Date: 10/12/26 11:52 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bald Knob NWR Field Trip -- Nov 7, 2026
Dear Birders,
Join Friends of Bald Knob NWR for a fun and possibly chilly morning exploring the refuge and looking for rails, bittern, sparrows and waterfowl.Â
The refuge is a significant gathering place for tens of thousands of wintering geese and ducks. Rails and bittern are often found along the canals, with sparrows tucked along the weedy fields. We will look for all of them.
Daniel Denman will lead this trip, along with his sister Dawn Stirrup as co-lead. An eBird checklist will be provided for those who would like one.Â
DETAILS:Nov 7, 2026, 8a-12nMeet at the Admin Bldg,1439 Coal Chute Rd,Bald Knob NWR,
Bald Knob AR
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RiNMDpUcG2eVi2cH7?g_st=ac We will caravan from the Admin Building. Bring binoculars, scope (if you have one), water, bug repellent, sun screen, sun hat and other protective gear. As always, wear sturdy shoes for walking on gravel and potentially in grass. Scope views will be provided by the trip leaders, and others are encouraged to bring and share theirs.
This trip is free and open to the public. All skill levels are welcomed.Â
This will be our last organized 2026 field trip inside the refuge, which seasonally closes Nov 15 through Feb 28.
OUR NEXT TRIP: Keep an eye out for information on our upcoming Dec 5 field trip planned for seeing the Trumpeter and Tundra Swans at Magness Lake and other nearby ponds. Details to follow.
Hope you can join us!Friends of Bald Knob NWRÂ
Patty McLean
Date: 10/9/26 9:55 am From: Barry Bennett <000001ab5bb2c0b4-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: In honor of Bob Caulk who passed today
Bob was a great person. We will miss him. Sara you & Bob are in our thoughts.
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Fri, Oct 9, 2026 at 9:45 AM, Ragupathy Kannan<0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Bob was a supporter of the AAS trust, having participated in several nature tours. Great naturalist and an intellectual. He will be dearly missed.  Our condolences to Sara Caulk.Â
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Thursday, October 8, 2026, 12:32 PM, Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
#yiv9364255741 P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;}The Bustle in a HouseThe Morning after DeathIs solemnest of industriesEnacted upon Earth âThe Sweeping up the HeartAnd putting Love awayWe shall not want to use againUntil Eternity â
(Emily Dickinson)
This is Bob, working on restoration of Callie's Prairie at Lake Fayetteville October 13 2011.Â
Date: 10/9/26 7:45 am From: Ragupathy Kannan <0000013b0ad14faf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: In honor of Bob Caulk who passed today
Bob was a supporter of the AAS trust, having participated in several nature tours. Great naturalist and an intellectual. He will be dearly missed.  Our condolences to Sara Caulk.Â
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Thursday, October 8, 2026, 12:32 PM, Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
#yiv3802547783 P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;}The Bustle in a HouseThe Morning after DeathIs solemnest of industriesEnacted upon Earth âThe Sweeping up the HeartAnd putting Love awayWe shall not want to use againUntil Eternity â
(Emily Dickinson)
This is Bob, working on restoration of Callie's Prairie at Lake Fayetteville October 13 2011.Â
Date: 10/9/26 6:41 am From: <arbour...> <arbour...> Subject: Red Slough Bird Survey - October 8
Time Started: 0730
Time Finished: 1400
The survey started off clear, cool, and calm but by mid day it was hot (upper 90's) with a light wind. 50 species were found. Most of our summer birds are about all gone and a few winter birds are starting to show up. We need rain bad! Here is my list for yesterday:
Date: 10/8/26 1:09 pm From: Sarah Morris <sarahmorris.ark...> Subject: Re: Burrowing Owl at Camp Nine in Desha County
Has anyone seen the burrowing owl today?
On Wed, Oct 7, 2026 at 4:40â¯PM Carol Joan Patterson <
<0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> I would love to carpool with folks to see this bird. My first free day is
> Friday. If it's still being reported, would anybody want to make the trip
> with me and maybe others?
>
> On Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 10:53:01 PM CDT, Patricia McLean <
> <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>
> Dick Baxter has graciously granted access to his farm in Desha County for
> those who would like to look for the BURROWING OWL he found this morning.
> They are doing a good amount of land construction in addition to farm
> activities, and he therefore asks folks to follow these protocols.
>
> 1. Yield to any/all construction and farm workers and equipment.
> 2. Park to the side of the road (all on the same side), leaving ample room
> for large trucks to pass, as needed -- but be careful of getting too close
> to the edge of the road. You will not want to deal with your vehicle going
> down the side.
> 3. The short levee road is a dead-end with no turn around. Please use care
> when departing the area.
> 4. The field where the owl was last seen is full of milo, and the dirt in
> the field is rough and uneven. The milo is tall enough that if you walk in
> and fall, people are not likely to see you nor be able to help.
> 5. Please do not clear any paths into the field.
> 6. When you leave, please do not drive to other places around the farm
> without expressed permission. It's a busy time for farming and it's best to
> not drive around.
>
> Also please use stealth when searching for it so as not to spook it so
> that others have the chance to see it.
>
> The best way to get to the location is to drive along Boggy Bayou to this
> mark.
> Google Maps <https://maps.app.goo.gl/5HuoniUPgE59zV3Z8?g_st=ac> > Google Maps
>
> Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
> <https://maps.app.goo.gl/5HuoniUPgE59zV3Z8?g_st=ac> >
> From here, turn left onto the newly constructed levee. Begin checking the
> bare dirt, logs, old tires, posts as you drive forward. You'll drive about
> 1/4+ mile where a levee road runs to the right. It is more narrow and is a
> deadend with no easy turn around. This is where you want to make sure you
> take care when turning around -- but it's also a safer place to park your
> car.
>
> The levees are high enough to give you a nice view above the fields.
>
> This is the field it was last seen in. Google Maps
> <https://maps.app.goo.gl/7kABEycnzekQjJTo8?g_st=aw> > Google Maps
>
> Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
> <https://maps.app.goo.gl/7kABEycnzekQjJTo8?g_st=aw> >
> Attached is a very rough map of the location. Red is the road. Yellow
> circles the area. Purple dots are where we saw it.
>
> As most of you know, these are ground owls. They are often found in fields
> and prairies, standing on bare ground or perching on a stump or post.
> They're also most often seen at dawn and dusk but can be seen at any time
> of the day.
>
> Good luck to everyone! If it rains this weekend, these roads could be
> difficult to navigate.
>
> Patty McLean and Michael Linz
> The Roadrunners
>
> Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
> <https://mail.onelink.me/107872968?pid=nativeplacement&c=US_Acquisition_YMktg_315_SearchOrgConquer_EmailSignature&af_sub1=Acquisition&af_sub2=US_YMktg&af_sub3=&af_sub4=100002039&af_sub5=C01_Email_Static_&af_ios_store_cpp=0c38e4b0-a27e-40f9-a211-f4e2de32ab91&af_android_url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?<id...>&listing=search_organize_conquer> >
> ------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
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Date: 10/8/26 10:32 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: In honor of Bob Caulk who passed today
The Bustle in a House
The Morning after Death
Is solemnest of industries
Enacted upon Earth
The Sweeping up the Heart
And putting Love away
We shall not want to use again
Until Eternity
(Emily Dickinson)
This is Bob, working on restoration of Callie's Prairie at Lake Fayetteville October 13 2011.
Date: 10/7/26 8:57 pm From: Jerry Butler <jerrysharon.butler...> Subject: Remarkable GBHE being regularly seen near Hot Springs
For two weeks I have been seeing, at a distance, a leucistic GBHE on Lake Katherine. But it took a good while and several trips before I got nice pics (with John Word and Tim Kauffman's help) . If anyone is interested in seeing it, I'll be happy to accommodate them next week,. I've finally figured out its pattern of behavior and I'm pretty sure we can relocate it. But I 'll be busy with the Birding Festival this weekend..
Look for a story about the bird and the Festival in today's (April 8) Democrat Gazette.
Date: 10/7/26 2:40 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Burrowing Owl at Camp Nine in Desha County
I would love to carpool with folks to see this bird. My first free day is Friday. If it's still being reported, would anybody want to make the trip with me and maybe others?
On Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 10:53:01 PM CDT, Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Dick Baxter has graciously granted access to his farm in Desha County for those who would like to look for the BURROWING OWL he found this morning. They are doing a good amount of land construction in addition to farm activities, and he therefore asks folks to follow these protocols.
1. Yield to any/all construction and farm workers and equipment.
2. Park to the side of the road (all on the same side), leaving ample room for large trucks to pass, as needed -- but be careful of getting too close to the edge of the road. You will not want to deal with your vehicle going down the side.Â
3. The short levee road is a dead-end with no turn around. Please use care when departing the area.Â
4. The field where the owl was last seen is full of milo, and the dirt in the field is rough and uneven. The milo is tall enough that if you walk in and fall, people are not likely to see you nor be able to help.
5. Please do not clear any paths into the field.
6. When you leave, please do not drive to other places around the farm without expressed permission. It's a busy time for farming and it's best to not drive around.
Also please use stealth when searching for it so as not to spook it so that others have the chance to see it.Â
The best way to get to the location is to drive along Boggy Bayou to this mark.Â
Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
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|
From here, turn left onto the newly constructed levee. Begin checking the bare dirt, logs, old tires, posts as you drive forward. You'll drive about 1/4+ mile where a levee road runs to the right. It is more narrow and is a deadend with no easy turn around. This is where you want to make sure you take care when turning around -- but it's also a safer place to park your car.Â
The levees are high enough to give you a nice view above the fields.
This is the field it was last seen in. Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
Attached is a very rough map of the location. Red is the road. Yellow circles the area. Purple dots are where we saw it.Â
As most of you know, these are ground owls. They are often found in fields and prairies, standing on bare ground or perching on a stump or post. They're also most often seen at dawn and dusk but can be seen at any time of the day.
Good luck to everyone! If it rains this weekend, these roads could be difficult to navigate.
Date: 10/7/26 7:08 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Burrowing Owl at Camp Nine in Desha County
UPDATE
The BURROWING OWL has not been seen yet this morning. But if you're planning on coming before the weekend, the construction crew will likely have one of the access roads made temporarily unaccessible starting today.
This is the gps point to navigate to:
Google Maps
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Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
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|
Once it rains, the soil will be un-drivable and potentially un-walkable even with sturdy boots. The soil is called shark clay, locally known as buckshot clay. With a name like shark clay, it should prepare you for what it's like when wet.
The area where the owl has been seen is the newly renovated reservoir. It's currently bone dry and filled with milo and small willow trees. Dick suspects the owl is still in the fields due to the great food source.Â
Patty and Michael
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Tue, Oct 6, 2026 at 10:52 PM, Patricia McLean<plm108...> wrote: Dick Baxter has graciously granted access to his farm in Desha County for those who would like to look for the BURROWING OWL he found this morning. They are doing a good amount of land construction in addition to farm activities, and he therefore asks folks to follow these protocols.
1. Yield to any/all construction and farm workers and equipment.
2. Park to the side of the road (all on the same side), leaving ample room for large trucks to pass, as needed -- but be careful of getting too close to the edge of the road. You will not want to deal with your vehicle going down the side.Â
3. The short levee road is a dead-end with no turn around. Please use care when departing the area.Â
4. The field where the owl was last seen is full of milo, and the dirt in the field is rough and uneven. The milo is tall enough that if you walk in and fall, people are not likely to see you nor be able to help.
5. Please do not clear any paths into the field.
6. When you leave, please do not drive to other places around the farm without expressed permission. It's a busy time for farming and it's best to not drive around.
Also please use stealth when searching for it so as not to spook it so that others have the chance to see it.Â
The best way to get to the location is to drive along Boggy Bayou to this mark.Â
Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
From here, turn left onto the newly constructed levee. Begin checking the bare dirt, logs, old tires, posts as you drive forward. You'll drive about 1/4+ mile where a levee road runs to the right. It is more narrow and is a deadend with no easy turn around. This is where you want to make sure you take care when turning around -- but it's also a safer place to park your car.Â
The levees are high enough to give you a nice view above the fields.
This is the field it was last seen in. Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
Attached is a very rough map of the location. Red is the road. Yellow circles the area. Purple dots are where we saw it.Â
As most of you know, these are ground owls. They are often found in fields and prairies, standing on bare ground or perching on a stump or post. They're also most often seen at dawn and dusk but can be seen at any time of the day.
Good luck to everyone! If it rains this weekend, these roads could be difficult to navigate.
Date: 10/6/26 8:53 pm From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Burrowing Owl at Camp Nine in Desha County
Dick Baxter has graciously granted access to his farm in Desha County for those who would like to look for the BURROWING OWL he found this morning. They are doing a good amount of land construction in addition to farm activities, and he therefore asks folks to follow these protocols.
1. Yield to any/all construction and farm workers and equipment.
2. Park to the side of the road (all on the same side), leaving ample room for large trucks to pass, as needed -- but be careful of getting too close to the edge of the road. You will not want to deal with your vehicle going down the side.Â
3. The short levee road is a dead-end with no turn around. Please use care when departing the area.Â
4. The field where the owl was last seen is full of milo, and the dirt in the field is rough and uneven. The milo is tall enough that if you walk in and fall, people are not likely to see you nor be able to help.
5. Please do not clear any paths into the field.
6. When you leave, please do not drive to other places around the farm without expressed permission. It's a busy time for farming and it's best to not drive around.
Also please use stealth when searching for it so as not to spook it so that others have the chance to see it.Â
The best way to get to the location is to drive along Boggy Bayou to this mark.Â
Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
From here, turn left onto the newly constructed levee. Begin checking the bare dirt, logs, old tires, posts as you drive forward. You'll drive about 1/4+ mile where a levee road runs to the right. It is more narrow and is a deadend with no easy turn around. This is where you want to make sure you take care when turning around -- but it's also a safer place to park your car.Â
The levees are high enough to give you a nice view above the fields.
This is the field it was last seen in. Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
Attached is a very rough map of the location. Red is the road. Yellow circles the area. Purple dots are where we saw it.Â
As most of you know, these are ground owls. They are often found in fields and prairies, standing on bare ground or perching on a stump or post. They're also most often seen at dawn and dusk but can be seen at any time of the day.
Good luck to everyone! If it rains this weekend, these roads could be difficult to navigate.
Date: 10/6/26 5:01 pm From: Kevin Krajcir <kjkrajcir...> Subject: Volunteers for LRAC-ARBA-ASCA Booth at Birding Festival of the South
Good evening, AR Birders!
Please consider joining us to volunteer at the Birding Festival of the South this Thursday October 8th - Saturday October 10th. We need a handful of volunteers to help run a booth where festival attendees can stop by to learn about the Little Rock Audubon Center, the Arkansas Bird Alliance (formerly, the Arkansas Audubon Society), and the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas. We encourage members of the latter societies to come share information about these groups, but membership is not required to volunteer. We will have handouts for guests that share info about these groups and their programs. If you volunteer with us, we will have two passes available for volunteers who work the table; you must leave your passes at the table for the next shift though. Please see volunteer shifts below, and if you're interested, respond to me off-list to sign up. I will send more information to volunteers later.
Here's what shifts we have available: Date/Time Volunteer 1 Volunteer 2 Thursday Oct 8th Set up at 11 AM - 1 PM Kevin Krajcir Uta Meyer 1 - 3 PM Uta Meyer 3 - 5 PM Faye Hanson 5 - 7 PM Kevin Krajcir Friday Oct 9th 8 - 10 AM Cailin Swingle 10 AM - 12 PM Uta Meyer 12 - 2 PM Uta Meyer 2 - 4 PM Faye Hanson Saturday Oct 10th 8 - 10 AM 10 AM - 12 PM Faye Hanson (11-1) 12 - 2 PM 2 - 4 PM, clean up Thank you for considering!
Date: 10/5/26 4:21 pm From: Kevin Krajcir <kjkrajcir...> Subject: Bird Banding 'Open House' at Gillam Park/LR Audubon Center
Good evening, AR Birders!
Myself, Audubon Center staff, and volunteers would like to extend an invitation for you all to join us Wednesday mornings this month (weather pending) for our bird banding operations at the Little Rock Audubon Center! We are opening our bird banding research operations in Gillam Park to interested members of the public *each Wednesday in October from 8 AM - 10 AM*. Our first public session will be this Wednesday October 7th. These mornings, we will demonstrate the bird banding process to our visitors, tell you about our research, and show you some of the amazing birds passing through or coming to winter in Arkansas. Bird banding is weather dependent, so extreme temperatures and precipitation may cause us to cancel some mornings.
Date: 10/3/26 7:42 pm From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Today's Field Trip to Bald Knob NWR
We had a fun and successful field trip today, hosted by Friends of Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge. Over 20 people attended, and many got several life birds.
We checked three distinct areas inside the refuge and one nearby hotspot: Central Ag Fields, Green Pond, Birch Pond/Overflow Creek and nearby Mingo Creek Rd.
We were treated to multiple sightings of the Wood Storks, of which approx 50 are continuing in the area. They are always a delightful treat to see during their fall visits and today gave us great views in flight, feeding, walking and roosting. While we missed seeing them carrying babies, a few folks saw one carrying a large fish!Â
Another nice surprise was seeing three falcons: American Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon. Both the Peregrin and the Merlin were hunting over the cells across from the silos. While there, we also had a Black-bellied and an American Golden Plover fly over our heads, both calling as if they'd been separated from their flock.
We looked for warblers and sparrows without much success but we managed to hear a Rose-breasted Grosbeak and find a Solitary Sandpiper and a Wilson's Snipe in the south section of the refuge.Â
A few people saw some birds before everyone got there this morning including a single Yellow-headed Blackbird feeding on the spilled grain near the silos. We checked there multiple times but weren't able to relocate it.Â
Date: 10/3/26 10:49 am From: <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...> Subject: Nashville Warblers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in Hot Springs
Nashville Warblers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were observed in my yard and feeding in the large flower bed of Golden Crownbeards. This feeding started at 12:05 PM today.
I still have 3 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. I started off with 6, then four, then two and then one. A pair of migrants (an immature male and female) joined the one female that stayed.
Add another species to the list. 229 species have now been recorded at Sunnymede Park here in Fort Smith. The latest was a Greater Roadrunner. First seen a week ago by local birder Aaron Durham, I was able to find it again this morning.
Date: 10/2/26 5:58 am From: Kelly Ann Chitwood <kellyannchitwood...> Subject: Non ARBIRD related question
If youâve traveled to Ecuador and Galapagos and could spare me some time, I have questions that Iâve not been able to get answers. Discussing this with a more seasoned traveler would be great. Sadly the folks I would typically contact have passed on.
Thank you so much. I am ticking off a few bucket-list trips, and decided to do the most complicated first.
Please email me off list.
Kelly Chitwood
From the tall pines of Union County, the largest county in the state.
Date: 9/30/26 7:55 pm From: Dottie Boyles <ctboyles...> Subject: Fwd: October 2026 ASCA Presentation - RCW Conservation in AR by Jess Novobilsky
Just a reminder, ASCAs monthly meeting is tomorrow night, Thurs, Oct. 1st, at 7 pm. Our normal meeting date was moved up a week so as to not conflict with the start of the Birding Festival of the South. You do not have to be an ASCA member to attend (by Zooming in) this meeting.
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: October 2026 ASCA Presentation - RCW Conservation in AR by Jess Novobilsky Date: 2026-09-18 2:55 pm To: <ARBIRD-L...>
Good afternoon everyone,
Please join the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas on Thursday October 1st at 7 PM to hear Jess Novobilsky speak about the past, present, and future of Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) conservation in Arkansas. ASCA is meeting on October 1st, instead of its usual second Thursday, because we encourage folks to get out to the Birding Festival of the South the weekend of Oct 8-10th and the Arkansas Bird Alliance convention the weekend of Oct 16-18. To join for the presentation, please register here for the Zoom link: Meeting Registration - Zoom [1]
Red-cockaded woodpeckers (Leuconotopicus borealis) [RCWs] are a charismatic bird of mature, fire-sustained pine forests of the southeastern United States. Due to their unique ecology and habitat requirements, as well as logging and forestry practices that impact their habitat, this species was one of the first to be listed with the Endangered Species Act in 1973. However, with decades of intensive management, this species was down-listed to "threatened" in 2024, and remains a testament to what sound scientific research and collaborative stewardship can accomplish! The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (ANHC) is dedicated to restoring the open-pine ecosystems that RCWs call home. ANHC biologists and their partners have led the way working to incorporate more prescribed fire, reduce woody encroachment and invasive species, and install artificial nest cavities to encourage birds to nest as habitat is being restored. As a testimony to this leadership, four of the six locations where RCW populations currently occur in Arkansas are part of the System of Natural Areas. Jess will discuss the ANHC's history in and future plans for the recovery of this species across Arkansas. Jess received her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Delaware Valley University in 2015. After that, she traveled across the United States working various wetlands field jobs before attending the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville to earn her master's in Biology in 2024. She currently works for the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission as the agency's Habitat Coordinator and Red-cockaded Woodpecker Recovery Coordinator.
Date: 9/30/26 6:00 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Bald Knob NWR Field Trip
Hope everyone is feeling a hint of fall in the air. We're looking forward to Saturday's outing at Bald Knob NWR. It might be rainy (which would be grand), but if it's a steady downpour with lightening, we will need to cancel. However, if it's a light intermittent rain, we'll go forward with it. All are invited. See below for details. ........
Dear Arkansas Birders, Join us for a field trip at Bald Knob NWR on Saturday, Oct 3 from 8am to noon to spot lingering migrants and wintering visitors like waterfowl, shorebirds, waders, warblers, and sparrows. All are welcome! WHEN: Sat, Oct 3, 8am-12pm WHERE: BKNWR Admin Bldg, 1439 Coal Chute Rd, Bald Knob DETAILS: https://birdingplaces.eu/en/birdingplaces/united-states/bald-knob-national-wildlife-refuge Remember to bring binoculars, water, snacks, sun protection, and rain gear. Wear sturdy shoes for short gravel walks. Trip will be canceled if heavy rains are expected. For any questions, feel free to email me.
Last Friday (Sep. 25) I surveyed birds at Red Slough. The weather was partly cloudy, mild, and calm. 50 species were found. Birding was slow and only a few migrants were observed. Here is my list for that day:
Date: 9/26/26 11:09 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Crested Caracara Reported in Jackson County
Someone reportedly saw a Crested Caracara yesterday afternoon in the same general area where we saw one last year near Tuckerman in Jackson County. Several of us went this morning to look for it but have not been successful in relocating it.Â
Many of the fields appear to have been recently disked, with 100+ Turkey Vultures cruising overhead or standing in the fields. We devotedly checked every one of them. Red-tails, Red-shouldered and Harriers were also present.Â
If you go, the roads are gravel and very dusty. As far as I can tell, most if not all of the gravel roads are county roads.Â
This seems to be the best place in Benton County for fall warblers. Many were low to the ground offering excellent views and were visible for some time. One of the Black-throated Greens was on the ground. I am not having much luck photographing them.
Again, the road needs to be walked by more people with more skill than I.
I changed the location from Sulphur Springs to Bella Vista as that is more appropriate, and moved its location to be just east of where Highlands Blvd passes under I-49. The previous location marker was off by half of a mile
Date: 9/23/26 11:16 am From: Than Boves <0000066ff0d310d7-dmarc-request...> Subject: This Sat: Fall Bird Banding at the A-State Bird Observatory
Hi all - This Sat we are hosting a special banding day at the A-State Bird Observatory for the Arkansas Bird Alliance and Memphis Chapter of TOS. Come experience fall migration with us! We will be opening nets at about 7:40 AM and will stay out until about 10 am. No promises, but this morning we caught 71 birds, including ~50 Gray Catbirds, so it could be a great morning.
Hope to see some of you there,
Than
---------------------------------------------------------------
Than J. Boves, PhD
Professor of Avian Ecology
Director of Graduate Program in Biology
Department of Biological Sciences
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR
________________________________
From: Than Boves <tboves...>
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 11:39 AM
To: Than Boves <tboves...>
Subject: Fall Bird Banding at the A-State Bird Observatory
Hi all - Once again, the most exciting time of the year is upon us....fall migration! Over the next few months, billions of birds will migrate south from their breeding grounds in Canada and the US in hopes of making it to their wintering grounds in the southern US, Mexico, Central and South America, and islands of the Caribbean. Along the way, many birds will stop right here in Jonesboro to refuel and prepare themselves for the dangerous journey ahead (which includes ridiculous non-stop flights across the Gulf of Mexico). Here at A-State, we experience this vicariously by studying these birds, which includes setting up nets on campus, capturing some of these migrants, collecting data from them (such as age, sex, body condition, symbionts, etc.), marking them with unique leg bands in case others re-capture them, and then releasing them unharmed.
We would like to invite you all to come join us at the A-State Bird Observatory to also (kind of) experience the phenomenon of avian migration! Every Wednesday and Sunday mornings starting next week (Sun, Aug 30), we will be opening nets, catching birds, and learning about them. The exact dates and starting times are below:
î
Date
Day
Time
8/30
Sun
6:30 AM
9/2
Wed
6:35 AM
9/6
Sun
6:35 AM
9/9
Wed
6:40 AM
9/13
Sun
6:40 AM
9/16
Wed
6:45 AM
9/20
Sun
6:45 AM
9/23
Wed
6:50 AM
9/27
Sun
6:50 AM
9/30
Wed
6:55 AM
10/4
Sun
7:00 AM
10/7
Wed
7:00 AM
10/11
Sun
7:05 AM
10/14
Wed
7:05 AM
10/18
Sun
7:10 AM
If you have not yet joined us, here is the location of the A-State Bird Observatory:
We will typically have 8-12 nets open for 2.5-3 hrs each morning. We almost always catch some birds, but some days are better than others (just like life). If there is precipitation, we will not be opening the nets. You can park in the grassy field east of the woods.
Feel free to share this info with others and hope to see some of you out this Fall!
Date: 9/21/26 10:49 am From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> Subject: Highlands Blvd Bella Vista / Sulphur Springs
This road has been absolutely fantastic for fall migrants this year. No one, besides myself has birdied there.
By there I mean the unpaved portion of the road. My routine is to drive basically west on that portion from Bella Vista, make a U-turn just before the I-49 overpass and park. I then walk for 1.5 miles to the west, and return by the same route going past where I had parked for another half mile.
Merlin heard Tennessee Warbler, a few times. It also heard Acadian, Least, and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers.
I spotted one Tennessee, but struck out on the empods.
> Does anyone know a place in Arkansas or elsewhere to get Pentax binoculars serviced?
>
> Sarah
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
There were close to 70 WOOD STORKS this evening at this same location, what we unofficially have named Green Pond. See below for location info. The numbers may already be declining due to departures. The eBird Bar Chart indicates they may stick around through next weekend, so there's still a chance to see them if you haven't already.
Early Teal season is upon us through Sep 27. Hunters may be present at the refuge from dawn to dusk, although the number of ducks currently is close to zero.Â
We desperately need rain. Cells 1-3 are rapidly drying up and the fields are crispy. Nowhere close to the big number of shorebirds and waders that we've enjoyed over the last few months.Â
Patty McLean and Michael LinzÂ
The RoadrunnersÂ
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 2:18 PM, Patricia McLean<plm108...> wrote: The WOOD STORKS (as many as 40 now) are continuing on the small back pond at Bald Knob NWR today. The pond is on River Road and is casually called Green Pond.Â
Location is approx here.Â
Google Maps
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Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
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The vegetation around the pond is high, but if you walk into the woods on the south side of the pond, you can get better views.
Patty McLean and Michael LinzÂ
The RoadrunnersÂ
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Sun, Sep 13, 2026 at 12:49 PM, Patricia McLean<plm108...> wrote: Someone recently posted and photographed two WOOD STORKS on eBird at the refuge along Huntsman Rd. Then yesterday someone posted them at the ponds on Mingo Creek Rd. This morning, as Michael and I were making the rounds, we stopped east of the Mingo ponds and saw four Wood Storks kettling and floating west with a group of vultures, toward the refuge. We went back to the ponds and then to the refuge where we found plenty of vultures but not the storks.Â
Also, still present is a PEREGRINE FALCON, last seen harassing a few thousand shorebirds in Cells 2 and 3.Â
Someone reported two WHITE-FACED IBIS in Cell 5 but all we found today were two immature White Ibis in Cell 2.Â
There was a female YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD photographed a few days ago. It was hanging out with a flock of cowbirds and may still be present, although we did not look for it.
The cells are drying up and the sun is hot, with most of the shorebirds being seen in Cell 2. Ducks are also showing up but nothing unexpected for this time of year.Â
Rice harvesting has begun, so watch for heavy machinery and large trucks, some moving so fast on the gravel roads that they create a thick wall of dust that takes a while to clear. You may want to avoid stopping along these sections or at least park off the road far enough to not impede traffic (and be prepared to put your windows up).Â
Hoping this heat wave ends soon.Â
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The RoadrunnersÂ
Date: 9/19/26 8:11 am From: Sarah Morris <sarahmorris.ark...> Subject: Re: Pentax
He checked and they donât service Pentax.
On Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 9:23â¯AM <jwdavis...> wrote:
> Bedford Camera in Fayetteville and Little Rock.
>
> Jerry
>
>
> On 2026-09-19 9:01 am, Sarah Morris wrote:
> > Does anyone know a place in Arkansas or elsewhere to get Pentax
> > binoculars serviced?
> >
> > Sarah
> >
> > -------------------------
> >
> > 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: 9/19/26 7:23 am From: Jerry Davis <jwdavis...> Subject: Re: Pentax
Bedford Camera in Fayetteville and Little Rock.
Jerry
On 2026-09-19 9:01 am, Sarah Morris wrote: > Does anyone know a place in Arkansas or elsewhere to get Pentax > binoculars serviced? > > Sarah > > ------------------------- > > 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: 9/19/26 6:36 am From: <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...> Subject: Re: September 19, 2016
That is great; I did not have Pine Siskins last year at my home in Hot Springs, for the first time.
This seems like an early arrival, but with drought and 8.4 million acres burned so far this year, they will have to seek food somewhere.
Jerry Wayne Davis
Hot Springs, AR
________________________________
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Judy Griffith <9waterfall9...>
Sent: Saturday, September 19, 2026 6:30 AM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: September 19, 2016
Date: 9/18/26 4:52 pm From: Carol Joan Patterson <0000003a0ccbe138-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Rails especially Yellow
Thanks so much for this information! It becomes easier to see desired species when one knows them well. Conversely, it can be so difficult when not familiar with the species. This is such a help! Maybe someday I will see a Yellow Rail - my chances are somewhat increased now - so again - thanks!
On Friday, September 18, 2026 at 07:00:31 AM CDT, Timothy Barksdale <timothy.barksdale...> wrote:
HI Ian,
Because I have been chasing rails, especially Yellow and Black at night since the mid -1970's and have had quite a bit of success, I thought I might be helpful to you.
First, when Yellow rails flush, they are rather strong flyers, so they Move! This is a highly migratory species adapted for long flights. They only very rarely hop up like some little wimpy rail; they tend to flush hard and move deliberately, often 50 -75 yards -quickly. The flush will often be 10-15-even 25 feet off the ground but sometimes they will stay lower.
Then- the white secondaries really pop out. This is not a difficult thing to see, it is the most obvious thing. In spring and fall the base color is a creamy Yellow buff. at times this looks almost soft, burnt orange but with more buff. The black patterned "flecking" is well up on the back and in no way interferes with the white secondaries. I've never noticed a "black bar" on the wings.
I've only seen one Yellow Rail since the 1970's in daylight - during the day time from dawn to dusk. Flushing them in daylight, is crazy hard. However, at night, it is a very different story.
I've spent hours and hours at night in marshes in Missouri, North Dakota, Manitoba, Montana and Minnesota both seeing and showing many of these birds. This species comes alive at night and readily flushes. Just after take-off and during landing are the moments when feet and legs are noticeable.
Timing of the south bound movement is poorly known, but from my personal experience, October is the month. I suspect that YERA also lingers as long as possible during migration.
So - while I do not know what you did see, I think the description does not match well for Yellow Rail.
Date: 9/18/26 12:56 pm From: Kevin Krajcir <kjkrajcir...> Subject: October 2026 ASCA Presentation - RCW Conservation in AR by Jess Novobilsky
Good afternoon everyone,
Please join the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas on Thursday *October
1st *at 7 PM to hear Jess Novobilsky speak about the past, present, and
future of Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) conservation in Arkansas. ASCA is
meeting on October 1st, instead of its usual second Thursday, because we
encourage folks to get out to the Birding Festival of the South the weekend
of Oct 8-10th and the Arkansas Bird Alliance convention the weekend of Oct
16-18. To join for the presentation, please register here for the Zoom
link: Meeting Registration - Zoom
<https://audubon.zoom.us/meeting/register/RLfEEt37TZ2qCjet7e3kHg#/registration> .
Red-cockaded woodpeckers (Leuconotopicus borealis) [RCWs] are a charismatic
bird of mature, fire-sustained pine forests of the southeastern United
States. Due to their unique ecology and habitat requirements, as well as
logging and forestry practices that impact their habitat, this species was
one of the first to be listed with the Endangered Species Act in 1973.
However, with decades of intensive management, this species was down-listed
to âthreatenedâ in 2024, and remains a testament to what sound scientific
research and collaborative stewardship can accomplish! The Arkansas Natural
Heritage Commission (ANHC) is dedicated to restoring the open-pine
ecosystems that RCWs call home. ANHC biologists and their partners have led
the way working to incorporate more prescribed fire, reduce woody
encroachment and invasive species, and install artificial nest cavities to
encourage birds to nest as habitat is being restored. As a testimony to
this leadership, four of the six locations where RCW populations currently
occur in Arkansas are part of the System of Natural Areas. Jess will
discuss the ANHCâs history in and future plans for the recovery of this
species across Arkansas.
Jess received her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Conservation and
Management from Delaware Valley University in 2015. After that, she
traveled across the United States working various wetlands field jobs
before attending the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville to earn her
masterâs in Biology in 2024. She currently works for the Arkansas Natural
Heritage Commission as the agencyâs Habitat Coordinator and Red-cockaded
Woodpecker Recovery Coordinator.
Date: 9/18/26 5:49 am From: Timothy Barksdale <timothy.barksdale...> Subject: Rails especially Yellow
HI Ian,
Because I have been chasing rails, especially Yellow and Black at night since the mid -1970's and have had quite a bit of success, I thought I might be helpful to you.
First, when Yellow rails flush, they are rather strong flyers, so they Move! This is a highly migratory species adapted for long flights. They only very rarely hop up like some little wimpy rail; they tend to flush hard and move deliberately, often 50 -75 yards -quickly. The flush will often be 10-15-even 25 feet off the ground but sometimes they will stay lower.
Then- the white secondaries really pop out. This is not a difficult thing to see, it is the most obvious thing. In spring and fall the base color is a creamy Yellow buff. at times this looks almost soft, burnt orange but with more buff. The black patterned "flecking" is well up on the back and in no way interferes with the white secondaries. I've never noticed a "black bar" on the wings.
I've only seen one Yellow Rail since the 1970's in daylight - during the day time from dawn to dusk. Flushing them in daylight, is crazy hard. However, at night, it is a very different story.
I've spent hours and hours at night in marshes in Missouri, North Dakota, Manitoba, Montana and Minnesota both seeing and showing many of these birds. This species comes alive at night and readily flushes. Just after take-off and during landing are the moments when feet and legs are noticeable.
Timing of the south bound movement is poorly known, but from my personal experience, October is the month. I suspect that YERA also lingers as long as possible during migration.
So - while I do not know what you did see, I think the description does not match well for Yellow Rail.
Date: 9/17/26 7:44 am From: Kenny Nichols <kingbird101...> Subject: Re: Possible Yellow Rail at Chesney.
If you didnât see the white wing patches, it wasnât a Yellow Rail. If it
had been, the white would have been the ONLY thing you would have noticed.
Kenny Nichols
Dardanelle, AR
On Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 6:10â¯PM Ian MacGregor <
<00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> I thought of Bobolink, but once convinced it was a rail did not look it
> up. The plumage matches very well with what I saw.
>
> I think Iâm improving then make a very silly mistake.
>
> Ian
>
>
> Sent from Proton Mail <https://proton.me/mail/home> for iOS.
>
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> On Wednesday, 09/16/26 at 16:28 Joseph Neal <joeneal...> wrote:
>
> I have seen a few Bobolinks in Sept at Chesney. Is that a possibility?
> ------------------------------
> *From:* The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...>
> on behalf of Ian MacGregor <
> <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, September 16, 2026 3:16 PM
> *To:* <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
> *Subject:* Possible Yellow Rail at Chesney.
>
> I have been having a very good month. The warblers have been extremely
> cooperative. Yesterday I had a yong White Ibis at Logan Springs
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S393178366 >
> While the Ibis circled before it landed I could see its while lower back
> and rump. But after it landed, It appeared to me to be all. dark in the
> early morning light. Indeed I thought I must have been mistaken and
> would have put it down as a much more likely White-faced, if it were not
> for the pictures.
>
> Which brings me to the bird in question. I was just about finished i with
> my close to five hour walk. I reached the last east/west fencing which
> separates the chicken farm from the preserve. My car was in sight. I
> looked at just following the fence line to my car, but decided against it.
> I instead followed the path through the grass. Just before the path made
> the turn to the east paralleling the fencing a small bird flushed. I noted
> its back part of its wings were striped with black. The stripes ran
> parallel ro the axis of the body. The bird flushed directly in front of
> me. and so close I could see that detail with the naked eye. My first
> very brief thought was just a female Red-winged, but then I thought, â
> thatâs a rail!!â
>
> I got glasses on it just before it dropped into the grass. The birdâs
> flight seemed very slow, the wing beats were not abnormally slow but the
> progress seemed to be, The birds shape was a bit quail like, but the wing
> loading was not. The bird flew steadily on normal wingbeats.
>
> It did not dangle its legs. I did not notice white in the secondaries.
> I think I saw enough of the bird that I should have. I donât know if
> other rails ever use grassland habitats.
>
> I look at pictures of rails and see Yellow as the only one which would
> present such a back pattern, but again I should have seen the white
> secondaries and did not.
>
> When the bird dropped back into the grass it lowered its legs which were
> of the expected length for a rail.
>
> I did not notice legs sticking out behind the bird in flight. Looks like I
> should have seen at least part of a foot.
>
> I was hot from the walk and did not want to harass the bird by crashing
> through the grass looking for it.
>
> Ian MacGregor Bella Vista
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent from Proton Mail <https://proton.me/mail/home> for iOS.
>
> ------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1 >
Date: 9/17/26 7:41 am From: twbutler1941 <twbutler1941...> Subject: Re: Possible Yellow Rail at Chesney.
I agee Kenny. It's like a white handkerchief tied on each wing when it flies.Sent from my Galaxy Tab® S2
-------- Original message --------From: Kenny Nichols <kingbird101...> Date: 9/17/26 9:03 AM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Re: Possible Yellow Rail at Chesney. If you didnât see the white wing patches, it wasnât a Yellow Rail. If it had been, the white would have been the ONLY thing you would have noticed. Kenny NicholsDardanelle, AROn Wed, Sep 16, 2026 at 6:10â¯PM Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> wrote:I thought  of Bobolink, but once convinced it was a rail  did not look it up. The plumage matches very well with what I saw.I think Iâm improving then make a very silly mistake.IanSent from Proton Mail for iOS.-------- Original Message --------On Wednesday, 09/16/26 at 16:28 Joseph Neal <joeneal...> wrote:
I have seen a few Bobolinks in Sept at Chesney. Is that a possibility?Â
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 3:16 PM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Possible Yellow Rail at Chesney.
Â
I  have been having a very good month. The warblers have been extremely cooperative. Yesterday I had a yong White Ibis at Logan SpringsÂ
While the Ibis circled  before it landed  I could see its while lower back and rump. But after it landed, It appeared to me to be all. dark in the early morning light. Indeed I thought I must have been mistaken  and  would have put it down as a much
more likely White-faced, if it were not for the pictures.
Which brings me to the bird in question. I was just about finished i with my close to five hour walk. I  reached the last east/west fencing which separates the chicken farm  from the preserve. My car was in sight. I looked at just following the fence
line to my car, but decided against it. I instead followed the path through the grass. Just before the  path made the turn to the east paralleling the fencing a small bird flushed. I noted its back part of its wings were striped with black. The stripes
ran parallel ro the axis of the body. The bird flushed directly in front of me. and so close  I could  see that detail with the naked eye.  My first very  brief thought was just a female Red-winged, but then  I thought, â thatâs  a  rail!!â
I got glasses on it  just before it dropped into the grass.  The birdâs flight seemed  very slow, the wing beats were not abnormally slow but the progress seemed to be,  The birds  shape was a bit quail like, but the wing loading was not.  The  bird
flew steadily  on  normal  wingbeats.Â
It did not dangle its legs.  I did not notice  white in the secondaries.  I think I saw enough of the bird that I should have. I donât know if other rails ever  use grassland habitats.
I look at pictures of rails and see Yellow as the only one which would present such a back pattern,  but  again I should have seen the  white secondaries and did not.
When the bird dropped back into the grass it lowered  its legs which were  of the expected length for a rail.
I did not notice legs sticking out behind the bird in flight. Looks like I should have seen at least part of a foot.
I was hot from the walk and did not want to harass the bird by  crashing through the grass looking for it.
It was partly cloudy and hot with some light wind on the survey today. 50 species were found. Not too many migrants were found today. Searched hard for storks today but no luck. Not much water left on the slough. We need rain bad. Still have a couple active Neotropic Cormorant nests and there are still a few Anhinga young that are close to fledging. Here is my list for today:
-------- Original Message --------
On Wednesday, 09/16/26 at 16:28 Joseph Neal <joeneal...> wrote:
> I have seen a few Bobolinks in Sept at Chesney. Is that a possibility?
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...>
> Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 3:16 PM
> To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
> Subject: Possible Yellow Rail at Chesney.
>
> I have been having a very good month. The warblers have been extremely cooperative. Yesterday I had a yong White Ibis at Logan Springs
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S393178366 >
> While the Ibis circled before it landed I could see its while lower back and rump. But after it landed, It appeared to me to be all. dark in the early morning light. Indeed I thought I must have been mistaken and would have put it down as a much more likely White-faced, if it were not for the pictures.
>
> Which brings me to the bird in question. I was just about finished i with my close to five hour walk. I reached the last east/west fencing which separates the chicken farm from the preserve. My car was in sight. I looked at just following the fence line to my car, but decided against it. I instead followed the path through the grass. Just before the path made the turn to the east paralleling the fencing a small bird flushed. I noted its back part of its wings were striped with black. The stripes ran parallel ro the axis of the body. The bird flushed directly in front of me. and so close I could see that detail with the naked eye. My first very brief thought was just a female Red-winged, but then I thought, â thatâs a rail!!â
>
> I got glasses on it just before it dropped into the grass. The birdâs flight seemed very slow, the wing beats were not abnormally slow but the progress seemed to be, The birds shape was a bit quail like, but the wing loading was not. The bird flew steadily on normal wingbeats.
>
> It did not dangle its legs. I did not notice white in the secondaries. I think I saw enough of the bird that I should have. I donât know if other rails ever use grassland habitats.
>
> I look at pictures of rails and see Yellow as the only one which would present such a back pattern, but again I should have seen the white secondaries and did not.
>
> When the bird dropped back into the grass it lowered its legs which were of the expected length for a rail.
>
> I did not notice legs sticking out behind the bird in flight. Looks like I should have seen at least part of a foot.
>
> I was hot from the walk and did not want to harass the bird by crashing through the grass looking for it.
>
> Ian MacGregor Bella Vista
>
> Sent from [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/mail/home) for iOS.
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from the ARBIRD-L list, click the following link:
> http://listserv.uark.edu/scripts/wa-UARKEDU.exe?SUBED1=ARBIRD-L&A=1
While the Ibis circled before it landed I could see its while lower back and rump. But after it landed, It appeared to me to be all. dark in the early morning light. Indeed I thought I must have been mistaken and would have put it down as a much more likely White-faced, if it were not for the pictures.
Which brings me to the bird in question. I was just about finished i with my close to five hour walk. I reached the last east/west fencing which separates the chicken farm from the preserve. My car was in sight. I looked at just following the fence line to my car, but decided against it. I instead followed the path through the grass. Just before the path made the turn to the east paralleling the fencing a small bird flushed. I noted its back part of its wings were striped with black. The stripes ran parallel ro the axis of the body. The bird flushed directly in front of me. and so close I could see that detail with the naked eye. My first very brief thought was just a female Red-winged, but then I thought, â thatâs a rail!!â
I got glasses on it just before it dropped into the grass. The birdâs flight seemed very slow, the wing beats were not abnormally slow but the progress seemed to be, The birds shape was a bit quail like, but the wing loading was not. The bird flew steadily on normal wingbeats.
It did not dangle its legs. I did not notice white in the secondaries. I think I saw enough of the bird that I should have. I donât know if other rails ever use grassland habitats.
I look at pictures of rails and see Yellow as the only one which would present such a back pattern, but again I should have seen the white secondaries and did not.
When the bird dropped back into the grass it lowered its legs which were of the expected length for a rail.
I did not notice legs sticking out behind the bird in flight. Looks like I should have seen at least part of a foot.
I was hot from the walk and did not want to harass the bird by crashing through the grass looking for it.
Date: 9/16/26 12:44 pm From: Joe Tucker <000001df0ca37a3b-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Bald Knob NWR Recent Sightings
For anyone who wants to plug the coordinates into their GPS, the decimal equivalent is :Â 35.210222, -91.609000
On Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 02:18:38 PM CDT, Patricia McLean <plm108...> wrote:
The WOOD STORKS (as many as 40 now) are continuing on the small back pond at Bald Knob NWR today. The pond is on River Road and is casually called Green Pond.Â
Location is approx here.Â
Google Maps
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
| |
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
| |
|
|
The vegetation around the pond is high, but if you walk into the woods on the south side of the pond, you can get better views.
Patty McLean and Michael LinzÂ
The RoadrunnersÂ
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Sun, Sep 13, 2026 at 12:49 PM, Patricia McLean<plm108...> wrote: Someone recently posted and photographed two WOOD STORKS on eBird at the refuge along Huntsman Rd. Then yesterday someone posted them at the ponds on Mingo Creek Rd. This morning, as Michael and I were making the rounds, we stopped east of the Mingo ponds and saw four Wood Storks kettling and floating west with a group of vultures, toward the refuge. We went back to the ponds and then to the refuge where we found plenty of vultures but not the storks.Â
Also, still present is a PEREGRINE FALCON, last seen harassing a few thousand shorebirds in Cells 2 and 3.Â
Someone reported two WHITE-FACED IBIS in Cell 5 but all we found today were two immature White Ibis in Cell 2.Â
There was a female YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD photographed a few days ago. It was hanging out with a flock of cowbirds and may still be present, although we did not look for it.
The cells are drying up and the sun is hot, with most of the shorebirds being seen in Cell 2. Ducks are also showing up but nothing unexpected for this time of year.Â
Rice harvesting has begun, so watch for heavy machinery and large trucks, some moving so fast on the gravel roads that they create a thick wall of dust that takes a while to clear. You may want to avoid stopping along these sections or at least park off the road far enough to not impede traffic (and be prepared to put your windows up).Â
Hoping this heat wave ends soon.Â
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The RoadrunnersÂ
Date: 9/16/26 12:24 pm From: Sarah Morris <sarahmorris.ark...> Subject: REMINDER: Upcoming ASCA Field Trips
Everyone is invited to join the upcoming field trips for the Audubon
Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA). All trips are open to the public.
Birders of all experience levels are welcome. You do not have to be an ASCA
member to attend. People may leave a trip at any time.
For more information, contact ASCA Field Trip Coordinator Sarah Morris at
<sarahmorris.ark...> or (870) 926-7127. For the Beginner Birder
Outings, contact the project leader, Ariana Remmel, at
<ariana.remmel...>
*September 19 â Pine Bluff area*
*Meet: *9 a.m. at Boyd Point Wastewater Facility
The group will meet at the Boyd Point Wastewater Facility
<https://ebird.org/hotspot/L504941> to look for ducks and gulls. Because
the facility is behind a locked gate, we will start here at 9 a.m. so an
employee can let the group in. This portion of the field trip will
primarily involve birding by vehicle. Restrooms will not be readily
available at this stop.
Next, weâll head to the AGFC Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center
<https://ebird.org/hotspot/L504959?rank=hc>, where restrooms will be
available. The area has diverse habitats, including cypress and tupelo
swamps, open water, and wetlands. Walking is on paved trails and
boardwalks. If time permits, we'll also check Lake Saracen.
*What to bring:*
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Binocular or scope (if available)
- Lunch
*Meeting Location:*
Boyd Point Wastewater Treatment Facility
900 Island Harbor Marina Road, Pine Bluff
GPS: 34.270797, -91.972484
Meet in the parking lot area just inside the gate. If the gate is not yet
open, wait just outside it.
Little Rock area: Meet at 8 a.m. at the Dixon Road commuter lot, Exit 3 off
I-530 South (34.67215202740333, -92.26640124582458).
Are you curious about birds or looking for opportunities to practice your
bird watching skills? Join us for an outing designed for beginner birders
and folks who want to practice the basics.
*Every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. from September 5-23*,
weâll walk a ~1.5-mile loop through *Two Rivers Park
<https://ebird.org/hotspot/L211862>*, starting from the bridge on River
Mountain Road. A paved trail will take us over the Little Maumelle River,
through vibrant pine-dominated woods, and alongside lush wetland habitat.
As we go, two group leaders will cover skills such as how to use
binoculars, how to identify birds, and how to use habitat clues to find
birds. (Weâll have a few pairs of binoculars available to borrow during the
outing.) Birders and nature enthusiasts of all experience levels are
encouraged to participate!
*Schedule*
1. Saturday, September 5, at 9 a.m.
2. Wednesday, September 9, at 7:30 a.m.
3. Saturday, September 12, at 9 a.m.
4. Wednesday, September 16, at 7:30 a.m.
5. Saturday, September 19, at 9 a.m.
6. Wednesday, September 23, at 7:30 a.m.
*Location*
Weâll gather at the base of the bridge near the roundabout 15 minutes
before the scheduled outing time. Look for the group by the interpretive
sign about the Arkansas River Trail. If you arrive late, you can catch up
with the group by following the bridge path.
4468 River Mountain Rd, Little Rock, AR 72212
GPS: 34.797585, -92.382828
*Note: If using a maps app to navigate (which is encouraged), be sure to
set the address as Two Rivers Park Bridge, NOT Two Rivers Park (which will
take you to a different entrance).*
The bridge entrance to the park is accessible from the interchange between
I-430 and Cantrell Road (Hwy 10) in Little Rock. If arriving via I-430
(from either direction), take Exit 9 to Cantrell Rd and follow signs to
River Mountain Road. If traveling west on Cantrell, take the I-430 S ramp
to River Mountain Road. If traveling east on Cantrell, exit right before
you go over the bridge (in front of the Tide Cleaner building) and take a
left under the bridge toward River Mountain Road. After making the hairpin
turn onto River Mountain Road, follow the road past the houses and all the
way down the hill till you see the river. You can park at the boat launch
or in the lot at the base of the bridge.
*Access notes:*
The parking lot has a few ADA-compliant parking spaces.
There are restrooms and a water fountain in the parking lot.
The paved trail over the bridge and throughout the park is wheelchair
accessible.
The trail does not have evenly spaced benches, but picnic tables and
seating will be available at our halfway point.
*Inclement weather plan:*
If thereâs heavy rain and/or lightning in the forecast for the morning,
consider these trips canceled. We wonât make any special announcement about
cancellations, so use your best judgment.
*For more information, contact project leader Ariana Remmel at *
*<ariana.remmel...>* <ariana.remmel...>*.*
There are no ASCA field trips planned in October. Instead, we encourage
birders to attend the following events:
- The *Birding Festival of the South* in Hot Springs is scheduled for
October 8-10. For more information or to register, visit
https://www.hotsprings.org/events/birding-festival-of-the-south/.
- The *Arkansas Bird Allianceâs (formerly Arkansas Audubon Society)* *2026
Fall Conference* will be held in Russellville on October 16-17. To
register for this event or for more information, visit
https://arbirds.org.
The WOOD STORKS (as many as 40 now) are continuing on the small back pond at Bald Knob NWR today. The pond is on River Road and is casually called Green Pond.Â
Location is approx here.Â
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The vegetation around the pond is high, but if you walk into the woods on the south side of the pond, you can get better views.
Patty McLean and Michael LinzÂ
The RoadrunnersÂ
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Sun, Sep 13, 2026 at 12:49 PM, Patricia McLean<plm108...> wrote: Someone recently posted and photographed two WOOD STORKS on eBird at the refuge along Huntsman Rd. Then yesterday someone posted them at the ponds on Mingo Creek Rd. This morning, as Michael and I were making the rounds, we stopped east of the Mingo ponds and saw four Wood Storks kettling and floating west with a group of vultures, toward the refuge. We went back to the ponds and then to the refuge where we found plenty of vultures but not the storks.Â
Also, still present is a PEREGRINE FALCON, last seen harassing a few thousand shorebirds in Cells 2 and 3.Â
Someone reported two WHITE-FACED IBIS in Cell 5 but all we found today were two immature White Ibis in Cell 2.Â
There was a female YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD photographed a few days ago. It was hanging out with a flock of cowbirds and may still be present, although we did not look for it.
The cells are drying up and the sun is hot, with most of the shorebirds being seen in Cell 2. Ducks are also showing up but nothing unexpected for this time of year.Â
Rice harvesting has begun, so watch for heavy machinery and large trucks, some moving so fast on the gravel roads that they create a thick wall of dust that takes a while to clear. You may want to avoid stopping along these sections or at least park off the road far enough to not impede traffic (and be prepared to put your windows up).Â
Hoping this heat wave ends soon.Â
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The RoadrunnersÂ
Date: 9/16/26 8:09 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bald Knob NWR Field Trip
Hello, Arkansas Birders. Friends of Bald Knob NWR is hosting a field trip on Saturday Oct 3 to look for lingering migrants and wintering visitors at the refuge. These include waterfowl, shorebirds, waders and passerines such as warblers and sparrows. All are invited.Â
WHEN: Saturday, October 3, 8a-noon
WHERE: BKNWR Admin Bldg, 1439 Coal Chute Rd, Bald Knob
Date: 9/13/26 10:50 am From: Patricia McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bald Knob NWR Recent Sightings
Someone recently posted and photographed two WOOD STORKS on eBird at the refuge along Huntsman Rd. Then yesterday someone posted them at the ponds on Mingo Creek Rd. This morning, as Michael and I were making the rounds, we stopped east of the Mingo ponds and saw four Wood Storks kettling and floating west with a group of vultures, toward the refuge. We went back to the ponds and then to the refuge where we found plenty of vultures but not the storks.Â
Also, still present is a PEREGRINE FALCON, last seen harassing a few thousand shorebirds in Cells 2 and 3.Â
Someone reported two WHITE-FACED IBIS in Cell 5 but all we found today were two immature White Ibis in Cell 2.Â
There was a female YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD photographed a few days ago. It was hanging out with a flock of cowbirds and may still be present, although we did not look for it.
The cells are drying up and the sun is hot, with most of the shorebirds being seen in Cell 2. Ducks are also showing up but nothing unexpected for this time of year.Â
Rice harvesting has begun, so watch for heavy machinery and large trucks, some moving so fast on the gravel roads that they create a thick wall of dust that takes a while to clear. You may want to avoid stopping along these sections or at least park off the road far enough to not impede traffic (and be prepared to put your windows up).Â
Hoping this heat wave ends soon.Â
Patty McLean and Michael Linz The RoadrunnersÂ
