Tag: Terry Lock & Dam

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May Field Trip Report

Spring migration never fails to deliver a LOT of birds!  Today, May 10 was the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas (ASCA) field trip. It was World Migratory Bird Day. 

We started at Gillam Park, then moved to the Terry Lock and Dam park area. It took most of the day to cover both areas.  It was worth it because we found a total of 81 species! Our warbler total was sixteen species.  We also had five vireo species. 

Our final spectacular bird was an extremely cooperative Painted Bunting, showing off his gorgeous plumage.

We were distracted from the Bunting when one of our group almost stepped on a Prairie Rat Snake. The snake was not at all concerned about us standing over it and watching while it slithered into a crawdad hole with the tip of a skink tail hanging out of its mouth.  It was happy to go into the crawdad hole and finish eating. 

Gillam never disappoints in spring. We had everything from perching Wood Ducks, fourteen warbler species, a surprise Scarlet Tanager, also Chats and Grosbeaks.  One gentleman spotted a Yellow-crowned Night Heron, which everyone got great looks at. The best part was it was a life bird for him!  What a bonus to find your very own life bird!

The Bobolinks were in the field just before you make the turn into the Terry Lock and Dam park. A very vocal big flock of Bobolinks. They won’t be around long. 

Good birding, 

Karen Holliday 

ASCA field trip coordinator 

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Field Trip – Gillam Park and Little Rock Audubon Center (LRAC) – May 11 🗓

 Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Gillam Park in the far parking lot.  Join our field trip to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) and experience the excitement of spring migration.  At least four thousand different species of birds are moving from their wintering grounds to their summer nesting sites.  This is a great opportunity to add several new species to your year or life list.  Gillam has excellent habitat for spring warblers.     

There will be moderate walking on fairly level, but possibly muddy trails.  Once finished at Gillam, we’ll drive to the LRAC and walk the wildlife observation trail.  Last, we’ll head to Industrial Harbor Road and Terry Lock & Dam to look for Western Kingbirds and Painted Buntings.  Bring water and snacks, the trip can last into early afternoon.  Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. 

Directions: Gillam Park is in southeast Little Rock near the airport.  Address is 5300 Gillam Park Road, Little Rock.  Take I-30 West heading south from Little Rock.  Then exit onto I-440 going towards the airport.  Take Exit 1-Springer Road.  At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto Springer Road.  Go approximately 1 mile to just past the LRAC.  Turn right onto Gillam Park Road.  Follow it into the park to the last parking lot.  GPS: 34.698684, -92.264514