Adventures in Arkansas Blog Series: Post #1

On the second anniversary of my sister’s translocation from California to Fairfield Bay, Greers Ferry Lake, Arkansas, I finally set foot in “The Natural State” to pay her and the rest of the family a long-overdue visit. When it comes to its avian life, Arkansas is a state with a rich and diversified natural heritage. The state’s location in the south-central United States, along with its varied habitats, such as forests, fields, wetlands, and mountains, make it a hotspot for birdwatching and conservation.

Adventures in Arkansas is a Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

DAY 1 Travel and Family 9/16/2023
On the second anniversary of my sister’s translocation from California to Arkansas, I finally set foot in “The Natural State” to pay her and the rest of the family a long-overdue visit. While my purpose was to visit family, those who know me, know I don’t go anywhere without doing some research and planning about any nearby birding opportunities. But today was all about travel and family.

After an early start from Hughson (HUG – LOL) at 2:00 am (9/16/2023), I enjoyed a truly uneventful smooth flight from Sacramento (SMF) to Dallas (DFW) and then to Little Rock (LIT) where my sister (JAN) and brother-in-law (GARY) were waiting.

We stopped first at Matt and Trena’s house to say hi.

A one-minute pause on their backyard balcony resulted in a Yellow-billed Cuckoo (visual only), Brown-headed Nuthatch, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay and Northern Cardinal (visual only). Not a bad start!

Next was a stop by Jamie and Kristin’s house and then to Richard and Jenifer’s house for a family pizza get together. It was so nice to talk with everyone.

From there it was a 90-minute drive to Fairfield Bay and the Hartley Wildlife Sanctuary (my nickname for their beautiful property in the forest by Greer’s Ferry Lake). After a 20 hour road trip, a little sleep was on my menu!