If you love birdwatching, you’ve got to visit Fort Smith, AR. Not only is it home to hundreds of bird species but lots more travel through every year. It is one destination where you are sure to see a variety of beautiful birds all year round. But where exactly will you view these birds? The following are the best spots for birdwatching near Fort Smith.
1. Fort Chaffee
Fort Chaffee has huge chunks of oak savanna, shrub-scrub, and prairie which make for great habitat for birds. Fort Chaffee has the largest population of Bell’s Vireo in the entire state. Other common species include Prairie Warbler, Painted Bunting, Bachman’s Sparrow, Red-headed Woodpecker, Bobwhite, and Grasshopper Sparrow.
2. Cherokee Prairie
Cherokee Prairie comprises the Cherokee Prairie Natural Area, the H.E Flanagan Prairie Natural Area, and the Presson-Onglesby Prairie Preserve. This location is home to at least 12 vulnerable bird species. These include Henslow’s Sparrow, March Wren, Northern Harrier, Painted Bunting, LeConte’s Sparrow, among others.
3. Devil’s Den State Park
Devil’s Den State Park is another great birding destination. Species you will see here include Eastern Woodpeckers, Blue Grosbeaks, Orchard Orioles, Wood Thrushes, Indigo Buntings, and Summer Tanagers. Philadelphia Vireos may also be spotted in migration.
4. Mount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine is a part of the Ozark National Forest, which is owned by the Forest Service of USA. It is a famous destination because it is the eastern-most breeding location for Rufous-crowned Sparrows. Other birds include Cooper’s Hawks, Acadian Flycatchers, American Redstarts, and Cerulean Warblers.
5. Shortleaf Management Area
The Shortleaf Management Area is a sanctuary for the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW). The place was specifically designed to restore the RCW populations which were dwindling. Other species found here include Northern Bobwhite, Prairie Warbler, and Bachman’s Sparrow.
6. Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Take the lover’s leap trail which is a 1.8-kilometer stretch that is decked with stunning flowers. The trail is accessible throughout the year and you can also come with your dog as long as he is on a leash. Common birds include Eagles, Turkey Vultures, Red-tailed Hawks, and Red-shouldered Hawks.
7. Woolsey Wet Prairie Sanctuary
The Woolsey Wet Prairie Sanctuary is wet all year which makes for great habitat for lots of bird species to raise their young. Common species include the American Golden Plover, American Bittern, Blue-winged Teal, Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Pectoral Sandpipers, Coots, etc.
8. Lake Fort Smith State Park
Lake Fort Smith State Park is a great camping destination where you can also spot lots of bird species including Waterfowl and Warblers. Park interpreters are available on request to help you identify the birds you view. You can also participate in important research by entering the birds you spot in a worldwide database.
Birding is a great way to connect with nature as you get some much-needed exercise. Hiking or cycling will help burn off those excess calories. However, you still need a good car to get you to those destinations. Pick one from our inventory at Orr Chevrolet today and enjoy the trip!
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