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
Date: 9/12/26 8:02 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: BOOT-SUCKING MUD BENEFITS BIRD MIGRATION THROUGH Northwest Arkansas City
SHOREBIRDS (AKA, sandpipers) are leaving their rocky, snowy, tundra nesting country way north of us. They are on the wing from nesting in Alaska and northern Canada. On the wing and migrating over and sometimes stopping down in Northwest Arkansas City.
We dont have any tundra, but the long drought and hot weather sounds an alert for birders in Northwest Arkansas City. Mudflats are exposed as our springs, streams, and ponds begin go down. Freshly exposed mud is full of numerous maggot-like or mealworm-like insect larvae.
Even a tiny bird migrating through say Semipalmated Sandpiper knows a fresh mudflat with boot-sucking mud will help them energize for the rest of their migration, say down into Mexico and South America. As migration proceeds, muddy flats around our springs, streams, and lakes are at times fill with avian visitors.
Ive been out on some of our 100 degree days in order to visit mudflats and identify birds. A partial list would include Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Willet, Spotted Sandpiper, Upland Sandpiper well, I could go on with at least 13 more.
All the way back to mid-July, migrating shorebirds have found these flats. On September 11, several of us loaded into a canoe and kayaks and paddled through Blue Springs in the upper Beaver Lake area. Mudflats have appeared along feeder streams. They all hosted shorebirds probing soft mud for yummy larvae of Shore Flies (family Eghydridae), various worms, and others.
The mudflats and the new short green grass that soon develops also provides habitat for the early migrating ducks like Blue-winged Teal and Green-winged Teal. In the same areas we see flocks of migrating egrets like stunning, tall, white American Egret and sometimes including Cattle Egret and Snowy Egret.
The southward migration so obvious at these mudflats also includes other migratory birds like terns. On our Blue Springs paddling expedition we had great views of Foresters Terns diving for small fish. We also saw first Pied-billed Grebe migrants.
On a weekday, you have this habitat more or less to yourself. Alan Bland, paddling a kayak, pointed out a Beaver lodge. We could hear the White-eyed Vireos, also migrating, up in the adjoining woodlands.
A snag tree up on the ridge hosted another interesting migrant, an Olive-sided Flycatcher. It was spotted from his kayak by local bird expert, Kenny Younger.
How long will this mudflat habitat last? Old Man and Old Woman Weather will have the last word on this. Big rains refills springs, rivers, and lakes. Mudflats with their generous supplies of boot-sucking and larvae-rich mud disappear under the lake.
Those Solitary Sandpipers of August and September will be long gone. But with climate change, there is a guarantee that in coming years we face more intense heat and more drought. So there will be mudflats.
There will be boot-sucking mud. There will be fly larvae in the mud. There will be some birders out there, too, trying to figure out what its all about.
Date: 9/11/26 8:30 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Exciting News! More Field Trips around the State
Hello fellow Arkansas bird enthusiasts! 🐦 As our community of birders continues to grow, we are excited about the opportunity to organize more birding trips across our beautiful state.
In partnership with the Arkansas Bird Alliance (ARBA), Audubon Society of Central Arkansas, and other birding groups, we are reaching out to recruit folks to lead or co-lead public field trips to showcase your favorite birding spots. This not only benefits us as individual birders but also fosters connections among birders in different regions of Arkansas.
This will initially be done as a "trial" to see how much interest exists for more regularly offered field trips with a friendly reminder (for now, at least) to double-check that your planned outing doesn't overlap with another field trip within the same area on the same day.
I'm working with ARBA to develop TIPS for Field Trip Leaders to share with folks who are interested.
To get started during this "trial period," please let me know if you'd like to join this effort by sending me your name, the area/hotspots you'd like to lead a trip to, and approx dates. This way we can help coordinate outings and help get the word out by adding it to the ARBA calendar as well as the listserv, Facebook and Discord.
Friends of Bald Knob NWR and several NE Arkansas birders are planning to offer public birding trips to hotspots in those areas, beginning soon.
