to be an ASCA member
> to participate. You can leave a trip at any time. Please feel free to
> contact me or Dawna Stirrup off-list if you have any questions.
>
> Come join us!
>
>
> *2026 ASCA FIELD TRIPS*
>
> *January 17, 2026*
>
> *Lake Dardanelle-Delaware Park and Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge
> (NWR)*
>
> Meet at 7 a.m. at the Mayflower commuter lot off I-40 West at Exit 135.
> We’ll carpool to Delaware Park, located on the southwest side of Lake
> Dardanelle. We should arrive at the Delaware Park boat ramp around 8:15
> a.m. for anyone who wants to meet us there. We’ll scan the lake for gulls,
> pelicans, loons, mergansers, ducks, grebes, and eagles. A rare gull or
> duck is a possibility. The lake can be very cold and windy. Dress in
> layers, including gloves and hats, to stay warm.
>
> Next, we’ll caravan to the Holla Bend NWR headquarters’ parking lot.
> There is a $4 entrance fee per vehicle. A duck stamp or a National Parks
> pass will get a vehicle in for free. Our target birds will include
> raptors, such as nesting Bald Eagles and owls, as well as swans, ducks,
> geese, and sparrows. At Holla Bend, expect to walk through tall grass, so
> wearing boots is recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and plenty of water.
> We’ll return to Little Rock in the late afternoon.
>
> Directions from the town of Dardanelle to Delaware Park: At the junction
> at Hwy. 7 and Hwy. 22, go west on Hwy 22 for approximately 10 miles. Turn
> right onto Hwy. 393, which is the first road on your right after you cross
> the long causeway at the west end of the lake. Hwy. 393 dead ends at
> Delaware Park. GPS coordinates: 35.295749, -93.271458. For more
> information about the Holla Bend NWR, go to *http://www.fws.gov/hollabend/ > <http://www.fws.gov/hollabend/>*. The headquarters is located at *10448
> Holla Bend Road, Dardanelle, AR 72834*. GPS coordinates: 35.163222,
> -93.093477.
>
>
> *February 14, 2026*
>
> *Stuttgart Airport, Stuttgart*
>
> Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Prothro Junction commuter lot located on the
> southeast side of I-40 East at Exit 157. Turn right at the intersection,
> then immediately turn left into the commuter lot. We should arrive at the
> airport around 8:30 a.m. for anyone who would like to meet us there.
> Lapland and Smith’s Longspurs, Short-eared Owls, Pipits, and sparrows will
> be our target birds. Dress in layers; bring gloves, as you will be
> prepared for wind and cold temperatures. Knee-high boots are essential for
> walking through the Aristida grass. On the drive back to Little Rock,
> we’ll scan the open fields for flocks of geese and ducks.
>
> *Reminder: * February 13-16 is the 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count
> (GBBC). Participate as a citizen scientist by joining the field trip, or
> counting anywhere you find birds. Submit your sightings to eBird.org.
>
