Date: 3/3/26 4:44 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Shorebird Migration has Begun
Michael and I stopped by the Bald Knob NWR late yesterday afternoon. While we were going east on Huntsman from Coal Chute, we saw lots of SHOREBIRDS in the fields. Over the last several days, we've seen an uptick in the number of Killdeer (and Wilson's Snipe) plus a growing number of both Yellowleg species. But yesterday's stop revealed hundreds (if not thousands) of newly arriving shorebirds including AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, PECTORAL and LEAST SANDPIPER. It was a real treat, as if to see an old friend again, and they were happy to find muddy fields filled with a robust slurry, giving them many ooey-gooey worms and such to gobble up.The conditions at the refuge are currently PERFECT for ducks and shorebirds. The manager, Paul Provence, has been working hard to balance the water levels, not just for waterfowl but also for shorebirds (not to mention the eagerly waiting farmers). The impending rains will present a new set of challenges but it's so very much needed, and we look forward to what these rains will bring.. Coal Chute is the better way to enter the refuge if you're looking for shorebirds or waterfowl (not to mention the continuing young White-faced Ibis). The water across the low water bridge on Huntsman is currently high and moving swiftly.This refuge is our top Hotspot in Arkansas. Here's info, including directions, a list of recently seen species, and info on how to bird this location.https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L218758Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