Thank you for considering and joining this effort. I look forward to hearing from folks.
Patty McLeanConway AR
Date: 9/11/26 3:05 am From: Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> Subject: Lee Creek Reservoir
Because of the drought Lee Creek Reservoir, which is in Crawford County, is
very low. There is a huge mud flat showing. Yesterday afternoon I had seven
shorebird species plus 300ish Blue-winged Teal.
You’ll need a scope. The strip is a bit far and those birds blend right in.
The survey started off mostly clear, calm, and mild, turning partly cloudy and hot with a moderate wind. 47 species were found. The main emphasis today was on looking for migrant Passerines. Highlight was finding an immature Wood Stork. Here is my list for today:
If you're planning a trip to Bald Knob NWR in the morning, there will be several of us from the Friends of Bald Knob group, showing folks around and helping with bird ID, etc. Feel free to join us. All are welcome.
Patty McLean and Michael Linz Friends of Bald Knob NWR
It was partly cloudy and warm, with a light wind on the bird survey today. 42 species were found. Was a slow day. Concentrated on water birds mostly so saw few Passerines. Black-bellied Whistling Duck numbers continue to increase. A few shorebirds were starting to show up. There are still some gallinules with small young and there are still a few Anhinga nests and Neotropic Cormorant nests with young. Here is my list for today:
Date: 9/2/26 2:55 pm From: Kevin Krajcir <kjkrajcir...> Subject: September 2026 ASCA Presentation - Dr. Maureen McClung - Lake Conway Renovation Project
Good afternoon!
Please join the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA) on Thursday September 10th at 7 PM to hear Dr. Maureen McClung talk about her research into how the Lake Conway Renovation Project impacts bird communities that use the lake's habitats. Dr. McClung is a Professor of Biology and Chair of Environmental Studies at Hendrix College in Conway.
The Lake Conway Renovation Project near Mayflower, Arkansas, is a five-year initiative aimed at rebuilding the dam at Palarm Creek, improving recreational opportunities, and reducing sediment in the lakebed. The project requires draining much of the lake as the dam is rebuilt and allowing the growth of vegetation to break down much of the sediment in the lakebed. This change in habitat provides an opportunity to study how the project impacts the surrounding bird community, especially since the area has hosted several eBird hotspots prior to the onset of the lake drain. In spring 2026, she tasked her Field Ornithology course with designing a protocol for using eBird data to examine how the birds fare during and after the renovation project. In this talk, she will share the approach the class designed and some preliminary findings from 2020 through 2024, as well as advertise how the birding community can help contribute to this community-science driven effort. They need your help for this project to be successful, and all that's needed is for birders to do what they do best!
Dr. Maureen McClung is a Professor of Biology and Chair of Environmental Studies at Hendrix College in Conway where she teaches classes in ornithology, conservation biology, and animal behavior. She also enjoys doing research with students employing tools like game cameras and bird banding to study interactions between wildlife and humans. She grew up in Eureka Springs and attended college at Hendrix before earning her MSc at UNC-Chapel Hill studying tamarins in Peru and her PhD at the UA-Fayetteville studying songbirds in the Ozarks. She is married to Travis, a video producer, and has two sons, Felix and Harry, who play the trombone and piano, respectively. The jury is still out on whether they will love nature as much as mom, but she has her fingers crossed.
Some of you may recall the keynote talk at the Spring state meeting about
Wendell Barry. There is an article on PBS news saying that he passed away
today.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Mr. Berry and the life he lead. He was
from the same part of Kentucky as my father. He was also the same age as my
dad. So they grew up in a beautiful area and would have known the same
things. But, as I traveled through that part of Kentucky last fall I was
appalled by what I saw along the Ohio River. There were gigantic factories
along the river that stretched on for miles. Dow Silicones, North American
Stainless, Steel Technologies LLC are just some of the factories. It made
me sad. I loved that area I saw as a child when we visited family.
I’ve often wondered what Mr. Barry thought about those factories. I kind of
think I know the answer.
