Date: 3/22/26 7:38 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: migration report from Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas City
Spring bird migration through Northwest Arkansas City is going strong. Yesterday was calm, wind-wise, and hot. Calm days are perfect for a birding trip to Beaver Lake because with relatively flat water we can see quite a ways across the lake (a spotting scope is a big help). That was certainly the case yesterday.
First stop was at Highway 12 bridge east of Rogers. Lots of gulls, especially BONAPARTE’S GULLS. I had received a message with a photo of a COMMON LOON in immaculate, ornate, extravagant nesting plumage near the nursery pond. We saw northbound loons in such plumage everywhere yesterday – Highway 12 bridge, Coppermine, and Rocky Branch.
At Twin Coves we saw HORNED GREBES also in their nesting season plumage – black with golden “horns.” Also at Twin Coves we had the day’s biggest surprise. Our native ELM trees flower early in spring, then are covered with seeds. Yesterday the seeds were focus for all manner of birds. Flocks of AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES foraging on the seeds. Then … ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS! Foraging on elm seeds. Another example of why protecting and propagating our native flora is so closely tied with the fate of our birds.
What an amazing day. March 21, 2026. My neck is still hurting from so much looking up into the elm trees. Not complaining.
