I spotted our first White-throated Sparrow yesterday morning. We had 6 morning doves on the patio at the time. The sparrow looked a bit intimated but would sneak in to grab a few bites of seed.
Dottie Boyles West Little Rock
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: White-throated Sparrows Date: 2026-10-19 6:42 pm From: "<jwdavis...>" <jwdavis...> To: <ARBIRD-L...>
White-throated sparrows arrived in my yard in Hot Springs at 6:05 PM today, but no juncos yet. Larry Hedrick had White-throated sparrows on the other side of town on Saturday. I look forward to winter migrants arriving and filling the bird species gaps left by the departure of the summer migrants.
White-throated sparrows arrived in my yard in Hot Springs at 6:05 PM today, but no juncos yet. Larry Hedrick had White-throated sparrows on the other side of town on Saturday. I look forward to winter migrants arriving and filling the bird species gaps left by the departure of the summer migrants.
Date: 10/19/26 1:37 pm From: Cailin Swingle <cailin.swingle...> Subject: Fwd: Fw: Birding Event at Plantation Agriculture Museum
I wanted to share an upcoming free event in Scott, Arkansas hosted by interpreters at the the Plantation Agriculture Museum. It's called Wild Bird Wander and will be Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The program is a semi-guided walk around park grounds where the interpreter can direct attendees to some bird hotspots around the grounds while folks work together to observe and identify the birds to help them have a better understanding of the birds that make the grounds their home. Event page is found here: https://www.arkansas.com/state-parks/experiences/park-events/wild-bird-wander
This program happens several times throughout the year but folks are also welcome to come out and visit the museum and its grounds during their hours (usually Wednesday - Sunday). In the winter, the lake behind the museum is an excellent place to watch waterfowl. They've have Bald Eagles and the occasional Osprey that visit the lake, too. The past couple of years, they've also hosted some visiting Black-bellied Whistling-ducks in the early summer.
I met one of the Interpreters this weekend and they made me aware of this spot so I wanted to share!
I had FOS White-throated Sparrows on Friday. Today I heard the first Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. No juncos yet for me! (Garland Co)
Ashlyn
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 18, 2026, at 14:46, JACQUE BROWN <bluebird2...> wrote:
>
> 
> Me too! I had my first Junco on Friiday, too.
>
> Jacque Brown, Centerton.
>
> On Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 09:44:19 AM CDT, Bob Harden <flutterbybob...> wrote:
>
>
> I Had My FOS White Throated Sparrows in my Yard this Morning. Pulaski County
> ############################
>
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Date: 10/18/26 12:46 pm From: JACQUE BROWN <bluebird2...> Subject: Re: Season
Me too! Â Â I had my first Junco on Friiday, too.Â
Jacque Brown, Centerton.Â
On Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 09:44:19 AM CDT, Bob Harden <flutterbybob...> wrote:
I Had My FOS White Throated Sparrows in my Yard this Morning.  Pulaski County
############################
Date: 10/16/26 11:43 am From: <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...> Subject: Nashville Warblers in Hot Springs Today
The front brought in another flock of Nashville Warblers at noon. They are feeding in the Golden Crownbeard and hardwoods. They are more interested in the insects that are among this large stand of flowers more so than the seeds.
I still have two female Ruby-throated hummingbirds that are feeding on Porterweed, lantana and Golden Crownbeard flowers more frequently than the hummingbird bottles. Porterweed puts on new flowers each day, which seems to be an attractive feature for hummingbirds, and the plants attract carpenter ants which makes it a good feeding source for Carolina Wrens, and warblers.
I have not seen my Indigo buntings for the last two days and assume they have moved on.
Date: 10/15/26 3:32 pm From: Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> Subject: Inaugural Birding Festival of the South
Hard to believe that a week ago was the first day of the festival. I’m so
glad I went. I learned much, was highly entertained, and went on some very
nice field trips.
It was said that there were 30 states represented. I met people from Utah,
Idaho, Pennsylvania , New York, Texas, Mississippi, and so on.
Many thanks to the local birders who volunteered to work at the festival.
Next year I hope to see more Arkansans there. I know there were only 500
passes available, so you had to hop on it quick. But it was so worth it.
Oaklawn and Hot Springs put this on. They did a great job pulling in the
speakers. I mean…Ted Floyd? How did they pull off that one? Badgerland
Birding learned how to call the Hogs. Samuel Henderson was a delight. He’s
the young man that performs bird calls.