Sandy Berger
PS. There is a downed tree in the middle of the Arkansas River, between Van
Buren and Fort Smith. It has been chosen as a roosting site for at least 5,
possibly 6, species of heron/egrets including the White Ibis. There may be
a pair of juvenile Little Blue there too. It’s quite far from shore and is
getting quite dark when the birds arrive.
Date: 9/1/26 4:03 pm From: Sarah Morris <sarahmorris.ark...> Subject: Upcoming ASCA Field Trips
Everyone is invited to join the upcoming field trips for the Audubon
Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA). All trips are open to the public.
Birders of all experience levels are welcome. You do not have to be an ASCA
member to attend. People may leave a trip at any time.
For more information, contact ASCA Field Trip Coordinator Sarah Morris at
<sarahmorris.ark...> or (870) 926-7127. For the Beginner Birder
Outings, contact the project leader, Ariana Remmel, at
<ariana.remmel...>
*September 19 – Pine Bluff area*
*Meet: *9 a.m. at Boyd Point Wastewater Facility
The group will meet at the Boyd Point Wastewater Facility
<https://ebird.org/hotspot/L504941> to look for ducks and gulls. Because
the facility is behind a locked gate, we will start here at 9 a.m. so an
employee can let the group in. This portion of the field trip will
primarily involve birding by vehicle. Restrooms will not be readily
available at this stop.
Next, we’ll head to the AGFC Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center
<https://ebird.org/hotspot/L504959?rank=hc>, where restrooms will be
available. The area has diverse habitats, including cypress and tupelo
swamps, open water, and wetlands. Walking is on paved trails and
boardwalks. If time permits, we'll also check Lake Saracen.
*What to bring:*
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Binocular or scope (if available)
- Lunch
*Meeting Location:*
Boyd Point Wastewater Treatment Facility
900 Island Harbor Marina Road, Pine Bluff
GPS: 34.270797, -91.972484
Meet in the parking lot area just inside the gate. If the gate is not yet
open, wait just outside it.
Little Rock area: Meet at 8 a.m. at the Dixon Road commuter lot, Exit 3 off
I-530 South (34.67215202740333, -92.26640124582458).
Are you curious about birds or looking for opportunities to practice your
bird watching skills? Join us for an outing designed for beginner birders
and folks who want to practice the basics.
*Every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. from September 5-23*,
we’ll walk a ~1.5-mile loop through *Two Rivers Park
<https://ebird.org/hotspot/L211862>*, starting from the bridge on River
Mountain Road. A paved trail will take us over the Little Maumelle River,
through vibrant pine-dominated woods, and alongside lush wetland habitat.
As we go, two group leaders will cover skills such as how to use
binoculars, how to identify birds, and how to use habitat clues to find
birds. (We’ll have a few pairs of binoculars available to borrow during the
outing.) Birders and nature enthusiasts of all experience levels are
encouraged to participate!
*Schedule*
1. Saturday, September 5, at 9 a.m.
2. Wednesday, September 9, at 7:30 a.m.
3. Saturday, September 12, at 9 a.m.
4. Wednesday, September 16, at 7:30 a.m.
5. Saturday, September 19, at 9 a.m.
6. Wednesday, September 23, at 7:30 a.m.
*Location*
We’ll gather at the base of the bridge near the roundabout 15 minutes
before the scheduled outing time. Look for the group by the interpretive
sign about the Arkansas River Trail. If you arrive late, you can catch up
with the group by following the bridge path.
4468 River Mountain Rd, Little Rock, AR 72212
GPS: 34.797585, -92.382828
*Note: If using a maps app to navigate (which is encouraged), be sure to
set the address as Two Rivers Park Bridge, NOT Two Rivers Park (which will
take you to a different entrance).*
The bridge entrance to the park is accessible from the interchange between
I-430 and Cantrell Road (Hwy 10) in Little Rock. If arriving via I-430
(from either direction), take Exit 9 to Cantrell Rd and follow signs to
River Mountain Road. If traveling west on Cantrell, take the I-430 S ramp
to River Mountain Road. If traveling east on Cantrell, exit right before
you go over the bridge (in front of the Tide Cleaner building) and take a
left under the bridge toward River Mountain Road. After making the hairpin
turn onto River Mountain Road, follow the road past the houses and all the
way down the hill till you see the river. You can park at the boat launch
or in the lot at the base of the bridge.
