Date: 4/14/26 6:17 pm From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - April 14
It was overcast, mild, and a bit windy on the bird survey today. 69 species were found. Plenty of new arrivals. Anhinga's and Neotropic Cormorants are starting to nest. Broad-winged Hawks were migrating over today in small flocks. Gallinule numbers are greatly increasing. A high flying migrating flock of 40 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks flew over headed east; probably to that pond in Tom where they feed them. Here is my list for today:
This morning around 7:20 I watched the hummer in her nest, doing something I never observe at any time other than on a Very Special Occasion. :)
99.9% of the time, if she's on the nest and moving, she's either adding material to the walls or floor, stretching it with her feet, or, after there are eggs, rotating them. But for several minutes this morning, she was in markedly restless, non-goal-directed motion, clearly uncomfortable and breathing hard. She was in labor.
At 7:30, she stood and made some subtly emphatic moves. Then, with her bill, she tended to what she'd just laid: her second egg. She sat back down, continued to breathe hard with feathers fluffed, even briefly closed her eyes. She was tired! A few minutes later she'd recovered enough to momentarily fly off. The rest of the day she commenced her first day of full-time incubation, interrupted often but briefly to nab an insect, chase off nearby songbirds or go for a quick drink at the feeders.
I was fortunate to catch the oviposition on video, and when I have more time, hopefully in the very near future, I'll upload it to YouTube.
As I'd guessed, her first egg was laid on ~Nest Day 5 (4/10). She began partial incubation yesterday, which is also the day she would have sought out a male to fertilize Egg 2. Her schedule is typical for RTHUs, and essentially identical to that of the bird I documented in 2022, when I was also able to film the laying of the second egg.
Having too much fun,
Janine PerlmanAlexander Mt.,Saline Co.
Date: 4/12/26 3:00 pm From: Taylor Long <00001397303cad80-dmarc-request...> Subject: Spring Migration Bird Walk Series at Lake Fayetteville: Apr 29 – May 17
Greetings Birders,
This Spring, the Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society is trying something
new: we're introducing the Spring Migration Bird Walk Series at Lake
Fayetteville — casual, drop-in morning walks led by local birders at one
of the best all-around birding hotspots in NWA. We'll be meeting every
Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from April 29 through May 17 to catch the
peak of spring migration as warblers and other travelers pass through.
Meet us at the North Shore Disc Golf Course parking lot (GPS: 36.13853,
-94.13505 <https://maps.app.goo.gl/qpuGfmXVB5GDHTxG9>) at 6:30 AM — no
registration, no experience needed, just bring your binoculars and a
sense of curiosity. We'd love to see you out there!
Route: The walks will generally be a slow 1-2 mile ramble on uneven dirt
paths and mowed fields. The group will always head East from the parking
lot via the tree line along the North side of the lake. Depending on
timing and activity, we usually make it to somewhere near the ONSC
Environmental Center before turning back towards the parking lot.
Drop in and out: If you arrive late, it should be pretty easy to connect
with the group by following the shoreline trees East and looking for
folks with binoculars. We’ll aim to return the parking lot by 8:30 AM by
you can always leave earlier (or stay later) if desired.
Schedule:
Walk 1 - Wed, Apr 29, 6:30 AM - Leader: Robert Peck
Walk 2 - Fri, May 1, 6:30 AM - Leader: Taylor Long
Walk 3 - Sun, May 3, 6:30 AM - Leader: Lauren Eno
Walk 4 - Wed, May 6, 6:30 AM - Leader: Robert Peck
Walk 5 - Fri, May 8, 6:30 AM - Leader: Kenny Younger
Walk 6 - Sun, May 10, 6:30 AM - Leader: Josh Matlock
Walk 7 - Wed, May 13, 6:30 AM - Leader: Robert Peck
Walk 8 - Fri, May 15, 6:30 AM - Leader: Taylor Long
Walk 9 - Sun, May 17, 6:30 AM - Leader: Josh Matlock
eBird checklists: The leader for each walk will make an eBird checklist
to document all the birds we see or hear. If you’d like to be included
on the checklist, please share your email address or eBird username with
the leader before you depart. Each checklist from this series will be
summarized into an eBird Trip Report:
<https://ebird.org/tripreport/491308>
Inclement weather plan
If there’s heavy rain and/or lighting in the forecast for the morning,
consider these trips cancelled. We won’t make any special announcement
about cancellations, so use your best judgement.
Date: 4/12/26 9:58 am From: Lynn Foster <lfoster5211...> Subject: Last Call for the Spring Convention--And Membership Renewal
Dear Arkansas Birders,
If you haven't registered yet, here's your reminder of our upcoming convention in Ft. Smith in 2 weeks, April 24-26, 2026! Spring migration will be in earnest, and our field trips look stupendous!!! Ragan Sutterfield and Ragupathy Kannan will be our evening speakers, presenting great topics. For more about the convention program and field trips, click here <https://arbirds.org/AAS/MeetingDetails.aspx?id=24>.
*If you want meals during the convention, we will need your registration by Tuesday, April 14 to get final meal counts to the hotel by Wednesday. Register here <https://arbirds.org/AAS/Registration.aspx?id=24>. *
Of course, you can register later, but we can't guarantee meals after the 14 th.
Excited to see you shortly,
Cheryl Johnson AAS VP
<cjbluebird...>
PS--If you're a member but didn't receive an email today from AAS about the convention, make sure you've paid your dues for 2026! All non-renewing members have now been dropped from the email list. We hope you'll renew for 2026! AAS will be working on some exciting projects this year!
Date: 4/12/26 8:26 am From: <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...> Subject: First of Season
The Northern Parula arrived yesterday, and the Yellow-throated Vireo and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are singing this morning. Orioles are in the state and my feeders have been out since Friday but none in my yard yet.
Date: 4/12/26 6:24 am From: Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...> Subject: Snake and Honey Comb
I went birding yesterday at Citadel Bluff Park which is north of Cecil, AR on the south side of the Arkansas River. I saw a very large snake that initially I thought was a Cottonmouth, but I posted a photo of it on INaturalist and a couple people identified it as a Diamondback Water Snake. Later during my birding walk out there I almost did step on a Cottonmouth and saw another one after that along the path. Then I saw an old snag with some honey comb and bees buzzing around it. I wonder if the honey is any good? No way I would dare to try to get it though for fear of getting stung, falling and breaking my neck or stepping on a Cottonmouth in trying to access that tree. Those bees are safe from me 🙂.
Yesterday I decided to check out Smith Creek Preserve for the first time. I only hiked down to the bridge and back so did not explore too much of it, but I enjoyed that area very much. Then I drove towards Boxley and headed up Forest Road 5 (Cave MTN Rd) until it connected to HWY 16 and then I drove to Cherry Bend Recreation Area to finish up the day of birding. It was a very pleasant day in the mountains.
Date: 4/11/26 10:45 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Bald Knob NWR Youth Hunt
Apparently this is a statewide event, so be sure to check your local refuge for potential closures.Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 4/11/26 12:37 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Bald Knob NWR Youth Hunt The refuge will have large sections closed this weekend for a Youth Turkey Hunt. According to Paul Provence, the Cells across from and near the silos will be accessible. Map attached. Patty McLean
Date: 4/11/26 10:37 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bald Knob NWR Youth Hunt
The refuge will have large sections closed this weekend for a Youth Turkey Hunt. According to Paul Provence, the Cells across from and near the silos will be accessible. Map attached. Patty McLean
Aside from on RTHU of whom we only got a glimpse, all our first-arriving birds this year were females.
You may recall that from 2020 through 2022 I was incredibly fortunate to be able to watch and photograph the same RTHU (with the unique head "bump") as she created nests and reared young. I didn't see her, or other RTHUs nesting, after that.
...Until yesterday, when I spied a female working on what I estimated to be her 4th day of nest construction. She's in an oak near the "Hummer Hickory" that housed previous nests. (This year the late frost destroyed much of the foliage on that hickory.) Her nest is even closer and more accessible to photography than those were.
RTHUs have natal nest fidelity, so it's likely she's a descendant or close relative of the female I started seeing 6 years ago. If she's following the schedule of her predecessor, yesterday was indeed day 4 of her nest building, and, yep, she likely laid a first egg today, because she's spending relatively long periods sitting in the nest, while also continuing construction. If so, this is apparently another new early record for egg-laying in AR, by 8 days.
And my husband noticed that N. Cardinals are nesting in a Devil's Walking Stick directly below the hummer!
Happily,Janine PerlmanAlexander Mt., Saline Co
Date: 4/9/26 7:10 pm From: Brian Carlson <brianrcarlson...> Subject: American Bittern
I was driving along HWY 64 on Monday evening at about 7pm and happened to look over to a pond and saw what I figured had to be an American Bittern. I went looking for it again on Tuesday at about noon but did not see it. I did not really expect to, as I know that they are more active at dawn and dusk. I was driving by the same pond yesterday evening at the same time (I drive semi truck on Monday and Wednesday) and saw it again so I decided to try for it again this evening with my camera. I got parked in a safe spot and got into position along the highway and waited. My patience paid off as it popped up at about 720pm and I got some photos and videos. I made a YouTube video. Here is the link for those who might be interested. It is not in a spot that is very safe or easy for a bunch of people to try for but I did try and got lucky.
Date: 4/9/26 5:56 pm From: Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> Subject: Field Trip with Birding in and Around Fort Smith group
This Saturday we are meeting at the Alma McDonald’s at 7:00 a.m. We will be
heading south just a few miles to Frog Bayou WMA and the surrounding area.
Join us if you can.
Date: 4/9/26 1:45 pm From: <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...> Subject: Re: Birding Festival of the South
You are right, those that know anything about birds know that this is the worst time to have a birding festival. The summer migrants are gone, and winter migrants have not arrived and pretty well what is left is the resident birds. Even key birds like the Red-cockaded woodpecker that many would like to see are not nesting and could only be intercepted when leaving the roost in the early AM or returning in the late PM. In my opinion, this was conceived by those knowing nothing about birds and birding festivals and they asked birders after the fact and with no intentions to change the dates. There are some dedicated Garland County Audubon members trying to work with the City of Hot Springs to do what they can even as you say this one may have already failed. Those working more closely with the City may be able to explain why they are going ahead and having it anyway.
Jerry Wayne Davis
Hot Springs, AR
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Donna Haynes <00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2026 1:07 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Birding Festival of the South
So I see that Hot Springs is still having their 1st birding Festival the first weekend of October. I've long wished Arkansas would have a birding Festival, but I feel this one has already failed. October is one of the slowest birding months of the year. I know a lot of folks expressed their concerns about these dates. Does anyone have any idea why they would still hold it that weekend even after hearing from the birding community?
Donna Haynes
West Pulaski Co.
Date: 4/9/26 1:07 pm From: Donna Haynes <00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Birding Festival of the South
So I see that Hot Springs is still having their 1st birding Festival the first weekend of October. I've long wished Arkansas would have a birding Festival, but I feel this one has already failed. October is one of the slowest birding months of the year. I know a lot of folks expressed their concerns about these dates. Does anyone have any idea why they would still hold it that weekend even after hearing from the birding community? Donna HaynesWest Pulaski Co.