Here’s to the next festival.🥂
Date: 10/14/26 6:20 pm From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - October 14
Time started: 0743
Time finished: 1547
It was partly cloudy, warm & humid, with a little wind on the survey today. 52 species were found. Best highlight of the day was a new high count record of 597 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks that are staging on our reservoirs. I am sure there are a lot more as the dense vegetation (Lotus) is hiding a lot of the birds from my view. Also of note today was some morning flights of migrating warblers moving southward through the tree tops. The lighting was bad and the birds were high in the tree tops and not staying put long so I only managed to I.D. a few of them. But I probably saw close to 50 warblers total. Anhingas and Neotropic Cormorants appeared to all be gone now. Gallinules numbers are dropping fast. Only saw 3 adult Purple Gallinules today. The rest were juveniles. Here is my list for today:
Date: 10/12/26 11:52 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bald Knob NWR Field Trip -- Nov 7, 2026
Dear Birders,
Join Friends of Bald Knob NWR for a fun and possibly chilly morning exploring the refuge and looking for rails, bittern, sparrows and waterfowl.Â
The refuge is a significant gathering place for tens of thousands of wintering geese and ducks. Rails and bittern are often found along the canals, with sparrows tucked along the weedy fields. We will look for all of them.
Daniel Denman will lead this trip, along with his sister Dawn Stirrup as co-lead. An eBird checklist will be provided for those who would like one.Â
DETAILS:Nov 7, 2026, 8a-12nMeet at the Admin Bldg,1439 Coal Chute Rd,Bald Knob NWR,
Bald Knob AR
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RiNMDpUcG2eVi2cH7?g_st=ac We will caravan from the Admin Building. Bring binoculars, scope (if you have one), water, bug repellent, sun screen, sun hat and other protective gear. As always, wear sturdy shoes for walking on gravel and potentially in grass. Scope views will be provided by the trip leaders, and others are encouraged to bring and share theirs.
This trip is free and open to the public. All skill levels are welcomed.Â
This will be our last organized 2026 field trip inside the refuge, which seasonally closes Nov 15 through Feb 28.
OUR NEXT TRIP: Keep an eye out for information on our upcoming Dec 5 field trip planned for seeing the Trumpeter and Tundra Swans at Magness Lake and other nearby ponds. Details to follow.
Hope you can join us!Friends of Bald Knob NWRÂ
Patty McLean
Date: 10/9/26 9:55 am From: Barry Bennett <000001ab5bb2c0b4-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: In honor of Bob Caulk who passed today
Bob was a great person. We will miss him. Sara you & Bob are in our thoughts.
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Fri, Oct 9, 2026 at 9:45 AM, Ragupathy Kannan<0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Bob was a supporter of the AAS trust, having participated in several nature tours. Great naturalist and an intellectual. He will be dearly missed.  Our condolences to Sara Caulk.Â
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Thursday, October 8, 2026, 12:32 PM, Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
#yiv9364255741 P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;}The Bustle in a HouseThe Morning after DeathIs solemnest of industriesEnacted upon Earth –The Sweeping up the HeartAnd putting Love awayWe shall not want to use againUntil Eternity –
(Emily Dickinson)
This is Bob, working on restoration of Callie's Prairie at Lake Fayetteville October 13 2011.Â
Date: 10/9/26 7:45 am From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: In honor of Bob Caulk who passed today
Bob was a supporter of the AAS trust, having participated in several nature tours. Great naturalist and an intellectual. He will be dearly missed.  Our condolences to Sara Caulk.Â
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Thursday, October 8, 2026, 12:32 PM, Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
#yiv3802547783 P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;}The Bustle in a HouseThe Morning after DeathIs solemnest of industriesEnacted upon Earth –The Sweeping up the HeartAnd putting Love awayWe shall not want to use againUntil Eternity –
(Emily Dickinson)
This is Bob, working on restoration of Callie's Prairie at Lake Fayetteville October 13 2011.Â
Date: 10/9/26 6:41 am From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - October 8
Time Started: 0730
Time Finished: 1400
The survey started off clear, cool, and calm but by mid day it was hot (upper 90's) with a light wind. 50 species were found. Most of our summer birds are about all gone and a few winter birds are starting to show up. We need rain bad! Here is my list for yesterday:
Date: 10/8/26 1:09 pm From: Sarah Morris <sarahmorris.ark...> Subject: Re: Burrowing Owl at Camp Nine in Desha County
Has anyone seen the burrowing owl today?