*Access notes:*
The parking lot has a few ADA-compliant parking spaces.
There are restrooms and a water fountain in the parking lot.
The paved trail over the bridge and throughout the park is wheelchair
accessible.
The trail does not have evenly spaced benches, but picnic tables and
seating will be available at our halfway point.
*Inclement weather plan:*
If there’s heavy rain and/or lightning in the forecast for the morning,
consider these trips canceled. We won’t make any special announcement about
cancellations, so use your best judgment.
*For more information, contact project leader Ariana Remmel at *
*<ariana.remmel...>* <ariana.remmel...>*.*
There are no ASCA field trips planned in October. Instead, we encourage
birders to attend the following events:
- The *Birding Festival of the South* in Hot Springs is scheduled for
October 8-10. For more information or to register, visit
https://www.hotsprings.org/events/birding-festival-of-the-south/.
- The *Arkansas Bird Alliance’s (formerly Arkansas Audubon Society)* *2026
Fall Conference* will be held in Russellville on October 16-17. To
register for this event or for more information, visit
https://arbirds.org.
A couple of our local birders found some uncommon to rare birds recently in the Fort Smith area. Pam Carney found three juvenile White Ibis roosting with Cattle Egrets on the Crawford County side of the Arkansas River at Van Buren. They were on a snag in the river. Eagle-eyed Matt Matlock found a juvenile Cave Swallow hanging with Cliff Swallows on a snag at Frog Bayou WMA at Ozark Lake/Dyer Bay on the Arkansas River. Tis the season for wanderers.
Sandy Berger
PS. A reminder. Birding in and Around Fort Smith is hosting a field trip to Sunnymede Park and Carol Ann Cross Park right here in town on September 12.
Date: 8/29/26 9:41 pm From: JOSEPH CAMBRE <jccambre49...> Subject: Re: Bald Knob NWR -- Recently Reported in the Area
Nice..
On Sat, Aug 29, 2026 at 1:23 PM Patricia McLean <
<000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Nicer temps this morning. The manager, Paul Provence, has done an
> outstanding job keeping the available cells perfect for waders and
> shorebirds, in spite of the tremendous and ongoing drought.
>
> Several new and continuing migrants:
>
> MOSTLY IN CELLS 2 AND 3 American Golden Plover
> Semipalmated Plover
> Buff-breasted Sandpiper
> Red-necked Phalarope
> Wilson's Phalarope
> Dowitchers (both)
> Stilt Sandpiper
> Black-necked Stilt
> Pectoral Sandpiper
> Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers
> Western Sandpiper
> Baird's Sandpiper
> Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs
> Sora
>
> MINGO CREEK RD
> Neotropic Cormorant
> Sanderling (not relocated by others)
>
> NOT SEEN OR REPORTED IN PAST WEEK
> Fulvous Whistling-Duck
> Tricolored Heron
> Roseate Spoonbill
> American Avocet
> Black-bellied Plover
> Anhinga
> Swallow-tailed Kite
>
> REPORTED TODAY BY OTHERS BUT NOT CONFIRMED
> Least Bittern
> Long-billed Curlew
>
> Patty McLean and Michael Linz
> The Roadrunners
>
> ------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
Date: 8/29/26 11:23 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bald Knob NWR -- Recently Reported in the Area
Nicer temps this morning. The manager, Paul Provence, has done an outstanding job keeping the available cells perfect for waders and shorebirds, in spite of the tremendous and ongoing drought.