Date: 4/9/26 11:52 am From: Jerry Butler <jerrysharon.butler...> Subject: Remarkable day at North Woods
A committee of birders who are prepping for the birding festival in Hot Springs met today and had an add-on field trip in Garland County's North Woods Trail area this AM. All the regular birds were there and an abundant number of the migrants. FOS bird for many who were there Water thrushes were especially vocal. Oven birds, hooded warblers, red-eyed vireos, veerys, and a Swainson. .Got good look at a scarlet tanager that was FOs for every one there and a lifer for a few. Peace and Birds Jerry
Date: 4/9/26 11:10 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bell Slough WMA--South Access
We had a delightful walk along the Kenny Vernon Trail this morning. While not big numbers, we heard/saw several First Of The Year birds (FOTYs). These included Prothonotary Warblers, Northern Parulas, Common Yellowthroat and several Louisiana Waterthrush. At one point, there was so much chatter among multiple Waterthrush, we assumed a female had just arrived and several males came in to woo her. Captured audio of this exchange. Other FOTYs included Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo and a Swainson's Thrush, plus an abundance of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Many more migrants yet to arrive...any day now.AGFC has done a remarkable job enhancing the habitat along the trail. Dozens of butterfly species, several dragonflies, a "dung beetle" pushing a big load with another one following (probably a female telling him where to drop it), and wonderful flowering plants. Plus the bugs weren't bad at all. Here's info on this eBird hotspot in Faulkner County: https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L127187Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners,
Michael and I stopped by a sod farm on our way from Searcy to Conway today, hoping to find "grass pipers," especially Upland Sandpipers. We didn't find much there other than Starlings and Killdeer. But the nice surprise was seeing at least eight fresh little fluffy baby Killdeer, following their mamas as they learn to nab some tasty bugs. So cute. We were both surprised by this early date. Hats off to the sod farm for not disturbing the nests. Patty McLean and Michael LinzThe Roadrunners
Date: 4/8/26 4:54 pm From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - April 8
It was mostly clear, mild, and a bit windy on the bird survey today. 55 species were found. New returning arrivals for the year include Purple Gallinule, White Ibis, Prothonotary Warbler, and Eastern Kingbird. Little-blue Heron, Neotropic Cormorant, and Anhinga numbers are greatly increasing with 2 Neotropic Cormorants already sitting on nests in the Otter Lake Heronry. Here is my list for today:
Date: 4/8/26 8:51 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: FOR BIRDS AT MT SEQUOYAH IN FAYETTEVILLE
MT SEQUOYAH in Fayetteville has long been a bird haven. Interest in birds on the mountain overlooking old downtown Fayetteville dates to the 1920s with creation of the Western Methodist Assembly. This interest continues. Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society is undertaking several projects that continue this tradition.
One project involves a Chimney Swift tower. These towers mimic mature trees that are hollow. They also mimic old fashion house chimneys. Swifts roost at night and nest during the summer in these chimneys. Research shows they readily adapt to towers.
Another project involves an array of different kinds of bird feeders. These will offer birds different types of bird food. The array will be placed in habitat suitable for the birds and for those who enjoy watching them.
There is already a lot of excellent habitat for birds on Mount Sequoyah Center, on Skyline drive around the mountain top, and down among almost 100 forested acres of Mt Sequoyah Woods on the east slope. The NWAAS-sponsored projects will add to these existing bird-friendly elements.
The swift tower will be dedicated to memory of Dr Doug James, long time professor at University of Arkansas who taught ornithology classes. Building a Chimney Swift tower was one of his goals when he was NWAAS president.
Mount Sequoyah Center has approved these projects. They will provide numerous educational opportunities .
Kelly Mulhollan (of the folk group Still on the Hill) and architect Michael Cockram (of Bowerbird Designs) teamed up for the project that resulted in Mulhollan Waterfowl Blind at Lake Fayetteville. They are teaming up again for these projects.
Kelly and Donna Mulhollan have lots of experience at managing multiple feeders. Kelly and Michael plan to build the Chimney Swift tower to fit a site that has been selected at Mt Sequoyah.
NWAAS Board estimated costs at $5,000 (this includes a contingency for unexpected costs). This should cover all, including a full year for bird feed. NWAAS is also committed to maintaining the swift tower and bird feeding station. Both will be open to the public.
Please considering donating to these projects. Its easy. Go to our web site https://nwarkaudubon.org/. Once there, look near the top for QUICK LINKS. This goes directly to a page where you DONATE to our FEATURED FUNDRAISING PROJECT using PayPal. Or you can send a check directly via US mail to our Treasurer, Bill Beall (address in on that page). All funds go directly to these projects, off the ground and flying, adding to Mt Sequoyahs existing bird-friendly environment.
Date: 4/6/26 4:13 pm From: Ragan Sutterfield <000003499a91e99c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Arkansas Big Day, May 9
On May 9, birders around the world will be in the field, attempting to see as many birds as possible as part of the Global Big Day sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. In Arkansas, we'll be joining the effort with our own version of a Big Day competition. From midnight to midnight on May 9, Arkansas Audubon with the support of Audubon Delta is encouraging teams of birders (2 or more) to embark on a day of celebrating migration and the abundance of Arkansas birds. To be an official participant in the Arkansas Big Day all you have to do is agree to abide by the big day rules and register your team below. Following the Big Day, all participants will be invited to a special Zoom awards and story telling session so we can share our adventures together and find out which team found the most birds in Arkansas on May 9. Also, stay tuned for special t-shirts coming soon.
Date: 4/6/26 7:29 am From: Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> Subject: Don Simons
Don and I go way back to sometime in the mid-90s. I was a novice but very
enthusiastic birder and was encouraged by Arkansas Audubon Society members
to become an officer. So eventually Don became president and I was his vice
president. I saw his reenactment of JJ Audubon’s travels and learned of
Don’s love of becoming a mountain man and attending rendezvous. We worked
well together and formed a friendship that lasted till he passed.
Don graciously hosted my husband and I when we took a trip to southeast
Arkansas to see the Lake Chicot area. Don worked there for many years
before moving to Mount Magazine. He took us to all the “borrow” pits along
the Mississippi. It was the first time I’d ever heard that term. He took us
to Lakeport Plantation when it was still in a major state of disrepair. We
stepped in three states where the borders touch. And best of all…he got me
my first Wood Stork and Roseate Spoonbill.
I was kind of shocked when he took the Magazine job. Such a difference in
terrain and culture from southeast Arkansas. But as you know, he did a
great job there at Magazine. So many of us added state/life birds because
he shared with us what he found on the mountain.
I didn’t get to Magazine very often, but when I did you can bet I searched
out Don. I shall miss him. Very thankful that God put him in my life for a
time.
Thank you, Lori, for taking such good care of my old friend. Many thoughts
are with you.
Date: 4/6/26 6:31 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Don Simons
Hawk watch with Don Simons on Mt Magazine September 29, 2017
[cid:b01ac8c5-9caf-4454-b77d-73c079fe2697]
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Keith Hawkins <kdrjnest...>
Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 7:38 AM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Don Simons
A lost treasure for sure! I am thoroughly enjoying all the reflections and memories of Don shared by our group. I feel compelled to add to the accolades. Like others, I too am grateful for the rare birds I would have never seen in Arkansas without his alertsthe Rosy Finch, the Townsend Solitaire, the Rufous-crowned Sparrow, in addition to a long list of raptors.
As most of you know Don hosted a Hawk-Watch, at Mount Magazine State Park, during fall raptor migration. I had the distinct pleasure of exposure to his knowledge, of all things in nature, for a number of years during these events. It often required a bit of probing but if a question arose all I had to do was askhe would not often offer from his deep well of knowledge. One event in particular comes to mind. There was a noisy Bee, or so I thought, fliting in and out, as we stood watch at the overlook. I asked Don, what kind of Bee is that? It sure is noisy. His reply was, it is not a Bee, it is a fly and gave me the scientific name (forgotten).
His knowledge of raptors was also amazing to me. We would spot a distant raptor and he would offer his opinion on what species we were seeing. He would run through a litany of facts and behaviors a particular species exhibited. If the bird approached close enough to pick up defining plumage details he was always correct. What a joy, what fun! I rarely saw him exhibit excitement but when a large group of birds were kettleing into a Hawknado he would get excited. The last couple of years, with him absent, have not been as much fun.
Date: 4/6/26 5:38 am From: Keith Hawkins <kdrjnest...> Subject: Don Simons
A lost treasure for sure! I am thoroughly enjoying all the reflections and memories of Don shared by our group. I feel compelled to add to the accolades. Like others, I too am grateful for the rare birds I would have never seen in Arkansas without his alerts-the Rosy Finch, the Townsend Solitaire, the Rufous-crowned Sparrow, in addition to a long list of raptors.
As most of you know Don hosted a Hawk-Watch, at Mount Magazine State Park, during fall raptor migration. I had the distinct pleasure of exposure to his knowledge, of all things in nature, for a number of years during these events. It often required a bit of probing but if a question arose all I had to do was ask-he would not often offer from his deep well of knowledge. One event in particular comes to mind. There was a noisy Bee, or so I thought, fliting in and out, as we stood watch at the overlook. I asked "Don, what kind of Bee is that? It sure is noisy". His reply was, it is not a Bee, it is a fly and gave me the scientific name (forgotten).
His knowledge of raptors was also amazing to me. We would spot a distant raptor and he would offer his opinion on what species we were seeing. He would run through a litany of facts and behaviors a particular species exhibited. If the bird approached close enough to pick up defining plumage details he was always correct. What a joy, what fun! I rarely saw him exhibit excitement but when a large group of birds were "kettleing" into a "Hawknado" he would get excited. The last couple of years, with him absent, have not been as much fun.
Date: 4/5/26 5:04 pm From: Lynn Foster <lfoster5211...> Subject: Re: Data Center at Little Rock Port Area
Carol et al.,
The Conservation Committee of the Board is working on this issue. Should it
draft something, it will be shared with members, as well as posted on our
website as all its correspondence is. Meanwhile, thanks for bringing this
issue to the attention of Arbirders.
Lynn Foster
President, Arkansas Audubon Society
On Sun 5 Apr 2026 at 6:11 p.m., Carol Joan Patterson <
<0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> I am replying to all arbird users because I don't know what particular
> individuals to contact. These Data Centers are of great concern. This
> seems like a good time for the various birding societies to work together
> to come up with a petition and other ways to bring attention to the
> situation. Various people wrote letters to editors about the dicamba
> crisis, using a form letter as a springboard. Maybe an eloquent and
> knowledgeable soul(s) could write about these Data Centers. Perhaps our
> respective board members could work on this.
>
> On Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 11:48:55 AM CDT, Patty McLean <
> <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>
> We've got the same challenge in Conway with a large data center proposed
> for Lollie Bottoms -- across from the sewer plant. Obviously, at both
> locations, they would like to use the Arkansas River to cool the equipment
> and to dump their waste water.
>
> Funnily enough, here's what AI gave me about the negative consequences of
> these large power-hungry centers:
>
> "Large data centers present several significant environmental challenges,
> primarily driven by their massive energy and water requirements.
> *1. High Energy Consumption*
>
> Data centers currently account for approximately *1.5% to 4%* of global
> electricity use, a figure projected to double by 2030 due to AI demands.
>
> - *Fossil Fuel Reliance:* Many facilities rely on local grids powered
> by coal or natural gas, increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
>
>
> - *Inundating Grids:* A single hyperscale data center can consume as
> much power as *100,000 households*, straining regional energy
> infrastructure and potentially raising costs for local residents.
>
> *2. Massive Water Usage*
>
> Cooling systems are essential to prevent servers from overheating, often
> using "evaporative cooling" which consumes vast amounts of freshwater.
>
> - *Volume:* Large centers can use up to *5 million gallons of water
> per day*—equivalent to the needs of a city of 50,000 people.
>
>
> - *Regional Stress:* Roughly two-thirds of U.S. data centers built
> since 2022 are located in water-stressed regions, competing with local
> agriculture and residential needs.
>
> *3. Electronic Waste (e-Waste)*
>
> Hardware in data centers is frequently "refreshed" every *three to five
> years* to keep up with processing advancements.
>
> - *Toxic Components:* Discarded servers and networking gear contain
> heavy metals like *lead, mercury, and cadmium*, which can leach into
> soil and groundwater if not recycled properly.
>
>
> - *Low Recycling Rates:* Globally, less than *25%* of e-waste is
> documented as properly recycled, with much of it ending up in landfills.
>
> *4. Localized Pollution*
>
> - *Air Quality:* Facilities use large diesel backup generators for
> outages. These emit *nitrogen oxides (NOx)* and particulate matter,
> which are linked to respiratory issues in nearby communities.