On Wed, Oct 7, 2026 at 4:40 PM Carol Joan Patterson <
<0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> I would love to carpool with folks to see this bird. My first free day is
> Friday. If it's still being reported, would anybody want to make the trip
> with me and maybe others?
>
> On Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 10:53:01 PM CDT, Patricia McLean <
> <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>
> Dick Baxter has graciously granted access to his farm in Desha County for
> those who would like to look for the BURROWING OWL he found this morning.
> They are doing a good amount of land construction in addition to farm
> activities, and he therefore asks folks to follow these protocols.
>
> 1. Yield to any/all construction and farm workers and equipment.
> 2. Park to the side of the road (all on the same side), leaving ample room
> for large trucks to pass, as needed -- but be careful of getting too close
> to the edge of the road. You will not want to deal with your vehicle going
> down the side.
> 3. The short levee road is a dead-end with no turn around. Please use care
> when departing the area.
> 4. The field where the owl was last seen is full of milo, and the dirt in
> the field is rough and uneven. The milo is tall enough that if you walk in
> and fall, people are not likely to see you nor be able to help.
> 5. Please do not clear any paths into the field.
> 6. When you leave, please do not drive to other places around the farm
> without expressed permission. It's a busy time for farming and it's best to
> not drive around.
>
> Also please use stealth when searching for it so as not to spook it so
> that others have the chance to see it.
>
> The best way to get to the location is to drive along Boggy Bayou to this
> mark.
> Google Maps <https://maps.app.goo.gl/5HuoniUPgE59zV3Z8?g_st=ac> > Google Maps
>
> Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
> <https://maps.app.goo.gl/5HuoniUPgE59zV3Z8?g_st=ac> >
> From here, turn left onto the newly constructed levee. Begin checking the
> bare dirt, logs, old tires, posts as you drive forward. You'll drive about
> 1/4+ mile where a levee road runs to the right. It is more narrow and is a
> deadend with no easy turn around. This is where you want to make sure you
> take care when turning around -- but it's also a safer place to park your
> car.
>
> The levees are high enough to give you a nice view above the fields.
>
> This is the field it was last seen in. Google Maps
> <https://maps.app.goo.gl/7kABEycnzekQjJTo8?g_st=aw> > Google Maps
>
> Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
> <https://maps.app.goo.gl/7kABEycnzekQjJTo8?g_st=aw> >
> Attached is a very rough map of the location. Red is the road. Yellow
> circles the area. Purple dots are where we saw it.
>
> As most of you know, these are ground owls. They are often found in fields
> and prairies, standing on bare ground or perching on a stump or post.
> They're also most often seen at dawn and dusk but can be seen at any time
> of the day.
>
> Good luck to everyone! If it rains this weekend, these roads could be
> difficult to navigate.
>
> Patty McLean and Michael Linz
> The Roadrunners
>
> Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
> <https://mail.onelink.me/107872968?pid=nativeplacement&c=US_Acquisition_YMktg_315_SearchOrgConquer_EmailSignature&af_sub1=Acquisition&af_sub2=US_YMktg&af_sub3=&af_sub4=100002039&af_sub5=C01_Email_Static_&af_ios_store_cpp=0c38e4b0-a27e-40f9-a211-f4e2de32ab91&af_android_url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?<id...>&listing=search_organize_conquer> >
> ------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
> ------------------------------
>
> 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: 10/8/26 10:32 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: In honor of Bob Caulk who passed today
The Bustle in a House
The Morning after Death
Is solemnest of industries
Enacted upon Earth –
The Sweeping up the Heart
And putting Love away
We shall not want to use again
Until Eternity –
(Emily Dickinson)
This is Bob, working on restoration of Callie's Prairie at Lake Fayetteville October 13 2011.
Date: 10/7/26 8:57 pm From: Jerry Butler <jerrysharon.butler...> Subject: Remarkable GBHE being regularly seen near Hot Springs
For two weeks I have been seeing, at a distance, a leucistic GBHE on Lake Katherine. But it took a good while and several trips before I got nice pics (with John Word and Tim Kauffman's help) . If anyone is interested in seeing it, I'll be happy to accommodate them next week,. I've finally figured out its pattern of behavior and I'm pretty sure we can relocate it. But I 'll be busy with the Birding Festival this weekend..
