I recently traveled back to Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge after hearing reports that the Whooping Crane was roaming closer to the road, allowing birders a better view. That was not necessarily the case for my second visit to see it. However, I did get the chance to get a slightly better view as the sunset. Along the way, I also spotted the below Red-tailed Hawk while a group of Northern Shovelers swam in water located just across the road from the Whooping Crane.
I was excited to find a Sora foraging about earlier today at Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge. Pictured below are other finds, along with some Purple Martins and a House Sparrow that hung out in a bird house near my aunt’s pool in Jonesboro.
It was lightly snowing, but I simply couldn’t resist visiting Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area. I had the trip in mind for several days and, well, I did wake up early to take a drive with Izzie.
I was the only person out, which was fine by me. I saw plenty of birds. Here’s some of what I saw:
Wilson’s SnipeI’ve seen plenty of Northern Shoveler’s, but the ducks have always been just floating like this.I finally saw the backside of a Northern Shoveler as the duck flew away. Gorgeous coloring!
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked ducks A Ruddy Duck and American CootTree Swallow, first spring
American CrowAmerican GoldfinchAmerican GoldfinchesBlue JayCarolina WrenDark-eyed JuncoDownyHouse FinchPine SiskinRed-tailed HawkWhat you looking at?I’m caught.White-Throated SparrowEnding the tour at Jolly Rogers Marina.Northern Shoveler
Arkansas birds were out in force this past weekend when I participated in my first Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). I’ve just completed entering the 26 bird species I viewed into the GBBC database.
The GBBC only calls for at least 15 minutes of birdwatching. Well, I decided to spend my birdwatching time on Saturday in Wynne at Village Creek State Park. Later, I visited my grandparent’s farm to walk their woods. I got lucky in both spots, however, my best find was when I drove from Wynne to Stuttgart on Hwy. 306. (See pictures below).
Greater Yellowlegs
I say Hwy. 306 was my best find because I discovered the above Greater Yellowlegs and the below Northern Pintails. I also discovered a lazily circling Northern Harrier (third picture below).
In all, my weekend list had American Kestrels, American Robins, blackbirds, Blue Jays, Canadian Geese, Crows, Downy Woodpeckers, Eastern Bluebirds, Gadwells, Greater Yellowlegs, Hermit Thrush, House Sparrow, Mallards, Northern Cardinals, Northern Harrier, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Red-tailed Hawks, Slated Juncos, Tufted Titmouse, White-Fronted Geese, White-Throated Sparrows, Yellow-bellied Woodpecker and Yellow-Rumped Warbler.
Here’s some more pictures:
Northern Pintails
Eastern Red-tailed Hawk flying above mallards and northern shovelers.
I previously worked as a news and sports photographer. Recently I have been enjoying wildlife photography. My approach toward bird photos is similar to sports photography. I attempt to capture mostly action and hopefully a unique perspective.
Memos for Me 