>
>
> - *Noise Pollution:* The constant hum from massive industrial cooling
> fans and generators can create significant noise disturbances for adjacent
> neighborhoods."
>
> The impact on birds and birders may be extreme.
>
> Patty McLean
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Donna Haynes <00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...>
> Date: 4/3/26 6:42 PM (GMT-06:00)
> To: <ARBIRD-L...>
> Subject: Data Center at Little Rock Port Area
>
> Is anyone writing letters, showing up at meetings, doing petitions
> regarding the proposed Google Data Center at the Little Rock Port Area? I
> have read public comments are open until April 24, but I have yet to find
> where to submit public comments.
> On a side note it is called Project Boar. I find that fitting since like
> Wild Boars, Data Centers are invasive and destructive to native habitats
> and their animal and human residents.
> Donna Haynes
> West Pulaski Co.
>
> 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:
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Date: 4/5/26 4:11 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Data Center at Little Rock Port Area
I am replying to all arbird users because I don't know what particular individuals to contact. These Data Centers are of great concern. This seems like a good time for the various birding societies to work together to come up with a petition and other ways to bring attention to the situation. Various people wrote letters to editors about the dicamba crisis, using a form letter as a springboard. Maybe an eloquent and knowledgeable soul(s) could write about these Data Centers. Perhaps our respective board members could work on this.
On Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 11:48:55 AM CDT, Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
We've got the same challenge in Conway with a large data center proposed for Lollie Bottoms -- across from the sewer plant. Obviously, at both locations, they would like to use the Arkansas River to cool the equipment and to dump their waste water.
Funnily enough, here's what AI gave me about the negative consequences of these large power-hungry centers:
"Large data centers present several significant environmental challenges, primarily driven by their massive energy and water requirements.
1. High Energy Consumption
Data centers currently account for approximately 1.5% to 4% of global electricity use, a figure projected to double by 2030 due to AI demands.
- Fossil Fuel Reliance: Many facilities rely on local grids powered by coal or natural gas, increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Inundating Grids: A single hyperscale data center can consume as much power as 100,000 households, straining regional energy infrastructure and potentially raising costs for local residents.
2. Massive Water Usage
Cooling systems are essential to prevent servers from overheating, often using "evaporative cooling" which consumes vast amounts of freshwater.
- Volume: Large centers can use up to 5 million gallons of water per day—equivalent to the needs of a city of 50,000 people.
- Regional Stress: Roughly two-thirds of U.S. data centers built since 2022 are located in water-stressed regions, competing with local agriculture and residential needs.
3. Electronic Waste (e-Waste)
Hardware in data centers is frequently "refreshed" every three to five years to keep up with processing advancements.
- Toxic Components: Discarded servers and networking gear contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into soil and groundwater if not recycled properly.
- Low Recycling Rates: Globally, less than 25% of e-waste is documented as properly recycled, with much of it ending up in landfills.
4. Localized Pollution
- Air Quality: Facilities use large diesel backup generators for outages. These emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, which are linked to respiratory issues in nearby communities.
- Noise Pollution: The constant hum from massive industrial cooling fans and generators can create significant noise disturbances for adjacent neighborhoods."
The impact on birds and birders may be extreme.
Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Donna Haynes <00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...> Date: 4/3/26 6:42 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Data Center at Little Rock Port Area
Is anyone writing letters, showing up at meetings, doing petitions regarding the proposed Google Data Center at the Little Rock Port Area? I have read public comments are open until April 24, but I have yet to find where to submit public comments.On a side note it is called Project Boar. I find that fitting since like Wild Boars, Data Centers are invasive and destructive to native habitats and their animal and human residents. Donna Haynes West Pulaski Co.
Date: 4/5/26 3:46 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Don Simons
I remember with happiness the thrilling adventure to find the Townsend's Solitaire. It is such a lovely bird.
I am very sad over the loss of Don. Another wonderful pillar of the birding community gone.
On Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 07:48:57 PM CDT, Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Some may enjoy this memory of a fun day in the field with Don Simons. Originally posted to ARBIRD list.
WITH DON SIMONS ON TOSO TRAIL January 18, 2018For several years running now, one of Arkansas’s coveted, rare, and must-see birds are the Townsend’s Solitaires (TOSOs) found several years ago at Mount Magazine State Park by park interpreter Don Simons. At least one bird is wintering this winter. David Oakley and I saw it this morning, with help from Don, of course.TOSOs aren’t rare where they nest in the montane west, but if you want to see one in January, get ready for a long trip: 400+ miles out to deep canyons in the Black Mesa country of far western Oklahoma. Or for the past few years, Mt Magazine State Park, where Don has found several in winter along breath-taking, rocky, cedar-clad south-facing blufflines. Places where Greater Roadrunners stroll rocks and balance courtesy of long expressive tails and sturdy footwork courtesy of dos execues toes. Rock hoppers they are, with long swishy tails. A bird with a real tale and a real tail to tell it with (my apologies to Lawrence Ferlinghetti).David and I met Don at the visitor center this morning. Within a few minutes we were out in the field, and hot on the solitaire trail. We had great looks at both male and female Purple Finches. There were Dark-eyed Juncos, Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers, a flock of Eastern Bluebirds, musical Blue Jays, and a flock of American Robins.We walked the trail below the bluffline and saw a Hermit Thrush. The roadrunner easily remained far enough ahead David couldn’t get a photograph. Then we saw Townsend’s Solitaire perched high in a leafless tree, above a big old cedar. It looked this way. It looked that way. And so did we.John Kirk Townsend found one in Oregon, in 1835 and Audubon described it and named it in Townsend’s honor in 1838. A little less than 200 years later, we are all in for this little bluebird relative that now thanks to Don is also part of the story of birds in Arkansas.How enthusiastic are we about this? It’s 110 miles, give or take, from Fayetteville to this Arkansas rarity.Watching Townsend’s this morning, I was also thinking about Don and government employees like him who so freely share their passions and interests. He came to Arkansas parks in 1981 and to Magazine in 2000. What a gift it is to the people of Arkansas, hungry to learn more about their state, and then run into someone like Don.Standing in the welcome flood of this morning’s sunshine and rising temp, I was also in the middle of being thankful. Then Townsend’s dropped back into the cedar thicket and out-of-sight. No problem here. I got to see The Bird, with its trademark eye ring, and I thought about that all the way back to Fayetteville.
Date: 4/5/26 9:48 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Data Center at Little Rock Port Area
We've got the same challenge in Conway with a large data center proposed for Lollie Bottoms -- across from the sewer plant. Obviously, at both locations, they would like to use the Arkansas River to cool the equipment and to dump their waste water.Funnily enough, here's what AI gave me about the negative consequences of these large power-hungry centers: "Large data centers present several significant environmental challenges, primarily driven by their massive energy and water requirements.
1. High Energy Consumption
Data centers currently account for approximately 1.5% to 4% of global electricity use, a figure projected to double by 2030 due to AI demands.
Fossil Fuel Reliance: Many facilities rely on local grids powered by coal or natural gas, increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Inundating Grids: A single hyperscale data center can consume as much power as 100,000 households, straining regional energy infrastructure and potentially raising costs for local residents.
2. Massive Water Usage
Cooling systems are essential to prevent servers from overheating, often using "evaporative cooling" which consumes vast amounts of freshwater.
Volume: Large centers can use up to 5 million gallons of water per day—equivalent to the needs of a city of 50,000 people.
Regional Stress: Roughly two-thirds of U.S. data centers built since 2022 are located in water-stressed regions, competing with local agriculture and residential needs.
3. Electronic Waste (e-Waste)
Hardware in data centers is frequently "refreshed" every three to five years to keep up with processing advancements.
Toxic Components: Discarded servers and networking gear contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into soil and groundwater if not recycled properly.
Low Recycling Rates: Globally, less than 25% of e-waste is documented as properly recycled, with much of it ending up in landfills.
4. Localized Pollution
Air Quality: Facilities use large diesel backup generators for outages. These emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, which are linked to respiratory issues in nearby communities.
Noise Pollution: The constant hum from massive industrial cooling fans and generators can create significant noise disturbances for adjacent neighborhoods."
The impact on birds and birders may be extreme.Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Donna Haynes <00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...> Date: 4/3/26 6:42 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Data Center at Little Rock Port Area Is anyone writing letters, showing up at meetings, doing petitions regarding the proposed Google Data Center at the Little Rock Port Area? I have read public comments are open until April 24, but I have yet to find where to submit public comments.On a side note it is called Project Boar. I find that fitting since like Wild Boars, Data Centers are invasive and destructive to native habitats and their animal and human residents. Donna Haynes West Pulaski Co. Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
Date: 4/5/26 9:28 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bald Knob NWR Update
Heard from Daniel Denman that rails (Sora and Virginia), Dunlin and BLACK-NECKED STILTS are spending time in Cell 2 (see attached map). He also found four American Bittern in the Lottery Draw field, immediately west of Overflow Creek. He mentioned that the farmers have plowed all the fields to the east of Coal Chute over to Ditch 13. This might account for all the bittern being seen in the smaller field and the rails in Cell 2.Hope you all find Peace and many Blessings on this special and lovely day. Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
A few of us ventured out in the afternoon showers to see what the rain brought in. Cody Massery went to Atkins Bottoms and saw over 50 UPLAND SANDPIPERS, a good number of American Golden-plovers, several BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS and at least one BAIRD'S SANDPIPER. We went to Lollie Bottoms where the Horned Larks were singing and singing. Here we found a few BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS mixed in with several American Golden-plovers and Pectoral Sandpipers. And, with the eagle eyes of Roger Massey, we finally saw an UPLAND SANDPIPER. Roger had earlier managed to find at least 5 Uplands but we were happy to see our one.So thankful for the rain. While not nearly enough, it was certainly a relief to get it today. Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
AAS received the following email today. We're passing it on to you, and
urge anyone interested to follow up.
*Good morning,*
*My name is Logan Parker and I'm the coordinator for the Nightjar Survey
Network (the U.S. half of the North American Nightjar Survey
<https://naturecounts.ca/nc/nightjars/main.jsp>). I’m reaching out hoping
you might be able to help me connect with potential volunteers in Arkansas
who might be interested in participating in the upcoming 2026 nightjar
survey season.*
*Each year, community scientists across the country contribute to
monitoring populations of whip-poor-wills, nighthawks, and other nightjars
through standardized roadside surveys. These data are critical for tracking
long-term population trends and informing conservation efforts.*
*We would greatly appreciate your help sharing this opportunity with your
members and regional contacts to help us increase participation in your
state. Volunteers can learn more and sign up at nightjars.org
<https://nightjar.org>, where they’ll find training resources, survey
protocols, and how to sign up for a survey route.*
*These surveys offer a unique chance to experience these remarkable
nocturnal birds while contributing meaningful data to conservation.*
*Please let me know if you have any questions or would like any additional
materials to help with outreach. Many thanks for your consideration! *
Date: 4/3/26 4:42 pm From: Donna Haynes <00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Data Center at Little Rock Port Area
Is anyone writing letters, showing up at meetings, doing petitions regarding the proposed Google Data Center at the Little Rock Port Area? I have read public comments are open until April 24, but I have yet to find where to submit public comments.On a side note it is called Project Boar. I find that fitting since like Wild Boars, Data Centers are invasive and destructive to native habitats and their animal and human residents. Donna Haynes West Pulaski Co.