Several new and continuing migrants:
MOSTLY IN CELLS 2 AND 3 American Golden PloverSemipalmated PloverBuff-breasted SandpiperRed-necked PhalaropeWilson's PhalaropeDowitchers (both)Stilt Sandpiper Black-necked StiltPectoral Sandpiper Least and Semipalmated SandpipersWestern Sandpiper Baird's SandpiperLesser and Greater YellowlegsSora
MINGO CREEK RDNeotropic CormorantSanderling (not relocated by others)
NOT SEEN OR REPORTED IN PAST WEEKFulvous Whistling-Duck Tricolored HeronRoseate SpoonbillAmerican AvocetBlack-bellied PloverAnhingaSwallow-tailed Kite
REPORTED TODAY BY OTHERS BUT NOT CONFIRMEDLeast BitternLong-billed Curlew
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 8/28/26 11:46 am From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - August 27
Time Started: 0700
Time ended: 1333
The bird survey started off overcast, mild and mostly calm, turning warm and mostly clear with a light wind toward mid day. 50 species were found. There were numerous migrants around so I spent most of my effort on woodland Passerines. We still have several active Anhinga and Neotropic Cormorant nests on Pintail Lake. Here is my list for yesterday:
Date: 8/27/26 11:19 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Red-necked Phalaropes at Bald Knob NWR (White County)
Two Red-necked Phalaropes were found yesterday morning by Roger Massey in Cell 2 at the refuge. They continue today in the same area and have been seen by multiple birders. Here's a copy of Roger's checklist with a photo. https://ebird.org/checklist/S387047224 Also seen today at the refuge:Wilson's PhalaropesSoraWillow Flycatcher
...and nearby on Mingo Creek Rd:Neotropic CormorantSanderlingYellow Warblers
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 8/26/26 6:17 am From: Michael Ferrara <00000fca8e4de7ff-dmarc-request...> Subject: Arkansas Bird Alliance Fall Convention Call to Meeting
Hello Arkansas birders,
The Fall 2026 Arkansas Bird Alliance convention will be held on October 16-18, 2026, at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Get ready for outstanding speakers and field trips! Field trips will include great birding destinations with amazing guides, a banding observation opportunity, and a beginner-friendly option on Saturday. On Sunday, three location options are offered, including Holla Bend NWR, birding around Lake Dardanelle, and Adkins Bottoms.
On Friday night Chris Kellner, Professor of Wildlife Science at Arkansas Tech University, will speak about the results from a collaborative research study on the movement and habitat selection of Rusty Blackbirds wintering in the Arkansas River Valley. This research was done in collaboration with his graduate student, Roxy Ohanyan. Chris will also summarize what Christmas Bird Count Data reveals about long-term population trends for this fascinating and rapidly declining species.
Saturday afternoon's symposium will feature a panel discussion about conservation easements. Conservation easements allow private landowners to play a critical role in protecting wildlife habitat, water resources, and open spaces for future generations. Land trusts, nonprofits, and government agencies hold and maintain these easements. The Nature Conservancy manages conservation easements across the US, including over 25,000 acres in Arkansas. This session will provide an overview of conservation easements from both sides—that of the landowner and of TNC—and also touch on other voluntary land conservation strategies available to private landowners. It will also introduce local land trusts and conservation partners who use this and similar tools. Anna Metrailer, Director of Protection for The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas, will be our presenter. She manages conservation land transactions across the state working closely with private landowners, public partners and other conservation organizations to advance protection of our lands and waters for people and nature. She has over 15 years of experience working for environmental organizations and has been in this role for 6 years. Anna has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law. We are hoping for a lively Q & A session! Bring your questions about conservation easements, or email them in advance to Lynn Foster, <lfoster5211...><mailto:<lfoster5211...>.
On Saturday evening, our featured speaker will be Ryan Parker, the Arkansas State Coordinator at Quail Forever. Ryan will be presenting to us about habitat restoration on private lands, with a focus on how members can get involved and better improve your properties to support wildlife.
Field Trip Coordinator Patty McLean has done a fabulous job putting together interesting field trips for us, with 10 guided field trips over three days. These include a banding field trip, easy trips that involve birding by car, and trips to some of the top birding locations in the region including Lake Dardanelle State Park, Holla Bend NWR and Atkins Bottoms. Please take time to look at the options that Patty has planned, and you’ll find it hard to choose!
