Adventures in Arkansas – The Natural State

When it comes to its avian life, Arkansas is a state with a rich and diversified natural heritage. Its bird life reflects the influence of both eastern and western avifaunas, as well as the effects of human alteration of the environment and climate change. 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.

A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

On the second anniversary of my sister’s translocation from California to Arkansas, on 9/16/2023, I finally set foot in “The Natural State” to pay her and the rest of the family a long-overdue visit. These posts reflect a celebration of family, nature and history in The Natural State.

  • Arkansas State Capitol – History and Culture
    ADVENTURES IN ARKANSAS – POST #6 One last view of the feeders and then off to visit the Arkansa State Capitol in Little Rock.
  • Bald Knob NWR
    ADVENTURES IN ARKANSAS – POST #5 Exporing Bald Know NWR and Natural Bridge of Arkansas
  • Blanchard Springs Spelunking
    ADVENTURES IN ARKANSAS – POST #4 The big plan for the day was to pay a visit to the Blanchard Springs Caverns, but first things, first!
  • Stepping Out on Sugar Loaf Mountain
    ADVENTURES IN ARKANSAS – POST #3 Stepping Out on Sugar Loaf Mountain on Greer’s Ferry Lake and the magnificent feeeders at the Hartley Wildlife Balcony.
  • Welcome to the Hartley Wildlife Sanctuary
    ADVENTURES IN ARKANSAS – POST #2 Welcome to the Hartley Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Destination Hartley Wildlife Sanctuary
    ADVENTURES IN ARKANSAS – POST #1 Travel and Family – 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.

ABOUT ME

Through my lens and prose I hope to instill a greater sense of awe, compassion and inspiration as I discover new creatures, explore interesting habitats, and gain wisdom about the natural world that’s all around us. It is my hope that readers are motivated to learn more about our environment and its inhabitants, and become passionate advocates for conservation.

I earned my college degree in biology, a foundation that shaped not only how I see the world, but how I’ve spent my life sharing it with others. For more than 35 years, I worked in education as both a teacher and administrator, guiding students through the wonders of science and the joy of discovery. That same spirit of curiosity has carried me through decades of volunteer work in citizen science and conservation. This blog brings together my passions for birding, conservation, and storytelling.

~ Jim Gain