Date: 4/3/26 3:15 pm From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Another Don Simon story from a past ARBIRD post
What a nice story! Here are photos of the bird Don found. https://ebird.org/checklist/S10663005 On Friday, 3 April 2026 at 05:09:39 pm GMT-5, Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
WAITING FOR ROSY-FINCH, OR SOMETHING LIKE May 11, 2012
Like (a-la-Facebook) Don Simon's excitement in his post to ARBIRD-L on May 6: "You are going to think I am crazy, but I just saw and photographed a GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH next to the visitor center parking lot here at Mount Magazine State Park!!!!" It's a Western bird of high elevation. Doug James' take on this: A bird that inhabits the highest Rockies has found the highest place in Arkansas. First State Record for Arkansas. The Birds of North America account terms rosy-finches, "extreme-environment specialists. . . craggy breeding sites . . . austere habitats . . . possibly the highest-altitude breeding bird in North America." Don's post comes in a little after 11:00 AM Sunday. Before another gorgeous Magazine sunset, a bunch of eager-birders have rushed the mountain (you snooze, you lose). Meanwhile, I have rosy-finch whirling an endless loop. My brain turns to mush. My calendar is full 'til Wednesday, but then I'm out the door at 4:30 AM and arrive atop this surprising, temporary rosy-finch-land before 7 AM. I've got binoculars, scope, and camera, but where is the bird, exactly? I'm blank from rosy-finch fever. Fortunately, David Oakley answers his cell. "AT THE VISITOR CENTER. STAND AT THE DOOR AND LOOK AT 2:00 O'CLOCK!!!!" By 7:30 AM, I have rosy-finch, at 4:00 o'clock, in a bright yellow patch of Krigia flowers growing on a rocky bulldozed scrape. It's a miracle! By around 9, traffic is picking up. Avian supporting cast behind rosy-finch includes Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Tennessee Warbler, Swainson's and Wood Thrushes, Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager. Mitchell Pruitt is headed here from Jonesboro. Maybe it's 9:30 or so. A couple from Oklahoma walks over where I'm watching. They are also in the bird business -- growing chickens -- and curious about rosy-finch, 10 feet away, beak full of attractive yellow Krigia flowers. My pointing-out finger is deployed. At that moment, I see Mitchell and others pulling in. Rosy-finch starts and flies. Mitchell asks, "Is it still here?" YES, I answer. We pile down on a big rock in the shade, Krigia patch in full view, to wait. A motorcycle guy with a shiny skin head and black leather walks up and politely asks, "Is the little bird still here?" We wait. Maybe a short break might help? We drive a couple of miles from the visitor center to the hand glider site for Rufous-crowned Sparrow, another Westerner of severe rocky habitats, singing when we arrive. We have great views! My phone suddenly rings. It's Carolyn Minson, in Waldron. She is waiting there with a group from Hot Springs Village, for ME, who had agreed to lead them on a Wednesday afternoon field trip! I'm dumbfounded, obviously feverish. Carolyn is graceful. Back at the rock, Ed Laster, who has ridden his motorcycle here for rosy-finch, tells me he learned his birds from JoAnne Rife and Sally Jo Gibson in his Harrison years. When a big mower fires up, Edie Calaway runs over to the driver. "You can't mow here there's a rare bird from the Rockies and you'll take away all its food." They readily and gracefully move to another job. We wait. I spot the bird across the street. Close inspection reveals I've found a Brown-headed Cowbird. More fever. NOON -- no rosy-finch. ONE O’CLOCK -- no rosy-finch. As wind comes up, we give up. Mitchell, who in his 2011 Big Year tallied 308 species in the state of Arkansas, takes disappointment in stride. An Io Moth by the front door visitor center shows colorful bull's-eye eyespots. Mitchell collects images, terming this a consolation prize.
Date: 4/3/26 3:09 pm From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Another Don Simon story from a past ARBIRD post
WAITING FOR ROSY-FINCH, OR SOMETHING LIKE May 11, 2012
Like (a-la-Facebook) Don Simon's excitement in his post to ARBIRD-L on May 6: "You are going to think I am crazy, but I just saw and photographed a GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH next to the visitor center parking lot here at Mount Magazine State Park!!!!"
It's a Western bird of high elevation. Doug James' take on this: A bird that inhabits the highest Rockies has found the highest place in Arkansas. First State Record for Arkansas. The Birds of North America account terms rosy-finches, "extreme-environment specialists. . . craggy breeding sites . . . austere habitats . . . possibly the highest-altitude breeding bird in North America."
Don's post comes in a little after 11:00 AM Sunday. Before another gorgeous Magazine sunset, a bunch of eager-birders have rushed the mountain (you snooze, you lose). Meanwhile, I have rosy-finch whirling an endless loop. My brain turns to mush.
My calendar is full 'til Wednesday, but then I'm out the door at 4:30 AM and arrive atop this surprising, temporary rosy-finch-land before 7 AM. I've got binoculars, scope, and camera, but where is the bird, exactly? I'm blank from rosy-finch fever. Fortunately, David Oakley answers his cell. "AT THE VISITOR CENTER. STAND AT THE DOOR AND LOOK AT 2:00 O'CLOCK!!!!"
By 7:30 AM, I have rosy-finch, at 4:00 o'clock, in a bright yellow patch of Krigia flowers growing on a rocky bulldozed scrape. It's a miracle!
By around 9, traffic is picking up. Avian supporting cast behind rosy-finch includes Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Tennessee Warbler, Swainson's and Wood Thrushes, Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager. Mitchell Pruitt is headed here from Jonesboro.
Maybe it's 9:30 or so. A couple from Oklahoma walks over where I'm watching. They are also in the bird business -- growing chickens -- and curious about rosy-finch, 10 feet away, beak full of attractive yellow Krigia flowers. My pointing-out finger is deployed.
At that moment, I see Mitchell and others pulling in. Rosy-finch starts and flies. Mitchell asks, "Is it still here?" YES, I answer. We pile down on a big rock in the shade, Krigia patch in full view, to wait. A motorcycle guy with a shiny skin head and black leather walks up and politely asks, "Is the little bird still here?"
We wait. Maybe a short break might help? We drive a couple of miles from the visitor center to the hand glider site for Rufous-crowned Sparrow, another Westerner of severe rocky habitats, singing when we arrive. We have great views! My phone suddenly rings.
It's Carolyn Minson, in Waldron. She is waiting there with a group from Hot Springs Village, for ME, who had agreed to lead them on a Wednesday afternoon field trip! I'm dumbfounded, obviously feverish. Carolyn is graceful.
Back at the rock, Ed Laster, who has ridden his motorcycle here for rosy-finch, tells me he learned his birds from JoAnne Rife and Sally Jo Gibson in his Harrison years.
When a big mower fires up, Edie Calaway runs over to the driver. "You can't mow here there's a rare bird from the Rockies and you'll take away all its food." They readily and gracefully move to another job. We wait.
I spot the bird across the street. Close inspection reveals I've found a Brown-headed Cowbird. More fever.
NOON -- no rosy-finch. ONE OCLOCK -- no rosy-finch. As wind comes up, we give up. Mitchell, who in his 2011 Big Year tallied 308 species in the state of Arkansas, takes disappointment in stride. An Io Moth by the front door visitor center shows colorful bull's-eye eyespots. Mitchell collects images, terming this a consolation prize.
Date: 4/3/26 2:09 pm From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Remembrances of Don Simons
Don was a fine naturalist. Here is a small compilation of some of his postings in Ar-birds over the years. ----------------------Wed, 22 May, 2024 at 9:19 pm
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks
Living in Paris, I started keeping a yard list last year.I’ve had a few surprises. Imagine my excitement when a pair of whistling ducksfew low over the big oak in my yard. Nearly every morning I scan theneighborhood and sky.Just about every day brings one or two of them.
I noticed they tended to circle around to the north. Onemorning we drove north on 5th street past Old Military Road. A small corralobstructs the view of the terrain to the west. We counted 24 BBWDs as they flewover and landed beyond the fence where, I’m sure, some had already gathered.
Murder in ParisDon Simons Mon, 29 Apr, 2024 at 2:31 pm
Acase for Hercule Poirot Not. A group of crows? Not this time. Although Iregularly see and hear both Fish and American here in Paris, AR.Whilethe three of us were watching feeder birds from a large living room window, wewitnessed a murder in our Parisian yard. A “Murder Most Fowl”? Rather, a“Murder Most Squirrel.”Afresh-out-of-the-nest Fox Squirrel was braving his new world when a GraySquirrel jumped on and off the youngster. It laid there, motionless. Two GraySquirrel cautiously, tails twitching nervously, approached the victim. Was oneof them the assassin? We could not pick one in a lineup.
I’ve read that squirrels sometimes kill andeat young nestlings of territorial rivals and birds but, usually, it isserendipitous. This was our first encounter with “squirrelacide.” Well, afterall squirrels are not more than tree rats. But they do taste good. Especially,in a gumbo my momma used to make.Suchincidents are much more common than any of us are witness. These days, I findwatching wildlife interacting with wildlife and the environment moreinteresting than just list ticking. Keepwatching,
Donoff the Mount
Crape Myrtle Birds
Don Simons
Wed, 13 Sept, 2023 at 8:33 am
InApril I retired from 42 years as an Arkansas State Park interpreter (23 onMount Magazine) and moved down to Paris. Birds are not as diverse in my yard ason the mountain. Therefore, I spend more time observing habits of fewerspecies.
Myfavorite spot is sitting in our driveway where a crape myrtle tree dominatesthe scene near the road. Say what you want about them, but I have never reallycared for crape myrtles. These non natives are pretty but don’t normallyattract a lot of birds. This one does, due to its location not so much itsnutritious bounty.
Presently,this myrtle reaches up to touch a street light which attracts numerous smallmoths and beetles(no Beatles yet). Every dawn a mockingbird sings his heartout, often mimicking his neighbors and others from the top of the utility pole.I have taken on a new mission to get him add a soft “wolf whistle” to hisrepertoire. No luck yet. I call him my “Mocking Bud.”
Beforesunrise, pairs of the following birds raid insects attracted by that light:red-bellied woodpecker, great crested flycatcher, blue jay, Carolina wren, graycatbird, house finch, and northern cardinal. They come into the buffetseemingly in some sort of order and stay only a short while. My driveway getslittered with moth wings. A big, fat toad joined the feast at least onemorning. A robin tried to nest in the middle of said myrtle unsuccessfully. Shewas very tolerant of the raiders until the eggs hatched. Then she startedchasing away only Mocking Bud. I guess his constant singing got on her nerves.
Nowthings are very quiet around the yard. Heat waves and drought must have shutdown breeding season for my crape myrtlers.
Don,formerly on the Mount, now a new Parisite, but still watching bird behavior.
Hawk count summary
Sun, 2 Oct, 2022 at 6:31 pm
Ihave been observing and documenting hawk migration here on Mount Magazine fornine years now. The data is available at hawkcount.org.
2022has been the most disappointing. We did not break 200 hawks, eagles, vultures,ospreys and falcons. I got “skunked” four days.Warm, windless, lonely days werethe worst.
Highlightsinclude: seven, possibly ten, Merlins and 80 broad-winged hawks, all withinview at one time. A murder 75 fish crows. And most surprising was a Townsend’sSolitaire searching for cedar berries. I believe this was a September recordfor Arkansas. Moments of excitement between hours of staining at beautifulscenery.
Inthe data, September 28th had the highest totals four of those nine years. Mybest year was 2017 with 3,488.
Iwant to thank Keith, Ed,Lynn, and others who volunteered their time andconversation.
Hummer and others
Tue, 5 Apr, 2022 at 9:34 am
Springis always two or three weeks later up here on the mountaintop than insurrounding valleys. Few trees have begun to leaf out. Plum trees are just nowblooming.
Usually,I don’t see our first hummer of the season until Ohio buckeyes begin to bloomhere on Mt. Mag around April 12th. This morning Lori put out our first feederfor the year. Within minutes, a male hummer appeared as if he was waiting forit. Now I need to check our buckeyes.
Nestingwarblers are starting to arrive. Black-and-whites, black-throated greens, andpine have been heard.
Ourpopulation of swallows is increasing almost daily.
Afew winter residents are lingering: juncos and white-throats.
Cardinals,titmice, chickadees, phoebes, white-breasted nuts, several woodpeckers, andother nesters are in fine cheer.
Donon the Mount
cedar waxwings andswallows
Sun, 27 Mar, 2022 at 2:41 am
Yesterday,around 30 cedar waxwings dined on witch hazel flowers outside my officewindow.
