January 17, 2026
Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Mayflower commuter lot off I-40 West at
Exit 135. We’ll carpool to Delaware Park, located on the southwest side
of Lake Dardanelle. We should arrive at the Delaware Park boat ramp
around 8:15 a.m. for anyone who wants to meet us there. We’ll scan the
lake for eagles, gulls, pelicans, loons, and other waterfowl. A rare
gull or duck is always a possibility. The lake can be very cold and
windy. Dress in layers, including gloves and hats.
Next, we’ll caravan to the Holla Bend NWR headquarters’ parking
lot. There is a $4.00 entrance fee per vehicle. A duck stamp or National
Parks pass will get a vehicle in for free. Our target birds will be
raptors, including nesting Bald Eagles and owls, plus swans, ducks,
geese, and sparrows. At Holla Bend, there will be some walking in tall
grass, so boots are recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and plenty of
water. We’ll return to Little Rock late afternoon.
Directions from the town of Dardanelle to Delaware Park: At the
junction at Hwy. 7 and Hwy. 22, go west on Hwy. 22 approximately 10
miles. Turn right onto Hwy. 393, which is the first road on your right
after you cross the long causeway at the west end of the lake. Hwy. 393
dead ends at Delaware Park. GPS coordinates: 35.295749, -93.271458. For more information about Holla Bend NWR, go to
http://www.fws.gov/hollabend/. The headquarters is located at 10448
Holla Bend Road, Dardanelle, AR 72834. GPS coordinates: 35.163222,
-93.093477.