Adventures in Arkansas Blog Series: Post #4
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
First Stop: Hartley’s Wildlife Sanctuary Morning Survey
The big plan for the day was to pay a visit to the Blanchard Springs Caverns, but first things, first! After a stop by the Krueger coffee brewer, we settled down for the morning’s wild bird parade. The 90-minutes of coffee-infused observing netted 17 species with the highlights being several Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmouses (Titmice?) eBird Checklist Link
ABOUT BLANCHARD SPRINGS CAVERNS
Located in Stone County, approximately 2 miles off Highway 14 near Mountain View, the Blanchard Springs Caverns is one of the most spectacular and carefully developed caves found anywhere. Visitors enter a “living” cave where glistening formations like stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones are still changing. These crystalline formations are the result of minerals deposited by dripping water. Forest Service interpreters guide all tours.
Birds at Blanchard Springs
Next Stop: Blanchards Springs, Mill Creek, Mirror Lake, Mill Creek Dam and The Old Mill
AFTERNOON ADVENTURES
After we returned to “The Sanctuary”, Jan took us out for a ride on their ATV, Vroom, Vroom!
And then it was time for yet another relaxing late afternoon bird watching on the deck. I was hoping to photograph some of the Eastern Bluebirds that I had heard earlier as they would be a “Lifer Photograph.” I was fortunate to get a couple of decent images of them.
As well as more Carolina Chickadees, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
… and female Indigo Buntings, a Pine Warbler and an Empidonax flycatcher which I assume was an Acadian Flycatcher.
A Red-bellied Woodpecker also made a brief appearence.
Previous Adventures in Arkansas Posts
Reflections of the Natural World 
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