Twodays ago, a first-of-season ( FOS) barn swallow arrived at the lodge. He wasbeat by a rough-winged swallow a couple of days earlier. Both species nestaround the lodge. Barn swallows nest on the building itself. Every year I do acensus and usually find around 50 active nests. It’s a bit fun for me to watchnest building and nestlings growing. Great photo opportunities.
Rough-wingsnest in gaps between large rocks in the wall across the parking lot. Theyaren’t as numerous.
Easternphoebes also nest on the lodge. So far I have found two nests. They nest onmany other sites, natural and manmade, in the park.
Nosolitaires were found this winter despite an abundance of cedar berries.
Norufous-crowned sparrows have been found this year yet.Good birding.
Donon the Mount
Good eyes
Tue, 22 Sept, 2020 at 7:50 am
Itis always nice to have sharp-eyed birders join me on Cameron Bluff to countmigrants. Lynn Christy, Ed Laster, and Keith Hawkings visited yesterday. We hadsome passerine activity in the brush near the gazebo before raptors began tomake their way through.
Tanagers,swifts, a peewee, gnatcatchers, and some warblers (at least one black-throatedgreen) gave us click but close up glimpses. By noon we tallied:
Hawkmigration seems to be increasing now. I predict, this weekend might we will seegood numbers. However, I am oftentimes proven wrong.
Goodbirding.
Elderberry Birds
Sat, 15 Aug, 2020 at 4:21 am
Thursday morning, before a stormreached Mount Mag, I noticed a lot of bird action behind the Greenfield PicnicArea. In the very tops of several dead black locust trees were some silent butactive Empidonax flycatchers silhouetted against brightclouds. A downy woodpecker found a spot that resonated his pecking. A peeweeand a cuckoo called from nearby woods.
Inother treetops, full of vegetation, summer (4) and scarlet (6) tanagers seemedto catch and eat some sort of prey (hopefully, walking sticks) when not chasingeach other. None of these tanagers were in adult male breeding plumage. Onedark-winged scarlet had red patches on his nape and belly.
Twolarge elderberry bushes, loaded with fruit, attracted a lot of attention fromtanagers, cardinals, and indigo buntings. Bills of all these birds were stainedwith berry juice.
Otherbirds in this small area included:black-and-white, black-thoated green, andhooded warblers, redstarts, white nuthatches, gnatcatchers, chickadees,titmice, and a few others. A total of 25 species made for a very active 20minutes.
On Friday, 3 April 2026 at 02:29:17 pm GMT-5, Barry Haas <bhaas...> wrote:
I first met Don Simons in the mid-1980's. At that time the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA) held volunteer work sessions to construct bluebird houses made out of wood from donated fruit crates. The bluebird houses were sold to raise funds for ASCA. The work sessions were at Pinnacle Mountain State Park interpreter Neil Curry's park lodgings just west of Little Rock.
One evening Neil had an evening campfire going behind his residence when suddenly from out of the totally dark woods who should appear but a 19th century Arkansan in era appropriate garb. That was Don. What a character. I think Don would have chosen an earlier time to have been alive had he a choice.
Fast forward a few years to the fall of 1990 when I attended my first Arkansas Audubon Society (AAS) meeting at Lake Chicot State Park. Don was the interpreter there, and did a good job shuttling us by boat on Lake Chicot to see one or more active rookeries with a nice variety of avian species wood storks, herons, etc.
In the years since Don has at times played his mountain man role during AAS Halberg Ecology Camp youth sessions at Camp Clearfork. He was always willing to help others both young and old understand what life was like long ago.
His final move years ago was to serve as interpreter at Mount Magazine State Park. Don was always willing to help others whether it involved birds or other wildlife.
Date: 4/3/26 12:29 pm From: Barry Haas <bhaas...> Subject: Remembrances of Don Simons
I first met Don Simons in the mid-1980's. At that time the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA) held volunteer work sessions to construct bluebird houses made out of wood from donated fruit crates. The bluebird houses were sold to raise funds for ASCA. The work sessions were at Pinnacle Mountain State Park interpreter Neil Curry's park lodgings just west of Little Rock.
One evening Neil had an evening campfire going behind his residence when suddenly from out of the totally dark woods who should appear but a 19th century Arkansan in era appropriate garb. That was Don. What a character. I think Don would have chosen an earlier time to have been alive had he a choice.
Fast forward a few years to the fall of 1990 when I attended my first Arkansas Audubon Society (AAS) meeting at Lake Chicot State Park. Don was the interpreter there, and did a good job shuttling us by boat on Lake Chicot to see one or more active rookeries with a nice variety of avian species wood storks, herons, etc.
In the years since Don has at times played his mountain man role during AAS Halberg Ecology Camp youth sessions at Camp Clearfork. He was always willing to help others both young and old understand what life was like long ago.
His final move years ago was to serve as interpreter at Mount Magazine State Park. Don was always willing to help others whether it involved birds or other wildlife.
Lovely piece, Joe, and a nice tribute to Don. Here is his official paper on Townsend's Solitaires in Mt. Magazine, coauthored with Kim Smith. https://scholarworks.uark.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3289&context=jaas On Thursday, 2 April 2026 at 07:48:58 pm GMT-5, Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Some may enjoy this memory of a fun day in the field with Don Simons. Originally posted to ARBIRD list.
WITH DON SIMONS ON TOSO TRAIL January 18, 2018For several years running now, one of Arkansas’s coveted, rare, and must-see birds are the Townsend’s Solitaires (TOSOs) found several years ago at Mount Magazine State Park by park interpreter Don Simons. At least one bird is wintering this winter. David Oakley and I saw it this morning, with help from Don, of course.TOSOs aren’t rare where they nest in the montane west, but if you want to see one in January, get ready for a long trip: 400+ miles out to deep canyons in the Black Mesa country of far western Oklahoma. Or for the past few years, Mt Magazine State Park, where Don has found several in winter along breath-taking, rocky, cedar-clad south-facing blufflines. Places where Greater Roadrunners stroll rocks and balance courtesy of long expressive tails and sturdy footwork courtesy of dos execues toes. Rock hoppers they are, with long swishy tails. A bird with a real tale and a real tail to tell it with (my apologies to Lawrence Ferlinghetti).David and I met Don at the visitor center this morning. Within a few minutes we were out in the field, and hot on the solitaire trail. We had great looks at both male and female Purple Finches. There were Dark-eyed Juncos, Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers, a flock of Eastern Bluebirds, musical Blue Jays, and a flock of American Robins.We walked the trail below the bluffline and saw a Hermit Thrush. The roadrunner easily remained far enough ahead David couldn’t get a photograph. Then we saw Townsend’s Solitaire perched high in a leafless tree, above a big old cedar. It looked this way. It looked that way. And so did we.John Kirk Townsend found one in Oregon, in 1835 and Audubon described it and named it in Townsend’s honor in 1838. A little less than 200 years later, we are all in for this little bluebird relative that now thanks to Don is also part of the story of birds in Arkansas.How enthusiastic are we about this? It’s 110 miles, give or take, from Fayetteville to this Arkansas rarity.Watching Townsend’s this morning, I was also thinking about Don and government employees like him who so freely share their passions and interests. He came to Arkansas parks in 1981 and to Magazine in 2000. What a gift it is to the people of Arkansas, hungry to learn more about their state, and then run into someone like Don.Standing in the welcome flood of this morning’s sunshine and rising temp, I was also in the middle of being thankful. Then Townsend’s dropped back into the cedar thicket and out-of-sight. No problem here. I got to see The Bird, with its trademark eye ring, and I thought about that all the way back to Fayetteville.
Date: 4/2/26 5:48 pm From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Don Simons
Some may enjoy this memory of a fun day in the field with Don Simons. Originally posted to ARBIRD list.
WITH DON SIMONS ON TOSO TRAIL January 18, 2018
For several years running now, one of Arkansass coveted, rare, and must-see birds are the Townsends Solitaires (TOSOs) found several years ago at Mount Magazine State Park by park interpreter Don Simons. At least one bird is wintering this winter. David Oakley and I saw it this morning, with help from Don, of course.
TOSOs arent rare where they nest in the montane west, but if you want to see one in January, get ready for a long trip: 400+ miles out to deep canyons in the Black Mesa country of far western Oklahoma. Or for the past few years, Mt Magazine State Park, where Don has found several in winter along breath-taking, rocky, cedar-clad south-facing blufflines. Places where Greater Roadrunners stroll rocks and balance courtesy of long expressive tails and sturdy footwork courtesy of dos execues toes. Rock hoppers they are, with long swishy tails. A bird with a real tale and a real tail to tell it with (my apologies to Lawrence Ferlinghetti).
David and I met Don at the visitor center this morning. Within a few minutes we were out in the field, and hot on the solitaire trail. We had great looks at both male and female Purple Finches. There were Dark-eyed Juncos, Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers, a flock of Eastern Bluebirds, musical Blue Jays, and a flock of American Robins.
We walked the trail below the bluffline and saw a Hermit Thrush. The roadrunner easily remained far enough ahead David couldnt get a photograph. Then we saw Townsends Solitaire perched high in a leafless tree, above a big old cedar. It looked this way. It looked that way. And so did we.
John Kirk Townsend found one in Oregon, in 1835 and Audubon described it and named it in Townsends honor in 1838. A little less than 200 years later, we are all in for this little bluebird relative that now thanks to Don is also part of the story of birds in Arkansas.
How enthusiastic are we about this? Its 110 miles, give or take, from Fayetteville to this Arkansas rarity.
Watching Townsends this morning, I was also thinking about Don and government employees like him who so freely share their passions and interests. He came to Arkansas parks in 1981 and to Magazine in 2000. What a gift it is to the people of Arkansas, hungry to learn more about their state, and then run into someone like Don.
Standing in the welcome flood of this mornings sunshine and rising temp, I was also in the middle of being thankful. Then Townsends dropped back into the cedar thicket and out-of-sight. No problem here. I got to see The Bird, with its trademark eye ring, and I thought about that all the way back to Fayetteville.
Date: 4/1/26 6:05 pm From: Kevin Krajcir <kjkrajcir...> Subject: ASCA April 2026 Presentation - Dr. Tosha Kelly - Sparrow Migration and Malaria
Good evening!
Join the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas on Thursday April 9th at 7 PM to hear from Dr. Tosha Kelly about how avian malaria affects the migration of song and white-throated sparrows. Dr. Kelly is currently an Associate Researcher at Kent State University.
Tracking birds is a notorious challenge due to their ability to fly and their small size can preclude the use of large tracking technologies, such as radio-collars. In this presentation, Dr. Tosh shares her research that quantifies the migration of song sparrows (*Melospiza melodia*) and white-throated sparrows (*Zonotrichia albicollis*) using stable isotopes, radiotelemetry, light sensors, and video cameras, through the lenses of philopatry (tendency to return to a particular area) and disease ecology (avian malaria; *Plasmodium*). Using both field- and lab-based approaches, her findings demonstrate how malaria parasites can affect migratory timing and physiology. Dr. Tosh will also share the science behind ground-truthing new animal tracking techniques.
Dr. Tosha Kelly studies how host physiology shapes variation in disease outcomes in wild birds. She received her PhD from The University of Western Ontario, Canada, at the Advanced Facility for Avian Research, was postdoc fellow of The Life Sciences Research Foundation at Louisiana State University, and is currently an Associate Researcher at Kent State University. Tosh has studied host-parasite interactions of sparrows in the context of migration ecology, immune and endocrine physiology, and presently through the lens of gut microbiomes.
Date: 4/1/26 6:24 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: BIRDS, BUGS, AND FLOWERS: WATTLE HOLLOW ON EARTH DAY
Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22. You are welcome to join a few of us for a couple of easy hours looking at and listening for birds -- enjoying all manner of pollinating bugs and butterflies -- and celebrating the rich native flora of the Boston Mountains region of the Ozarks.
