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