Look for a story about the bird and the Festival in today's (April 8) Democrat Gazette.
Date: 10/7/26 2:40 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Burrowing Owl at Camp Nine in Desha County
I would love to carpool with folks to see this bird. My first free day is Friday. If it's still being reported, would anybody want to make the trip with me and maybe others?
On Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 10:53:01 PM CDT, Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Dick Baxter has graciously granted access to his farm in Desha County for those who would like to look for the BURROWING OWL he found this morning. They are doing a good amount of land construction in addition to farm activities, and he therefore asks folks to follow these protocols.
1. Yield to any/all construction and farm workers and equipment.
2. Park to the side of the road (all on the same side), leaving ample room for large trucks to pass, as needed -- but be careful of getting too close to the edge of the road. You will not want to deal with your vehicle going down the side.Â
3. The short levee road is a dead-end with no turn around. Please use care when departing the area.Â
4. The field where the owl was last seen is full of milo, and the dirt in the field is rough and uneven. The milo is tall enough that if you walk in and fall, people are not likely to see you nor be able to help.
5. Please do not clear any paths into the field.
6. When you leave, please do not drive to other places around the farm without expressed permission. It's a busy time for farming and it's best to not drive around.
Also please use stealth when searching for it so as not to spook it so that others have the chance to see it.Â
The best way to get to the location is to drive along Boggy Bayou to this mark.Â
Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
From here, turn left onto the newly constructed levee. Begin checking the bare dirt, logs, old tires, posts as you drive forward. You'll drive about 1/4+ mile where a levee road runs to the right. It is more narrow and is a deadend with no easy turn around. This is where you want to make sure you take care when turning around -- but it's also a safer place to park your car.Â
The levees are high enough to give you a nice view above the fields.
This is the field it was last seen in. Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
Attached is a very rough map of the location. Red is the road. Yellow circles the area. Purple dots are where we saw it.Â
As most of you know, these are ground owls. They are often found in fields and prairies, standing on bare ground or perching on a stump or post. They're also most often seen at dawn and dusk but can be seen at any time of the day.
Good luck to everyone! If it rains this weekend, these roads could be difficult to navigate.
Date: 10/7/26 7:08 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Burrowing Owl at Camp Nine in Desha County
UPDATE
The BURROWING OWL has not been seen yet this morning. But if you're planning on coming before the weekend, the construction crew will likely have one of the access roads made temporarily unaccessible starting today.
This is the gps point to navigate to:
Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
Once it rains, the soil will be un-drivable and potentially un-walkable even with sturdy boots. The soil is called shark clay, locally known as buckshot clay. With a name like shark clay, it should prepare you for what it's like when wet.
The area where the owl has been seen is the newly renovated reservoir. It's currently bone dry and filled with milo and small willow trees. Dick suspects the owl is still in the fields due to the great food source.Â
Patty and Michael
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Tue, Oct 6, 2026 at 10:52 PM, Patricia McLean<plm108...> wrote: Dick Baxter has graciously granted access to his farm in Desha County for those who would like to look for the BURROWING OWL he found this morning. They are doing a good amount of land construction in addition to farm activities, and he therefore asks folks to follow these protocols.
1. Yield to any/all construction and farm workers and equipment.
2. Park to the side of the road (all on the same side), leaving ample room for large trucks to pass, as needed -- but be careful of getting too close to the edge of the road. You will not want to deal with your vehicle going down the side.Â
3. The short levee road is a dead-end with no turn around. Please use care when departing the area.Â
4. The field where the owl was last seen is full of milo, and the dirt in the field is rough and uneven. The milo is tall enough that if you walk in and fall, people are not likely to see you nor be able to help.
5. Please do not clear any paths into the field.
6. When you leave, please do not drive to other places around the farm without expressed permission. It's a busy time for farming and it's best to not drive around.
Also please use stealth when searching for it so as not to spook it so that others have the chance to see it.Â
The best way to get to the location is to drive along Boggy Bayou to this mark.Â
Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
From here, turn left onto the newly constructed levee. Begin checking the bare dirt, logs, old tires, posts as you drive forward. You'll drive about 1/4+ mile where a levee road runs to the right. It is more narrow and is a deadend with no easy turn around. This is where you want to make sure you take care when turning around -- but it's also a safer place to park your car.Â
The levees are high enough to give you a nice view above the fields.