All at Wattle Hollow Retreat Center near Devils Den State Park. Meet at Wattle Hollow Retreat Center at 10 AM on April 22. If this is your first trip to Wattle, here are directions: http://www.wattlehollow.com/directions/ .
Note: we are NOT meeting on the highway, as in previous Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society field trips. This is not a formal NWAAS trip, but everyone is welcome, including NWAAS friends and members, as in past years.
This will be an easy-does-it couple of hours of looking and listening along the road and trails around the retreat center (roughly 10 AM to noon). You are welcome to walk down to Wattle Creek, but that walk is not specifically part of this event.
Everyone is welcome. There is no charge for the event. Cameras and binoculars welcome. Bring something for a potluck-share lunch overlooking Froggie Bog pond.
If you have questions, contact Joy at <joyfoxwath...><mailto:<joyfoxwath...> or Joe at <joecneal...><mailto:<joecneal...>
Date: 3/31/26 6:40 pm From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: US big year video
This month’s Audubon magazine has a nice article on these brothers working on an Ivory-billed Woodpecker documentary. It promises to be as entertaining as their Listers documentary! They hope to release it on YouTube this spring.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Saturday, September 13, 2025, 5:58 PM, Donna Haynes <00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Finally watched this in it's entirety. I watched some right after my surgery last month but didn't remember much of it! Very different take. I loved it. Birding is for Everyone! Thanks for the suggestion Cindy. Donna
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Fri, Aug 22, 2025 at 12:12 PM, Todd Ballinger<todd.ballinger...> wrote: Very entertaining. Not the stereotypical birders, for sure! Thanks for sharing it.
On Thu, Aug 21, 2025 at 6:16 PM Allan Mueller <akcmueller...> wrote:
Very Good. Thanks for this post.
Allan Mueller
On Thu, Aug 21, 2025 at 2:40 PM Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Thanks Cindy. Get ready for 2 hours of funny and interesting!
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of CK Franklin <meshoppen...>
Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2025 7:16 AM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: US big year video Guys,
We do not normally recommend YouTube content. We do make exceptions from time to time. This video is well worth your time. Bill B & I watched it last night. We were amused, entertained, and recommend this documentary to anyone who birds. Verbal reactions to situations were not deleted. We've all been there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl-wAqplQAo Cindy FPulaski County
I had an enjoyable outing this afternoon at Citadel Bluff Park which is a few miles north of Cecil, Ar on the south side of the river. I saw my first of the year Hooded Warbler today and looking back I noted that I saw my first one in 2025 on March 30 and for 2024 it was March 31, both were at Citadel Bluff Park. I am not there every day by any means, but it is neat to see that they are right on schedule. I made a short video of some of the birds seen on this outing.
Date: 3/29/26 3:11 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Fw: Spread the word & sign on by COB Monday, March 30, to stop secrecy of pesticide hazards!
i hesitated to post this, as it is not directly related to birds. I decided that I would because birds are harmed by this chemical, and are currently facing tremendous threats to their well-being.
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Beyond Pesticides <alerts...>To: Carol Joan Patterson <joanie.patterson...>Sent: Friday, March 27, 2026 at 04:35:46 PM CDTSubject: Spread the word & sign on by COB Monday, March 30, to stop secrecy of pesticide hazards!
📣 Please spread the word and stop the secrecy! Thank you to those who have already signed on behalf of an organization.
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Sign on, and please HELP SPREAD THE WORD (forward this email to your network) in joining with grassroots, health, farm, farmworker, environmental, and consumer groups and socially responsible corporations to— KEEP CHEMICAL COMPANIES RESPONSIBLE FOR WARNING ABOUT THE HAZARDS OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
Organizations and Corporations: Take a stand for heath justice before the U.S. Supreme Court hears the case against Bayer/Monsanto on whether to overturn victories of cancer victims poisoned by Monsanto/Bayer’s weed killer glyphosate (RoundupTM). Thank you to everyone who has already signed on behalf of an organization!
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Spread The Word and Sign On by COB, Monday, March 30,
To Stop Secrecy of Pesticide Hazards!
Dear Carol Joan,
We invite you to sign on to the attached statement on the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case in which Monsanto/Bayer is seeking to overturn over $10 billion in jury verdicts and settlements and stop future litigation on their failure to warn about the potential cancer effects of glyphosate/RoundupTM. If Monsanto/Bayer wins, chemical companies will be able to legally withhold information on their pesticide product hazards.
>> Click here to take a stand for justice and sign on!
With weak federal pesticide law, and ongoing deregulation and dismantling of regulatory agencies, accountability in the courts is the last backstop for warning people about pesticide product hazards—creating an important degree of accountability and safety.
For background on the case, please see Monsanto Brief Introduced as U.S. Supreme Court Considers Liability Immunity for Pesticide Manufacturers.
We are circulating this statement to express a united front against the disregard that chemical companies supporting this case have for human life and a sustainable environment. While there are several amicus briefs being filed by various groups, space to join those briefs is extremely limited due to the permitted word count. As an alternative and to amplify our voice, we will distribute this sign-on document to the media.
Additionally, if you would like to submit a one or two-sentence statement, please send it to <info...>, and we will post it along with this document.
Please circulate this invitation to organizations, companies, and institutions you think may be interested.
Thank you for your continuous support and commitment to creating a world free of toxic pesticides and protective of health and the environment.
—The Beyond Pesticides Team
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Tribute to Farmworkers; Statement on Survivors of Sexual Abuse from Beyond Pesticides' board and staff Like many who have worked in support of the United Farm Workers (UFW) for decades to advance humane and sustainable working conditions—including safety from toxic pesticides, a living wage, and access to health care—for farmworkers who cultivate and harvest the nation’s food, we are deeply troubled by the report of abuse by co-founder and president of the union, Cesar Chavez. The staff and board of Beyond Pesticides support and extend a deep sense of empathy to the survivors, and echo the words of Dolores Huerta, a co-founder and tireless leader of the UFW, in honoring the courage of these women. Please click here or the title above to read the full statement.
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Date: 3/26/26 10:50 am From: Alyson Hoge <000002096ce84bce-dmarc-request...> Subject: First and second RTHU
All —
This warm spring surely would mean an earlier-than-normal arrival of a ruby-throat, I thought. The feeder went up March 6.
Last year’s first was March 18 on game cam and visual sighting was March 21.
Today’s sighting of one and then two hummers was both by game cam and visual sighting.
They are making a ruckus in the nearby woods.
Typically, I see only one bird at the feeder for days before spotting a second. The feeder is within 20 feet of the living room window, so it gets looked at a lot.
Seeing two suggests the possibility that the first bird has been here for several days without being spotted.
Alyson Hoge
In the woods of south Pulaski County
############################
Date: 3/25/26 6:54 pm From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - March 25
It started off mostly clear and mild, with a light wind, then turned overcast but by afternoon it was mostly clear, warm, and a bit windier. 62 species were found. Ducks are mostly gone but plenty of new arrivals coming in. Here's my list for today:
Today. First Black and white warbler 5 days ago. Still have a lot of white-throated sparrows.
Joplin, Arkansas
Montgomery County
Ouachita Forest
Sent from my iPhone
############################
Date: 3/24/26 12:15 pm From: Joe Tucker <000001df0ca37a3b-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Bald Knob Update
Glenn and I were there at sunrise this morning and photographed one of the two American Bitterns at Ditch 13 and Huntsman. There were 3 other birders in one vehicle there from Hot Springs Village. Cells 4 and 5 are now completely drained and drying up. There are HUNDREDS of Wilson Snipe all over the Refuge. Pecs, Yellowlegs, Killdeer, Least Sandpipers and lots and lots of ducks (Teals and Shovelers mostly). There are two, nearly ready to fledge, Eagles in the nest at Birch Pond.
Joe
On Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 09:09:00 AM CDT, Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
We heard from the manager, Paul Provence, that they are draining Cells 4 and 5 in preparation for farmers to plant rice. But the good news is they will leave Cells 1-3 this year -- for the birds. There are also some good fields to explore on Huntsman Rd, including the eastern portion that heads towards Ditch 13.
For those not closely familiar with the refuge, here's information on how to bird there and a map of the entire refuge plus one of Cells 1-5 (attached separately). https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L218758 On another note, people are asking about whether the Black-necked Stilts have shown up yet. People have reported them recently but none of us regulars have seen them. However, it's time and they should show up soon en masse. Hopefully they will breed here again and we can enjoy watching their chicks grow up.
Patty McLean Conway AR
Date: 3/24/26 7:09 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bald Knob Update
We heard from the manager, Paul Provence, that they are draining Cells 4 and 5 in preparation for farmers to plant rice. But the good news is they will leave Cells 1-3 this year -- for the birds. There are also some good fields to explore on Huntsman Rd, including the eastern portion that heads towards Ditch 13.For those not closely familiar with the refuge, here's information on how to bird there and a map of the entire refuge plus one of Cells 1-5 (attached separately). https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L218758On another note, people are asking about whether the Black-necked Stilts have shown up yet. People have reported them recently but none of us regulars have seen them. However, it's time and they should show up soon en masse. Hopefully they will breed here again and we can enjoy watching their chicks grow up. Patty McLean Conway AR
Date: 3/22/26 1:51 pm From: Leif Anderson <leifforesteranderson...> Subject: Re: Black-throated Green Warbler arrival on the Ozark NF
Today I had 6 bt greens in an approx 160 ac area. I’m holding this
particular spot for the AR State & AR Tech researchers, but if you want to
see some, look on the north slopes, on rich hardwood sites with oaks. ,
Leif
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 BONAPARTES 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 days 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.
Date: 3/19/26 7:11 pm From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - March 19
It was mostly clear & warm, and a little windy, on the survey today. 62 species were found. Migration is really starting to pick up. A number of new arrivals around today. Duck numbers are decreasing sharply. Had another flock of Sandhill Cranes migrating over today. A Horned Grebe on Lotus Lake was noteworthy as we rarely see these here. The first returning Common Gallinule of the year was seen today on Lotus Lake. Here is my list for today:
Date: 3/19/26 3:44 pm From: Sarah Morris <saraha.morris1...> Subject: REMINDER: ASCA Field Trip is Saturday
Hi everyone,
This is a reminder that Saturday is the Audubon Society of Central
Arkansas's field trip to Lake Maumelle.
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 questions, please contact me off-list.
*2026 ASCA FIELD TRIPS*
*March 21: **Lake Maumelle - West Little Rock*
*Meet: *7:30 a.m. at WestRock Landing
The group will search for loons, mergansers, ducks, and grebes. Stops will
include Bufflehead Bay, Loon Point, and Vista Park to scan open water. The
wooded trails will also be explored for winter forest birds.
There will be light walking on level trails in the Moist Soil Units. The
trip should finish by noon.
*What to bring:*
· Warm jacket and gloves (wind off the lake can be cold)
· Comfortable walking shoes
· Water
· Binocular or scope (if available)
*Meeting location:*
WestRock Landing (formerly Jolly Rogers Marina)
11800 Maumelle Harbour Road, Roland
GPS: 34.8648042, -92.5660394
Located 10 miles west of Little Rock on Hwy. 10
*April 18: Frog Bayou Wildlife Management Area*
*Meet:* 6:30 a.m. at the Mayflower commuter lot (Exit 135 off I-40 West).
Frog Bayou is a restored wetland. Migratory waterfowl are common here. The
group will look for marsh birds such as Sora, Virginia Rail, and Least
Bittern. Wading birds may also be seen.
Walking will be on level dirt paths. If time allows, the group may also
visit nearby birding spots. Return to Little Rock is expected by late
afternoon.
*What to bring:*
· Binocular or scope (if available)
· Water, snacks, and lunch
*Meeting location:*
For central Arkansas participants:
Mayflower commuter lot at Exit 135 off I-40 West
GPS: 34.970470483700275, -92.41647271395294
For western Arkansas participants:
Meet at 8:45 a.m. at the Phillips 66 Truck Stop at Dyer Exit 20 (southside
of I-40).