Last but not least, we will once again hold our silent auction. It's not too early to be thinking about items to donate! Please bring new/like new items to be donated for sale. Used items, including books, can be offered on our “Free Table.”
We hope you can join us for an entertaining and educational weekend of birding, learning, and gathering with friends! Contact Michael Ferrara with any questions at <mcferrara44...><mailto:<mcferrara44...>.
Date: 8/25/26 3:42 pm From: Cailin Swingle <cailin.swingle...> Subject: Arkansas Birding Alliance (formerly AAS) - Call for News of Members by Monday, September 7th
As always, Em did a fantastic job coordinating all of the features and columns, including the News of Members column, which I edit.
Now is the opportunity for ARBA members to share what's been going on in their birding world the last few months. Please reach out to me directly with your Birdy News to be featured in the Fall issue later this year!
Some ideas:
- share about recent volunteer work (or paid!) you've participated in that benefits Arkansas birds
- tell us about a birding adventure, and include pictures for extra fun
- have you created art (poem, book, painting, etc) that ARBA members would enjoy? share it with us!
- do you know of local bird-related events that our members should be aware of? if so, they may get featured in upcoming newsletters depending on timing
Date: 8/22/26 10:44 am From: Sarah Morris <sarahmorris.ark...> Subject: Marbled Godwit continuing
Marbled Godwit continues at the Darrel Saul Minnow Farm. Nancy Young and I
got great looks at it and others at 34°56′57″ N 91°38′24″ W. We also
continued past those coordinates to the McBee cemetery road where we
traveled alongside the field. We were able to go up the levee and get more
great looks from there.
Date: 8/21/26 4:18 pm From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - August 21
Time Started: 0700
Time Finished: 1437
It was mostly overcast and warm, with a little on and off wind, on the survey today. The clouds kept it from getting too hot. 52 species were found. A few migrant Passerines were around. Black-bellied Whistling Duck numbers are increasing as they start to stage on Pintail and Lotus Lakes. Anhinga and Cattle Egret young are fledging on Pintail Lake now and at least two Neotropic Cormorant nests are active with young. It hasn't rained in a month or more and things are getting vary dry down here. Here is my list for today:
Date: 8/21/26 4:35 am From: Jerry Butler <jerrysharon.butler...> Subject: Re: Bald Knob
I was at Bald Knob Tuesday and it was good. Rosette Spoonbill in Section 2.
Also silts phalarope upland sandpiper black bellied ducks and an avocet.
Yes I would say it is worth a trip. I saw one spoonbill along the creek
roosting in the same cypress tree where the storks hung out a few years ago
it’s a long jaunt from Fort Smith though. 55 species and no woodpeckers.
Peace and Birds. Jerry Butler
On Thu, Aug 20, 2026 at 8:42 PM Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
> Has anyone been to Bald Knob recently? Is it worth visiting this weekend?
>
> Thanks,
> Sandy Berger
>
> ------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
Date: 8/19/26 1:19 pm From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: You’re Invited to Participate in the Fall 2026 WMA Work Day on Sept. 12
It's almost time for the Great Arkansas Clean Up, which runs Sep 12 through Oct 30.
I've recently seen posts from people who think birders are the reason for so much litter. And, like you, we know this is far from the truth. In fact, I know that many of us actually clean up trash found on our favorite trails and birding locations. So here's a chance to show them how much we truly care about the environment!
To start, Arkansas Game and Fish is sponsoring a clean up event on Sept 12 (see below).
Let's do this! Pick your favorite WMA listed below -- or clean up portions of any nearby WMA on Sept 12 -- and do what you can to clean up other people's left behinds. I bet you find lots of aluminum cans, plastic bags, cigarette butts and fishing lures with hooks attached.
