Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the south end of the commuter parking lot at I-630 and Shackleford Road in Little Rock. We will carpool to the Andrew Hulsey Fish Hatchery and meet the Hatchery manager for an overview of their operation and a tour of the facility. We’ll then scan the fish ponds for shorebirds and ducks. Driving around the ponds is not allowed, but the Hatchery manager will shuttle people who can’t walk the loop up to the observation area.
The group will then caravan to the Oxidation ponds at the Arkadelphia Sewer Wastewater Plant. The gate will be opened when we arrive and vehicles will be allowed to drive around the ponds. There is a good possibility the Cinnamon Teal seen there last year will return this year. Both locations will entail standing and level walking on gravel. Bring scopes, snacks, lunch and water.
The Hatchery is located on the southeast end of Lake Hamilton. Take I-30 west to Exit 97-Hwy. 84, the third Malvern exit. Turn right onto Hwy. 84. Go 15 miles, turn right onto Hwy. 171. Go 8 miles, then turn left onto Hwy. 290. Follow the signs to the Hatchery at 350 Fish Hatchery Rd. Hot Springs. GPS 34.434912, -93.063199.
To get to the Oxidation Ponds, drive south through Arkadelphia on Hwy 67. Turn left onto Caddo St. Then turn right onto South 3rd St. The ponds are located at 1675 South 3rd St. approximately 5 miles south of Arkadelphia. GPS 34.089623, -93.051497.