GPS: 35.51288282023821, -94.11406603724042
Breakfast and lunch items are available at the truck stop.
*May 2: Banding Demo at Gillam Park*
*Meet: *7 a.m. at Gillam Park (far parking lot)
Spring migration will be underway, offering a chance to see many species,
including warblers.
Kevin Krajcir, conservation biologist with the Arkansas Natural Heritage
Commission, will also demonstrate bird banding. He will explain how banding
works and why it is important. Bird banding will be weather-dependent.
There will be moderate walking on mostly level trails, which may be muddy.
After Gillam Park, the group will visit the Little Rock Audubon Center,
Industrial Harbor Road, and Terry Lock and Dam. The trip may last into
early afternoon.
*What to bring:*
· Water and snacks
· Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
· Binocular
*Meeting location:*
Gillam Park
5300 Gillam Park Road, Little Rock
GPS: 34.700823, -92.258148
Directions: Take I-30 West heading south from Little Rock. Exit onto I-440
going towards the airport. Take Exit 1-Springer Road. At the bottom of the
exit ramp, turn left onto Springer Road. Go one mile to just past the
Little Rock Audubon Center and turn right onto Gillam Park Road. Follow it
into the park to the last parking lot.
Date: 3/19/26 8:42 am From: Roselie Overby <0000005a14a66d60-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: ARBIRD-L Digest - 15 Mar 2026 to 18 Mar 2026 (#2026-71)
Sorry I will miss this one. Opted to go to LOS meeting in Cameron area on the same weekend. Maybe fall meetings won't have conflicting dates.Roselie Overby Oak Grove, LA
On Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 11:00:58 PM CDT, ARBIRD-L automatic digest system <listserv...> wrote:
There is 1 message totaling 114 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Upcoming AAS Spring Convention in Ft. Smith April 24-26, 2026
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:47:32 -0500
From: Cheryl Johnson <cjbluebird...>
Subject: Upcoming AAS Spring Convention in Ft. Smith April 24-26, 2026
Consider this your invitation to join other birders in the state for our
Arkansas Audubon Society Spring Convention. There are two conventions held
every year, timed to coincide with spring and fall migration. It's always a
great time of field trips planned to highlight the location, interesting
speakers on both nights, and getting to know our fellow birders.
Date: 3/19/26 6:11 am From: Jerry Davis <jwdavis...> Subject: Re: Oriole Migration - Be Prepared
That is a good point and reminder. The last freeze caught peaches, plums, pears, and even blackberries in bloom or partial bloom and in past years it had mixed damage and the food supply you mentioned was they were impacted. Orioles will have to go where the food is. Trees like my Yellow Popular and Red mulberry bloom later about the time of the Oriole migration. This is something our birders need to watch for.
Jerry
On 2026-03-19 7:42 am, CK Franklin wrote: > Jerry, > > I am reminded of the severe freeze we experienced years ago that > damaged the fruit and nectar sources so many migrating birds depend > on. That freeze drove desperate birds into yards and gardens to find > food. Given the recent hard freeze, I am wondering if we will see a > repeat of that scenario this year. > > Cindy F > Little Rock > > ------------------------- > > From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List > <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of <jwdavis...> > <jwdavis...> > Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 1:38:14 PM > To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...> > Subject: Oriole Migration - Be Prepared > > Baltimore and Orchard Orioles will be arriving in mid-April and the > first of May. In my case, they stop in my yard as they are migrating > through. You may have them as migrants, and some may have nesting > residents. You will know they have arrived when you see one at the > hummingbird feeder trying to get a drink of sugar water or hear them > singing. During their time in the tropics and migration northward they > look for feeders. They encounter birders with not only hummingbird > feeders, but feeders with oranges and jelly. I have as many as 8 of > both species at one time. They stopped here for several days during > the migration period. They spend time feeding on my Yellow Popular > (Liriodendron tulipifera) blossoms and have feeding on sugar water, > orange, jelly, and Peanut Delight No Melt Suet. This is an early > reminder that If you would like these birds to stop and spend time > during migration you have time to be prepared and order an orange and > jelly feeder if needed and plant some Yellow Popular for the future. > Get ready for an enjoyable show of color. > > ------------------------- > > To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link: > http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 > [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 > > Links: > ------ > [1] http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
Date: 3/19/26 5:42 am From: CK Franklin <meshoppen...> Subject: Re: Oriole Migration - Be Prepared
Jerry,
I am reminded of the severe freeze we experienced years ago that damaged the fruit and nectar sources so many migrating birds depend on. That freeze drove desperate birds into yards and gardens to find food. Given the recent hard freeze, I am wondering if we will see a repeat of that scenario this year.
Cindy F
Little Rock
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 1:38:14 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Oriole Migration - Be Prepared
Baltimore and Orchard Orioles will be arriving in mid-April and the first of May. In my case, they stop in my yard as they are migrating through. You may have them as migrants, and some may have nesting residents. You will know they have arrived when you see one at the hummingbird feeder trying to get a drink of sugar water or hear them singing. During their time in the tropics and migration northward they look for feeders. They encounter birders with not only hummingbird feeders, but feeders with oranges and jelly. I have as many as 8 of both species at one time. They stopped here for several days during the migration period. They spend time feeding on my Yellow Popular (Liriodendron tulipifera) blossoms and have feeding on sugar water, orange, jelly, and Peanut Delight No Melt Suet. This is an early reminder that If you would like these birds to stop and spend time during migration you have time to be prepared and order an orange and jelly feeder if needed and plant some Yellow Popular for the future. Get ready for an enjoyable show of color.
Date: 3/19/26 5:11 am From: CK Franklin <meshoppen...> Subject: Ospreys Pulaski County
All,
After pulling vines and dewberries out in the back yard, the hubs and I needed some bird therapy. But first, we drove to Keo for pie therapy at Charlotte's Eats and Sweets before getting down to business. Lots of Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles in Keo. We circled around the back of the Keo Fish farm then decided to check the oxbow lake along Old Hwy 30 Rd off the England Hwy ( US 165). This lake is known as Eanes Minnow Farm Lake #2. Lots of cypress trees in the lake. We occasionally see the Willow Beach eagles sitting in those trees. There is what looks to be a failed eagle's nest in one tree.
Today there were two Ospreys sitting in that nest! They looked comfortable. Thee best view of the nest is at the 2nd opening in the tree line. There is a large irrigation pipe in that opening and a large purple No Trespassing sign.
Date: 3/18/26 11:47 am From: Cheryl Johnson <000008c5ea29ea88-dmarc-request...> Subject: Upcoming AAS Spring Convention in Ft. Smith April 24-26, 2026
Consider this your invitation to join other birders in the state for our Arkansas Audubon Society Spring Convention. There are two conventions held every year, timed to coincide with spring and fall migration. It's always a great time of field trips planned to highlight the location, interesting speakers on both nights, and getting to know our fellow birders.
Date: 3/15/26 5:46 pm From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Lesser Blacked-backed and American Herring Gulls at Bald Knob NWR
Not second record but a county lifer for Daniel.Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/15/26 7:35 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Lesser Blacked-backed and American Herring Gulls at Bald Knob NWR Got a note from Daniel Denman that five gulls flew into the cells after today's storm passed through. So Michael and I hopped in the car to go see them. Meanwhile three of them flew off, but we got there in time to see two of them: an immature LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and an immature AMERICAN HERRING GULL. They were still there when we left just before dark. They seemed to prefer Cells 4 and 5. The Lesser Black-backed will be a second county record, as well as a county "lifer" for Daniel. Woohoo!!Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/15/26 5:36 pm From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Lesser Blacked-backed and American Herring Gulls at Bald Knob NWR
Not second record but a county lifer for Daniel.Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Patty McLean <plm108...> Date: 3/15/26 7:35 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Lesser Blacked-backed and American Herring Gulls at Bald Knob NWR Got a note from Daniel Denman that five gulls flew into the cells after today's storm passed through. So Michael and I hopped in the car to go see them. Meanwhile three of them flew off, but we got there in time to see two of them: an immature LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and an immature AMERICAN HERRING GULL. They were still there when we left just before dark. They seemed to prefer Cells 4 and 5. The Lesser Black-backed will be a second county record, as well as a county "lifer" for Daniel. Woohoo!!Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/15/26 5:35 pm From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Lesser Blacked-backed and American Herring Gulls at Bald Knob NWR
Got a note from Daniel Denman that five gulls flew into the cells after today's storm passed through. So Michael and I hopped in the car to go see them. Meanwhile three of them flew off, but we got there in time to see two of them: an immature LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and an immature AMERICAN HERRING GULL. They were still there when we left just before dark. They seemed to prefer Cells 4 and 5. The Lesser Black-backed will be a second county record, as well as a county "lifer" for Daniel. Woohoo!!Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
Date: 3/15/26 11:45 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Crip's relative is back (Fayetteville)
Hers is a very touching and inspiring life story. Thank you so much for sharing it. Patty
-------- Original message --------From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Date: 3/15/26 11:43 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Re: Crip's relative is back (Fayetteville)
Here is the encyclopedia article Sandy referred to in her 2024 posting. Ruth Harris Thomas (1900–1973) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas Ruth Harris Thomas (1900–1973) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas Ruth Harris Thomas was a highly regarded amateur ornithologist whose column on birding in Arkansas was published by the Arkansas Gazette for about forty ... Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPadOn Sunday, March 15, 2026, 11:39 AM, Ragupathy Kannan <greathornbill...> wrote:
I was curious about the author and searched our group email. Found this. —————-When I was much YOUNGER in the sixties I wrote Ruth Thomas about birding. I had three or four letters she wrote back to me and she encouraged me to join Arkansas Audubon Society. I'm very glad I did. I'm not able to go now for health reasons but I still have memories of AAS and members in my heart. I gave these letters to Helen Parker to give to someone at U of A to put in the AAS archives. I hope she was abe to get the letters there. Terry ButlerSent from my Galaxy Tab® S2-------- Original message --------From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Date: 12/12/24 3:40 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...>: Re: Ruth Thomas “Crip, Come Home” What a great find! Thanks to all who shared material about this fine person.On Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 09:56:39 AM CST, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:Found this gem in a pile of discarded library books. You can read about Ruth on encyclopediaofarkansas.net She was very influential in the Arkansas’ birding world in the 50’s and 60’s and I believe was one of the founders of the Arkansas Audubon Society. Joe Neal and Doug James are quoted in the article.Sandy BergerFort SmithSent from Yahoo Mail for iPadOn Sunday, March 15, 2026, 11:33 AM, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:I have a copy. I got it either from the FS public library, or the Northside High School library, as a discard. I absolutely love it. Sandy B. On Sun, Mar 15, 2026 at 10:57 AM Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> wrote:
$39 in AmazonCrip, Come Home: The Story of a Bird Who Came to Stay https://a.co/d/09MMwcNfSent from Yahoo Mail for iPadOn Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11:08 AM, Lynn Risser <lynnkrisser...> wrote:You can easily get Crip, Come Home with Abe's Books or Thriftbooks. As one commentor said, it is an "endearing " read. It is not sentimental, but it is, I agree, lovely. It should be reprinted.On Sat, Mar 14, 2026, 10:52 AM Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
A Brown Thrasher is singing out in my yard this morning in Fayetteville. And right on time. They nest in my yard and often show up in second week of March.
This annual event reminds me very much of Arkansas’s most famous Brown Thrasher – Crip, the thrasher that nested for many years at Morrilton in Ruth Thomas’s yard. She wrote a lovely book about Crip and the ecology of what she named Crip’s Hill.
“Crip, Come Home” was published in 1950. Sections of this book first appeared in her columns in the old Arkansas Gazette. Her writings played an important role in founding of Arkansas Audubon Society.
The book is out of print. But thrashers still return to our yards, as did Crip. The book is still a great read.
