Lovebirds? The Great Backyard Bird Count begins Valentine’s Day

House finches are common sights in Arkansas during the Great Backyard Bird Count. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

LITTLE ROCK — Valentine’s day isn’t the only big event for birds-of-a-feather this year. The 28th edition of the annual Great Backyard Bird Count is coming up Feb. 14-17, and anyone who wants to join is welcome.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint project of the National Audubon Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada to help scientists track changes in bird populations over time.

Male and female northern cardinals are easily spotted against the backdrop of winter. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath. 

Roughly 300,000 people worldwide participate in the annual event. Their combined records reported 7,920 species during last year’s citizen science project. These records are extremely valuable to researchers, ornithologists and other conservationists who are keeping tabs on the world’s avian species.

The count takes place each February to get a snapshot of bird distribution just before spring migrations carry many species back to their nesting grounds. Combined with data from counts held at other times of the year, the data collected during the BBC delivers insight into how species are reacting to changes in climate and environments.

This pair of female American goldfinches is collecting seed from a homemade feeding platform. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

It only takes 15 minutes to participate, but you can choose to record bird sightings throughout the entire event if you choose. And because bird-watching can be done from practically anywhere, people from all skill levels and all walks of life can contribute to the valuable data being collected through the program.

“The Great Backyard Bird Count is a great reason to get outdoors this weekend, and it’s a great way for people of all skill levels to get involved in conservation,” Kirsten Bartlow, Watchable Wildlife Program coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said. “There are tons of resources online for people who may be new to identifying the many species that can be found in Arkansas. The Merlin app from Cornell is a great start, and you can even participate in the count through it. The AGFC has a portal to Arkansas eBird to give a more customized experience here in The Natural State.”

The tufted titmouse is an easily recognizable backyard bird that lives in Arkansas year-round. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

To learn more about how to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, visit birdcount.org.  For those Arkansans interested in taking their birding to the next level, visit www.agfc.com/wingsoverarkansas, a special bird-watching program established by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission that rewards participants with pins and recognition for recording bird species throughout The Natural State.

New trails at Sulphur River WMA offer glimpses of birds and beasts

BY Kirsten Bartlow

FOUKE — Sulphur River Wildlife Management Area is known for its remoteness, but the recent addition of an AGFC water trail and birding trails makes the area more accessible for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 18,155-acre area in Miller County is the largest remaining tract of bottomland hardwoods in the Red River Valley of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Access to the WMA is limited, except by boat. For those searching an escape in a serene setting and a touch of adventure, it’s worth the effort.

“Sulphur River is unique because of its continuous bottomlands, remoteness and limited access,” Cameron Tatom, an AGFC biologist, said. “It can test any hunter’s skill and dedication in their pursuit of their chosen game. It is also a great place for a paddling or wildlife-watching day trip. It presents opportunities for an outdoorsman of any skill level to explore the wild.”

Mercer Bayou Water Trail
The newly designated Mercer Bayou Water Trail meanders 14 miles along the old river channel on the west side of the WMA. Water control structures allow the bayou to hold water year-round and paddlers may choose from three access points. Fourteen miles is a long stretch on flat water, so paddlers may choose to park and paddle – put in at any of the access points and paddle out and back.

A half-mile canal offers access to the northern portion of the trail, which traverses open water while the southern end of the trail narrows, meandering through trees. Key turns have trail markers, but otherwise, the trail is not marked. Download a georeferenced map to follow the trail route.

Approximately four miles south of the canal boaters will witness a large, forested sandstone formation, known as the upper mound, rising above the bayou. Be sure to scan its wooded hillsides for migratory songbirds and nesting bald eagles.

Some large alligators lurk in the area’s watery habitat and the WMA is one of a few where a lucky hunter can draw a permit for the public-land alligator hunt each September. Paddlers should keep a safe distance from gators.

Swallow-tailed kites have been confirmed breeding at Sulphur River WMA, outside of their traditional range. Brad Imhoff/Macaulay Library at Cornell University.

Birding Trails
A tremendous variety of songbirds and wetland birds thrive on Sulphur River WMA. Roads closed to vehicular traffic offer prime wildlife-viewing opportunities and three have been designated birding trails.

Canal Birding Trail:
Enjoy a one-mile-out-and-back path along a levee to Mercer Bayou. Be on the lookout for wading birds and waterfowl. Scan the skies for swallow-tailed kites along with a host of other birds of prey.

Henry Moore III Waterfowl Rest Area Birding Trail:
Walk along a one-and-a-half-mile-out-and-back gravel levee road. Two moist-soil units – managed wetlands – provide critical feeding and resting habitat for migrating waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds.

River Road Birding Trail:
Hike along a gated road that traverses northwesterly 6 miles. A variety of warblers, woodpeckers and other songbirds flock to the trail’s bottomland habitat. American and least bittern can be spotted on the road.

Informational Signs on Mercer Bayou Water Trail offer education and direction when navigating this remote area. AGFC photo by Kirsten Bartlow.

Plan Accordingly

Paddlers and birders should plan their visit. Navigate the sprawling WMA with more confidence by downloading free georeferenced maps prior to a visit.

Waterfowl hunting is popular on Sulphur River WMA during fall and winter. Paddlers should wait until after shooting hours (mid-day) to take to the water during waterfowl season. Also, be aware that the Henry Moore III Waterfowl Rest Area Birding Trail is closed November 1 to February 15. This managed wetland provides a safe haven for migrating waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds.

The area’s birding trails are mowed infrequently – be prepared with sturdy shoes and bug spray. Birding opportunities change with the seasons. Check out eBird’s checklist for the area before visiting and target waterfowl, wintering songbirds and raptors in the fall and winter, while spring and summer bring warblers, gallinules, bittern and herons. Be sure to scan the skies April through August for swallow-tailed kites. Documentation of breeding kites in 2020 generated excitement because the WMA is out of the bird’s established range.

Monster Mart in Fouke caters to adventurous souls after a glimpse of the rumored inhabitant of Boggy Creek. Photo courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

“Other” Resident Wildlife?

A trip to Sulphur River WMA is not complete without wandering into Fouke – a town of about 800 people in Miller County – widely known for one of America’s most popular legends – the Fouke Monster.

The town drew press in May of 1971 when a local resident reported he was attacked at his home by a human-like creature. The story took off in 1973 when director Charles B. Pierce – an adopted Arkansan – released “The Legend of Boggy Creek,” a low-budget film shot in a documentary style in and around Fouke.

The Fouke Monster, sometimes called the Boggy Creek Monster, has become the South’s version of Sasquatch. Numerous films, television programs, articles and books have been produced about the beast. Swing by Monster Mart on Highway 71 for a snack, souvenir and some fun local lore.

Visit www.agfc.com/things-to-do/water-trails to learn more about Mercer Bayou Water Trail and other great paddling destinations in The Natural State.