This is the field it was last seen in. Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
Attached is a very rough map of the location. Red is the road. Yellow circles the area. Purple dots are where we saw it.Â
As most of you know, these are ground owls. They are often found in fields and prairies, standing on bare ground or perching on a stump or post. They're also most often seen at dawn and dusk but can be seen at any time of the day.
Good luck to everyone! If it rains this weekend, these roads could be difficult to navigate.
Date: 10/6/26 8:53 pm From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Burrowing Owl at Camp Nine in Desha County
Dick Baxter has graciously granted access to his farm in Desha County for those who would like to look for the BURROWING OWL he found this morning. They are doing a good amount of land construction in addition to farm activities, and he therefore asks folks to follow these protocols.
1. Yield to any/all construction and farm workers and equipment.
2. Park to the side of the road (all on the same side), leaving ample room for large trucks to pass, as needed -- but be careful of getting too close to the edge of the road. You will not want to deal with your vehicle going down the side.Â
3. The short levee road is a dead-end with no turn around. Please use care when departing the area.Â
4. The field where the owl was last seen is full of milo, and the dirt in the field is rough and uneven. The milo is tall enough that if you walk in and fall, people are not likely to see you nor be able to help.
5. Please do not clear any paths into the field.
6. When you leave, please do not drive to other places around the farm without expressed permission. It's a busy time for farming and it's best to not drive around.
Also please use stealth when searching for it so as not to spook it so that others have the chance to see it.Â
The best way to get to the location is to drive along Boggy Bayou to this mark.Â
Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
From here, turn left onto the newly constructed levee. Begin checking the bare dirt, logs, old tires, posts as you drive forward. You'll drive about 1/4+ mile where a levee road runs to the right. It is more narrow and is a deadend with no easy turn around. This is where you want to make sure you take care when turning around -- but it's also a safer place to park your car.Â
The levees are high enough to give you a nice view above the fields.
This is the field it was last seen in. Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
Attached is a very rough map of the location. Red is the road. Yellow circles the area. Purple dots are where we saw it.Â
As most of you know, these are ground owls. They are often found in fields and prairies, standing on bare ground or perching on a stump or post. They're also most often seen at dawn and dusk but can be seen at any time of the day.
Good luck to everyone! If it rains this weekend, these roads could be difficult to navigate.
Date: 10/6/26 5:01 pm From: Kevin Krajcir <kjkrajcir...> Subject: Volunteers for LRAC-ARBA-ASCA Booth at Birding Festival of the South
Good evening, AR Birders!
Please consider joining us to volunteer at the Birding Festival of the South this Thursday October 8th - Saturday October 10th. We need a handful of volunteers to help run a booth where festival attendees can stop by to learn about the Little Rock Audubon Center, the Arkansas Bird Alliance (formerly, the Arkansas Audubon Society), and the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas. We encourage members of the latter societies to come share information about these groups, but membership is not required to volunteer. We will have handouts for guests that share info about these groups and their programs. If you volunteer with us, we will have two passes available for volunteers who work the table; you must leave your passes at the table for the next shift though. Please see volunteer shifts below, and if you're interested, respond to me off-list to sign up. I will send more information to volunteers later.
Here's what shifts we have available: Date/Time Volunteer 1 Volunteer 2 Thursday Oct 8th Set up at 11 AM - 1 PM Kevin Krajcir Uta Meyer 1 - 3 PM Uta Meyer 3 - 5 PM Faye Hanson 5 - 7 PM Kevin Krajcir Friday Oct 9th 8 - 10 AM Cailin Swingle 10 AM - 12 PM Uta Meyer 12 - 2 PM Uta Meyer 2 - 4 PM Faye Hanson Saturday Oct 10th 8 - 10 AM 10 AM - 12 PM Faye Hanson (11-1) 12 - 2 PM 2 - 4 PM, clean up Thank you for considering!
Date: 10/5/26 4:21 pm From: Kevin Krajcir <kjkrajcir...> Subject: Bird Banding 'Open House' at Gillam Park/LR Audubon Center
Good evening, AR Birders!
Myself, Audubon Center staff, and volunteers would like to extend an invitation for you all to join us Wednesday mornings this month (weather pending) for our bird banding operations at the Little Rock Audubon Center! We are opening our bird banding research operations in Gillam Park to interested members of the public *each Wednesday in October from 8 AM - 10 AM*. Our first public session will be this Wednesday October 7th. These mornings, we will demonstrate the bird banding process to our visitors, tell you about our research, and show you some of the amazing birds passing through or coming to winter in Arkansas. Bird banding is weather dependent, so extreme temperatures and precipitation may cause us to cancel some mornings.
