Date: 5/10/25 10:08 pm From: Karen Holliday <ladyhawke1...> Subject: ASCA 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