The Friends of Bald Knob NWR Facebook group has been participating in this Clean Up at the refuge for the past several years, and it has made a big difference in the amount of trash left behind. My intuition is that people care more about their environment when they notice it's level of care. (Interestingly enough, I did a small research project on this for my statistics class...way back when...indicating that less trash is left behind when users volunteer to clean up the parks. Not sure of the validity of that today but it was certainly a surprising finding back then.)
So please join us if you can!
Patty McLean Conway AR
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: "Arkansas Game and Fish Commission" <noreply...> To: "<PLM108...>" <PLM108...> Cc: Sent: Tue, Aug 18, 2026 at 8:00 PM Subject: You’re Invited to Participate in the Fall 2026 WMA Work Day on Sept. 12 You’re Invited to Participate in the Fall 2026 WMA Work Day on Sept. 12
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Show Your Support for Arkansas's Public Lands
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AGFC WMA Work Day Set for Sept. 12
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is opening up opportunities throughout the state to pitch in and help care for the woods, water and wildlife responsible for our nickname, The Natural State.
Volunteers are invited to sign up for specific projects at the following WMA locations at 8 a.m. on Sept. 12:
- Big Lake WMA
- Dave Donaldson Black River WMA
- George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA
- Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA
- Holland Bottoms WMA
- Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA
- Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA
This WMA work day is not only ideal for hunters interested in enhancing access and maintaining wildlife habitat, but also for high school students meeting community service volunteer requirements under the LEARNS Act, caring for a resource they love and enjoy.
All ages are welcome to sign up for the location most convenient and valuable to you. Click here to sign up.
Date: 8/19/26 8:04 am From: Than Boves <0000066ff0d310d7-dmarc-request...> Subject: A-State Bird Observatory Fall Banding
Hi all - Once again, the most exciting time of the year is upon us....fall migration! Over the next few months, billions of birds will migrate south from their breeding grounds in Canada and the US in hopes of making it to their wintering grounds in the southern US, Mexico, Central and South America, and islands of the Caribbean. Along the way, many birds will stop right here in Jonesboro to refuel and prepare themselves for the dangerous journey ahead (which includes ridiculous non-stop flights across the Gulf of Mexico). Here at A-State Bird Observatory, we experience this journey vicariously by studying these birds, which includes setting up nets on campus, capturing some of these migrants, collecting data from them (such as age, sex, body condition, symbionts, etc.), marking them with unique leg bands in case others re-capture them, and then releasing them unharmed.
We would like to invite you all to come join us at the A-State Bird Observatory in Jonesboro to also (kind of) experience the phenomenon of avian migration! Every Wednesday and Sunday mornings starting next week (Sun, Aug 30), we will be opening nets, catching birds, and learning about them. The exact dates and starting times are below:
Date
Day
Time
8/30
Sun
6:30 AM
9/2
Wed
6:35 AM
9/6
Sun
6:35 AM
9/9
Wed
6:40 AM
9/13
Sun
6:40 AM
9/16
Wed
6:45 AM
9/20
Sun
6:45 AM
9/23
Wed
6:50 AM
9/27
Sun
6:50 AM
9/30
Wed
6:55 AM
10/4
Sun
7:00 AM
10/7
Wed
7:00 AM
10/11
Sun
7:05 AM
10/14
Wed
7:05 AM
10/18
Sun
7:10 AM
If you have not yet joined us, here is the location of the A-State Bird Observatory:
We will typically have 8-12 nets open for 2.5-3 hrs each morning. We almost always catch some birds, but some days are better than others (just like life). If there is precipitation, we will not be opening the nets. You can park in the grassy field east of the woods.
Feel free to share this info with others and hope to see some of you out this Fall!
Date: 8/19/26 8:01 am From: Dedra Gerard <000002df2472bba2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Field trips
Thank you.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 8:17 AM, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
Speaking of field trips, our Fort Smith group Birding in and Around Fort Smith will be having our first fall field trip on September 12. It’ll be here in Fort Smith and we’ll be birding at Sunnymede Park and then going to Carol Ann Cross Park. Meet at Sunnymede at 7:00 a.m.
All are welcome. Find us on Facebook.