Date: 10/3/26 7:42 pm From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Today's Field Trip to Bald Knob NWR
We had a fun and successful field trip today, hosted by Friends of Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge. Over 20 people attended, and many got several life birds.
We checked three distinct areas inside the refuge and one nearby hotspot: Central Ag Fields, Green Pond, Birch Pond/Overflow Creek and nearby Mingo Creek Rd.
We were treated to multiple sightings of the Wood Storks, of which approx 50 are continuing in the area. They are always a delightful treat to see during their fall visits and today gave us great views in flight, feeding, walking and roosting. While we missed seeing them carrying babies, a few folks saw one carrying a large fish!Â
Another nice surprise was seeing three falcons: American Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon. Both the Peregrin and the Merlin were hunting over the cells across from the silos. While there, we also had a Black-bellied and an American Golden Plover fly over our heads, both calling as if they'd been separated from their flock.
We looked for warblers and sparrows without much success but we managed to hear a Rose-breasted Grosbeak and find a Solitary Sandpiper and a Wilson's Snipe in the south section of the refuge.Â
A few people saw some birds before everyone got there this morning including a single Yellow-headed Blackbird feeding on the spilled grain near the silos. We checked there multiple times but weren't able to relocate it.Â
Date: 10/3/26 10:49 am From: <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...> Subject: Nashville Warblers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in Hot Springs
Nashville Warblers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were observed in my yard and feeding in the large flower bed of Golden Crownbeards. This feeding started at 12:05 PM today.
I still have 3 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. I started off with 6, then four, then two and then one. A pair of migrants (an immature male and female) joined the one female that stayed.
Add another species to the list. 229 species have now been recorded at Sunnymede Park here in Fort Smith. The latest was a Greater Roadrunner. First seen a week ago by local birder Aaron Durham, I was able to find it again this morning.
Date: 10/2/26 5:58 am From: Kelly Ann Chitwood <kellyannchitwood...> Subject: Non ARBIRD related question
If you’ve traveled to Ecuador and Galapagos and could spare me some time, I have questions that I’ve not been able to get answers. Discussing this with a more seasoned traveler would be great. Sadly the folks I would typically contact have passed on.
Thank you so much. I am ticking off a few bucket-list trips, and decided to do the most complicated first.
Please email me off list.
Kelly Chitwood
From the tall pines of Union County, the largest county in the state.
Date: 9/30/26 7:55 pm From: Dottie Boyles <ctboyles...> Subject: Fwd: October 2026 ASCA Presentation - RCW Conservation in AR by Jess Novobilsky
Just a reminder, ASCAs monthly meeting is tomorrow night, Thurs, Oct. 1st, at 7 pm. Our normal meeting date was moved up a week so as to not conflict with the start of the Birding Festival of the South. You do not have to be an ASCA member to attend (by Zooming in) this meeting.
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: October 2026 ASCA Presentation - RCW Conservation in AR by Jess Novobilsky Date: 2026-09-18 2:55 pm To: <ARBIRD-L...>
Good afternoon everyone,
Please join the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas on Thursday October 1st at 7 PM to hear Jess Novobilsky speak about the past, present, and future of Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) conservation in Arkansas. ASCA is meeting on October 1st, instead of its usual second Thursday, because we encourage folks to get out to the Birding Festival of the South the weekend of Oct 8-10th and the Arkansas Bird Alliance convention the weekend of Oct 16-18. To join for the presentation, please register here for the Zoom link: Meeting Registration - Zoom [1]
Red-cockaded woodpeckers (Leuconotopicus borealis) [RCWs] are a charismatic bird of mature, fire-sustained pine forests of the southeastern United States. Due to their unique ecology and habitat requirements, as well as logging and forestry practices that impact their habitat, this species was one of the first to be listed with the Endangered Species Act in 1973. However, with decades of intensive management, this species was down-listed to "threatened" in 2024, and remains a testament to what sound scientific research and collaborative stewardship can accomplish! The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (ANHC) is dedicated to restoring the open-pine ecosystems that RCWs call home. ANHC biologists and their partners have led the way working to incorporate more prescribed fire, reduce woody encroachment and invasive species, and install artificial nest cavities to encourage birds to nest as habitat is being restored. As a testimony to this leadership, four of the six locations where RCW populations currently occur in Arkansas are part of the System of Natural Areas. Jess will discuss the ANHC's history in and future plans for the recovery of this species across Arkansas. Jess received her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Delaware Valley University in 2015. After that, she traveled across the United States working various wetlands field jobs before attending the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville to earn her master's in Biology in 2024. She currently works for the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission as the agency's Habitat Coordinator and Red-cockaded Woodpecker Recovery Coordinator.
