Date: 5/1/24 7:29 pm From: Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...> Subject: NWAAS Field Trip to Ninestone April 28, 2024
At 5 o’clock in the morning, on April 28th the skies flashed, clouds rolled and opened up, loosening much needed rain to nourish the land, streams, and other life. By 9am the downpour sprinkled to a stop just as many intrepid birders gathered for our Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society Spring Migration Field Trip.
At this time of year we see many Neotropical Migrants, birds of the Western Hemisphere that migrate long distances from their wintering grounds in Central and South America to breeding grounds in North America. Some return here to their annual breeding and nesting territories at Ninestone, and others continue farther north into Canada and Alaska to raise their young.
Along the way flowering plants intentionally encouraged by our habitat restoration included Sandwort, Thread-leaf Sundrops, Barbara’s Buttons, and Ohio Spiderwort. On the glade barrens Widow’s Cross Sedum, Fame Flower, and False Aloe are preparing to bloom alongside Tall Pink Glade Onions.
As we returned to the house we were very excited to hear and see a Prairie Warbler!