Date: 3/15/26 9:57 am From: Thomas Foti <tfoti62...> Subject: Re: Crip's relative is back (Fayetteville)
I have a copy currently in my stack to donate to CALS. You may be able to find it in their next used book sale. My mentor, Jane E. Stern, introduced me to Ruth Thomas, whom I had been reading for years, at my first AAS meeting in the mid-60s. I later visited her home and may have met Crip...memory fades. But I searched the Ark. Gazette archives and read all her columns there. She was a major influence in my life and career. Tom
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2026 11:43 AM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: Crip's relative is back (Fayetteville)
Ruth Harris Thomas was a highly regarded amateur ornithologist whose column on birding in Arkansas was published by the Arkansas Gazette for about forty ...
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, 11:39 AM, Ragupathy Kannan <greathornbill...> wrote:
I was curious about the author and searched our group email. Found this.
—————-
When I was much YOUNGER in the sixties I wrote Ruth Thomas about birding. I had three or four letters she wrote back to me and she encouraged me to join Arkansas Audubon Society. I'm very glad I did. I'm not able to go now for health reasons but I still have memories of AAS and members in my heart. I gave these letters to Helen Parker to give to someone at U of A to put in the AAS archives. I hope she was abe to get the letters there.
Terry Butler
Sent from my Galaxy Tab® S2
-------- Original message --------
From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...>
Date: 12/12/24 3:40 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: Ruth Thomas “Crip, Come Home”
What a great find! Thanks to all who shared material about this fine person.
On Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 09:56:39 AM CST, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
Found this gem in a pile of discarded library books. You can read about Ruth on encyclopediaofarkansas.net<http://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/> She was very influential in the Arkansas’ birding world in the 50’s and 60’s and I believe was one of the founders of the Arkansas Audubon Society. Joe Neal and Doug James are quoted in the article.
Sandy Berger
Fort Smith
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11:08 AM, Lynn Risser <lynnkrisser...><mailto:<lynnkrisser...>> wrote:
You can easily get Crip, Come Home with Abe's Books or Thriftbooks. As one commentor said, it is an "endearing " read. It is not sentimental, but it is, I agree, lovely. It should be reprinted.
On Sat, Mar 14, 2026, 10:52 AM Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...><mailto:<0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
A Brown Thrasher is singing out in my yard this morning in Fayetteville. And right on time. They nest in my yard and often show up in second week of March.
This annual event reminds me very much of Arkansas’s most famous Brown Thrasher – Crip, the thrasher that nested for many years at Morrilton in Ruth Thomas’s yard. She wrote a lovely book about Crip and the ecology of what she named Crip’s Hill.
“Crip, Come Home” was published in 1950. Sections of this book first appeared in her columns in the old Arkansas Gazette. Her writings played an important role in founding of Arkansas Audubon Society.
The book is out of print. But thrashers still return to our yards, as did Crip. The book is still a great read.
Date: 3/15/26 9:43 am From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Crip's relative is back (Fayetteville)
Here is the encyclopedia article Sandy referred to in her 2024 posting. Ruth Harris Thomas (1900–1973) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
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Ruth Harris Thomas (1900–1973) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas
Ruth Harris Thomas was a highly regarded amateur ornithologist whose column on birding in Arkansas was published by the Arkansas Gazette for about forty ...
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Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, 11:39 AM, Ragupathy Kannan <greathornbill...> wrote:
I was curious about the author and searched our group email. Found this. —————-
When I was much YOUNGER in the sixties I wrote Ruth Thomas about birding. I had three or four letters she wrote back to me and she encouraged me to join Arkansas Audubon Society. I'm very glad I did. I'm not able to go now for health reasons but I still have memories of AAS and members in my heart. I gave these letters to Helen Parker to give to someone at U of A to put in the AAS archives. I hope she was abe to get the letters there.
Terry Butler
Sent from my Galaxy Tab® S2
-------- Original message --------From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Date: 12/12/24 3:40 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...>: Re: Ruth Thomas “Crip, Come Home”
What a great find! Thanks to all who shared material about this fine person.
On Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 09:56:39 AM CST, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
Found this gem in a pile of discarded library books. You can read about Ruth on encyclopediaofarkansas.net She was very influential in the Arkansas’ birding world in the 50’s and 60’s and I believe was one of the founders of the Arkansas Audubon Society. Joe Neal and Doug James are quoted in the article.Sandy BergerFort Smith
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, 11:33 AM, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
I have a copy. I got it either from the FS public library, or the Northside High School library, as a discard. I absolutely love it.
Sandy B.
On Sun, Mar 15, 2026 at 10:57 AM Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> wrote:
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11:08 AM, Lynn Risser <lynnkrisser...> wrote:
You can easily get Crip, Come Home with Abe's Books or Thriftbooks. As one commentor said, it is an "endearing " read. It is not sentimental, but it is, I agree, lovely. It should be reprinted.
On Sat, Mar 14, 2026, 10:52 AM Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
A Brown Thrasher is singing out in my yard this morning in Fayetteville. And right on time. They nest in my yard and often show up in second week of March.This annual event reminds me very much of Arkansas’s most famous Brown Thrasher – Crip, the thrasher that nested for many years at Morrilton in Ruth Thomas’s yard. She wrote a lovely book about Crip and the ecology of what she named Crip’s Hill.“Crip, Come Home” was published in 1950. Sections of this book first appeared in her columns in the old Arkansas Gazette. Her writings played an important role in founding of Arkansas Audubon Society.The book is out of print. But thrashers still return to our yards, as did Crip. The book is still a great read.
Date: 3/15/26 9:39 am From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Crip's relative is back (Fayetteville)
I was curious about the author and searched our group email. Found this. —————-
When I was much YOUNGER in the sixties I wrote Ruth Thomas about birding. I had three or four letters she wrote back to me and she encouraged me to join Arkansas Audubon Society. I'm very glad I did. I'm not able to go now for health reasons but I still have memories of AAS and members in my heart. I gave these letters to Helen Parker to give to someone at U of A to put in the AAS archives. I hope she was abe to get the letters there.
Terry Butler
Sent from my Galaxy Tab® S2
-------- Original message --------From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Date: 12/12/24 3:40 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...>: Re: Ruth Thomas “Crip, Come Home”
What a great find! Thanks to all who shared material about this fine person.
On Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 09:56:39 AM CST, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
Found this gem in a pile of discarded library books. You can read about Ruth on encyclopediaofarkansas.net She was very influential in the Arkansas’ birding world in the 50’s and 60’s and I believe was one of the founders of the Arkansas Audubon Society. Joe Neal and Doug James are quoted in the article.Sandy BergerFort Smith
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, 11:33 AM, Sandy Berger <sndbrgr...> wrote:
I have a copy. I got it either from the FS public library, or the Northside High School library, as a discard. I absolutely love it.
Sandy B.
On Sun, Mar 15, 2026 at 10:57 AM Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> wrote:
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11:08 AM, Lynn Risser <lynnkrisser...> wrote:
You can easily get Crip, Come Home with Abe's Books or Thriftbooks. As one commentor said, it is an "endearing " read. It is not sentimental, but it is, I agree, lovely. It should be reprinted.
On Sat, Mar 14, 2026, 10:52 AM Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
A Brown Thrasher is singing out in my yard this morning in Fayetteville. And right on time. They nest in my yard and often show up in second week of March.This annual event reminds me very much of Arkansas’s most famous Brown Thrasher – Crip, the thrasher that nested for many years at Morrilton in Ruth Thomas’s yard. She wrote a lovely book about Crip and the ecology of what she named Crip’s Hill.“Crip, Come Home” was published in 1950. Sections of this book first appeared in her columns in the old Arkansas Gazette. Her writings played an important role in founding of Arkansas Audubon Society.The book is out of print. But thrashers still return to our yards, as did Crip. The book is still a great read.
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11:08 AM, Lynn Risser <lynnkrisser...> wrote:
You can easily get Crip, Come Home with Abe's Books or Thriftbooks. As one commentor said, it is an "endearing " read. It is not sentimental, but it is, I agree, lovely. It should be reprinted.
On Sat, Mar 14, 2026, 10:52 AM Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
A Brown Thrasher is singing out in my yard this morning in Fayetteville. And right on time. They nest in my yard and often show up in second week of March.This annual event reminds me very much of Arkansas’s most famous Brown Thrasher – Crip, the thrasher that nested for many years at Morrilton in Ruth Thomas’s yard. She wrote a lovely book about Crip and the ecology of what she named Crip’s Hill.“Crip, Come Home” was published in 1950. Sections of this book first appeared in her columns in the old Arkansas Gazette. Her writings played an important role in founding of Arkansas Audubon Society.The book is out of print. But thrashers still return to our yards, as did Crip. The book is still a great read.
Date: 3/14/26 2:49 pm From: Jacob Wessels <jacoblwessels...> Subject: Fwd: Spring 2026 Mississippi Ornithological Society meeting - registration is open
Hi all,
I just wanted to pass this along in case anyone is interested in attending
the Mississippi Ornithological Society meeting.
Good birding,
Jacob Wessels
Starkville, MS
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Jacob Wessels <jacoblwessels...>
Date: Sat, Mar 14, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Subject: Spring 2026 Mississippi Ornithological Society meeting -
registration is open
To: MISSBIRD <missbird...>
This meeting will be May 1-3 on the eastern part of the Gulf Coast of
Mississippi. Further details are on the web site, and we will continue to
add more as we get additional details confirmed. I expect this will be a
fun weekend of birding, fellowship, and learning about some interesting
recent coastal bird research. I also encourage you to check out our
revamped web site. If you have any questions or other feedback, please feel
free to let me know.
Date: 3/14/26 9:08 am From: Lynn Risser <lynnkrisser...> Subject: Re: Crip's relative is back (Fayetteville)
You can easily get *Crip, Come Home *with Abe's Books or Thriftbooks. As
one commentor said, it is an "endearing " read. It is not sentimental, but
it is, I agree, lovely. It should be reprinted.
On Sat, Mar 14, 2026, 10:52 AM Joseph Neal <
<0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> A Brown Thrasher is singing out in my yard this morning in Fayetteville.
> And right on time. They nest in my yard and often show up in second week of
> March.
> This annual event reminds me very much of Arkansas’s most famous Brown
> Thrasher – Crip, the thrasher that nested for many years at Morrilton in
> Ruth Thomas’s yard. She wrote a lovely book about Crip and the ecology of
> what she named Crip’s Hill.
> “Crip, Come Home” was published in 1950. Sections of this book first
> appeared in her columns in the old Arkansas Gazette. Her writings played an
> important role in founding of Arkansas Audubon Society.
> The book is out of print. But thrashers still return to our yards, as did
> Crip. The book is still a great read.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> 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: 3/14/26 8:52 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Crip's relative is back (Fayetteville)
A Brown Thrasher is singing out in my yard this morning in Fayetteville. And right on time. They nest in my yard and often show up in second week of March.
This annual event reminds me very much of Arkansass most famous Brown Thrasher Crip, the thrasher that nested for many years at Morrilton in Ruth Thomass yard. She wrote a lovely book about Crip and the ecology of what she named Crips Hill.
Crip, Come Home was published in 1950. Sections of this book first appeared in her columns in the old Arkansas Gazette. Her writings played an important role in founding of Arkansas Audubon Society.
The book is out of print. But thrashers still return to our yards, as did Crip. The book is still a great read.
The refuge is currently loaded with THOUSANDS of shorebirds and ducks with Bald Eagles keeping a hungry eye on them. And every day brings something new to see. The refuge is close to perfection right now, thanks in large part to the efforts of the Manager, Paul Provence. Shorebirds are mostly Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitchers, Wilson's Snipe, Pectoral Sandpipers and Killdeer.Ducks are mostly Green-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers, Gadwall and Blue-winged Teal. There was a single Northern Pintail in the first Cell across from the silos. Even though these are all fairly common, it is a real treat to watch and HEAR them up close, especially those practicing their courtship displays, such as the Snipe. The best area to see them is the large set of flooded fields across from the silos.A scope is helpful due to the distance of the birds.Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