Date: 9/30/26 6:00 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Bald Knob NWR Field Trip
Hope everyone is feeling a hint of fall in the air. We're looking forward to Saturday's outing at Bald Knob NWR. It might be rainy (which would be grand), but if it's a steady downpour with lightening, we will need to cancel. However, if it's a light intermittent rain, we'll go forward with it. All are invited. See below for details. ........
Dear Arkansas Birders, Join us for a field trip at Bald Knob NWR on Saturday, Oct 3 from 8am to noon to spot lingering migrants and wintering visitors like waterfowl, shorebirds, waders, warblers, and sparrows. All are welcome! WHEN: Sat, Oct 3, 8am-12pm WHERE: BKNWR Admin Bldg, 1439 Coal Chute Rd, Bald Knob DETAILS: https://birdingplaces.eu/en/birdingplaces/united-states/bald-knob-national-wildlife-refuge Remember to bring binoculars, water, snacks, sun protection, and rain gear. Wear sturdy shoes for short gravel walks. Trip will be canceled if heavy rains are expected. For any questions, feel free to email me.
Last Friday (Sep. 25) I surveyed birds at Red Slough. The weather was partly cloudy, mild, and calm. 50 species were found. Birding was slow and only a few migrants were observed. Here is my list for that day:
Date: 9/26/26 11:09 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Crested Caracara Reported in Jackson County
Someone reportedly saw a Crested Caracara yesterday afternoon in the same general area where we saw one last year near Tuckerman in Jackson County. Several of us went this morning to look for it but have not been successful in relocating it.Â
Many of the fields appear to have been recently disked, with 100+ Turkey Vultures cruising overhead or standing in the fields. We devotedly checked every one of them. Red-tails, Red-shouldered and Harriers were also present.Â
If you go, the roads are gravel and very dusty. As far as I can tell, most if not all of the gravel roads are county roads.Â
This seems to be the best place in Benton County for fall warblers. Many were low to the ground offering excellent views and were visible for some time. One of the Black-throated Greens was on the ground. I am not having much luck photographing them.
Again, the road needs to be walked by more people with more skill than I.
I changed the location from Sulphur Springs to Bella Vista as that is more appropriate, and moved its location to be just east of where Highlands Blvd passes under I-49. The previous location marker was off by half of a mile
Date: 9/23/26 11:16 am From: Than Boves <0000066ff0d310d7-dmarc-request...> Subject: This Sat: Fall Bird Banding at the A-State Bird Observatory
Hi all - This Sat we are hosting a special banding day at the A-State Bird Observatory for the Arkansas Bird Alliance and Memphis Chapter of TOS. Come experience fall migration with us! We will be opening nets at about 7:40 AM and will stay out until about 10 am. No promises, but this morning we caught 71 birds, including ~50 Gray Catbirds, so it could be a great morning.
Hope to see some of you there,
Than
---------------------------------------------------------------
Than J. Boves, PhD
Professor of Avian Ecology
Director of Graduate Program in Biology
Department of Biological Sciences
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR
________________________________
From: Than Boves <tboves...>
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 11:39 AM
To: Than Boves <tboves...>
Subject: Fall Bird Banding at the A-State Bird Observatory
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, we experience this 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 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:
î„“
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: 9/21/26 10:49 am From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> Subject: Highlands Blvd Bella Vista / Sulphur Springs
This road has been absolutely fantastic for fall migrants this year. No one, besides myself has birdied there.
By there I mean the unpaved portion of the road. My routine is to drive basically west on that portion from Bella Vista, make a U-turn just before the I-49 overpass and park. I then walk for 1.5 miles to the west, and return by the same route going past where I had parked for another half mile.
Merlin heard Tennessee Warbler, a few times. It also heard Acadian, Least, and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers.
I spotted one Tennessee, but struck out on the empods.
> Does anyone know a place in Arkansas or elsewhere to get Pentax binoculars serviced?
>
> Sarah
>
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