Sandy Berger
Date: 8/19/26 6:17 am From: Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> Subject: Field trips
Speaking of field trips, our Fort Smith group Birding in and Around Fort
Smith will be having our first fall field trip on September 12. It’ll be
here in Fort Smith and we’ll be birding at Sunnymede Park and then going to
Carol Ann Cross Park. Meet at Sunnymede at 7:00 a.m.
Date: 8/18/26 11:27 am From: Daniel Denman <denmanster...> Subject: Ruddy Turnstone and Piping Plovers
Jake Hosterler, of Pocahontas called me today to let me know he is looking at some Ruddy Turnstone and a pair of Piping Plover at Lake AshBaugh, as well as a good handful of other shorebirds. (10 miles East of Pocahontas, AR). https://maps.app.goo.gl/QvpmM2yNBpRE7Y8GA?g_st=ac
Date: 8/18/26 7:27 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bald Knob NWR Update, Aug 17
The number of shorebirds and waders has grown exponentially over the past week with several species coming and going. And we got some much-needed rain out there too!!
Recent birds of interest, not including the more common ones:
DUCKSBlack-bellied Whistling-Duck Fulvous Whistling-Duck (altho may have moved to an inaccessible area on the refuge)
TERNSBlack TernForster's Tern Least Tern
SHOREBIRDSWilson's PhalaropeStilt SandpiperShort-billed and Long-billed DowitcherWilson's Snipe Upland SandpiperBlack-bellied PloverSemipalmated PloverBaird's SandpiperWestern Sandpiper
WADERSRoseate SpoonbillBlack-crowned Night-heron White Ibis Glossy Ibis and an unidentifiable juvenile dark ibis Tricolored Heron (which was seen only one morning at the south pond on Mingo Creek Road)
MISCELLANEOUS/OTHERNeotropic Cormorant (only on Mingo Creek Rd in south pond)Swallow-tailed Kite (seen one morning only--Aug 10)Large flocks of Mississippi Kites (100+)Sedge WrenNorthern Bobwhite (we had 50+ fly across the road in front of us, just east of Mingo Creek Rd)
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 8/17/26 8:39 am From: <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...> Subject: Birds and Water
During this extreme heat bird lovers need to remember to provide water for the birds for drinking and bathing. In our hectic lifestyles, this is one important habitat element that may not come to mind. Birds need water every day of the year for drinking and bathing. In my surveys over multiple states, only one birdbath in 100 had water. Are you the one percent that always has water available? It helps to have water placed in a shady location with perches close by so birds can access and wet birds can escape predators. If such a location in not possible, at least make sure your sources contain water all of the time.
Most of my birds are relatively quiet now. This makes it more difficult for me to know what species are still in my yard. The Carolina Wrens, Tufted Titmouse, Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied, and Pileated Woodpeckers, and Northern Cardinals are still pretty vocal. The calls of the Summer Tanagers, Blue-gray gnatcatchers, Red-eyed Vireo, Great-crested Flycatchers, Yellow-billed Cuckoos and others are now infrequent. My four waters are in the backyard where I can see and monitor the birds and water availability at all times. Birds also come to the sprinkler when I am watering the hummingbird and pollinator flowers. Do your birdbaths have water? It is critical for their survival.
Another reminder, it is not too early to start preparing for Fall and Winter habitat needs. Skip mowing and let the seed heads develop for Fall and Winter feeding. Be working on making sure your brush piles are well developed to protect the birds in winter weather and provide another foraging substrate.
Date: 8/14/26 3:13 pm From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - Aug. 14
Start Time: 0640
Stop Time: 1326
The survey started off clear, warm and calm but soon turned hot and windy. 55 species were found. Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are starting to stage early at Red Slough this year with most being on Lotus and Pintail Lakes. Huge numbers of vultures appeared to be migrating as they were in huge groups very high up and appeared to be moving southwest. A lot were too far away to I.D. to exact species but most appeared to be Turkey Vultures. I have seen them do this in the late summer several times before. No storks or spoonbills yet. Here is my list for today:
