It took two years of actively searching for the Blue-headed Vireo before I finally found one. Although I must admit, I stumbled across this sighting. I was recently in Pine Bluff with five other birders for the monthly field trip of the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas. Our final stop was the William (Bill) G. Layer Nature Trail in Bayou Bartholomew, which is the longest bayou in the world.

We were over half way through the shorter loop when our field trip leader suddenly spotted the Blue-headed Vireo flitting among the trees. As we all watched, it came closer and closer until it was nearly within arms reach at one point.

Blue-headed Vireos are songbirds with thick bills, a blue-gray head, olive-green back and bold white “spectacles.” It has yellow flanks and a white breast and belly. They pass through Arkansas during migration on their way to breeding grounds in eastern North America.