Exploring the Ozarks Outdoors: freshare.net

In many parts of the Ozarks, hummingbirds have returned after a long absence. These migrating birds arrive in fairly large numbers in April as they travel from wintering spots in Mexico, South America and the southernmost United States. Then, all at once, in late spring and early summer, they seem to disappear.

Some hummingbirds end up migrating further north to nest, while others remain but frequent feeders less…[more]

As the temperatures continue to rise and we spend more time outdoors, we hear the many, familiar sounds of spring, including the songs of our returning migrant birds. Arkansas is known as The Natural State and one reason is Arkansans are very interested in helping wildlife, especially in and around where they live.

At this time of year, the American Bird Conservancy often gets asked how people can…[more]

Birdwatchers across the Ozarks herald the springtime return of Baltimore orioles. Their bright orange and deep black plumage make them a colorful favorite.

Despite the male’s flame-orange breast, these birds camouflage well in tall trees where they prefer to dwell and hunt for food. Female orioles and immature male birds are even more difficult to spot because of their duller, brownish coats. Male Baltimore orioles do not reach…[more]

Many Arkansans are intrigued by birds. They enjoy watching visitors to backyard feeders and also birds seen along roads and in backwoods areas.

But identifying all the different species is a challenge. The help of experienced birders, those devout, binocular-wearing fans, can sometimes be overwhelming as the birder calls out a species when only a sound is heard or a distant image is seen for a couple of…[more]

What is the most numerous bird in Arkansas? Many Arkansans may be surprised that the snow goose topped the 2010 list, although more than one east Arkansas farmer may comment, “I could have told you that.”

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual volunteer project administered by Cornell University with the cooperation of the National Audubon Society and Bird Studies Canada. It involved about 97,300 participants in…[more]

Late February through mid-March are times when bluebirds begin thinking about homes to lay eggs and raise young. It’s a great time to put up a homemade or store bought nesting box, then sit back and enjoy the show as bluebirds patrol the yard in search of food and make harrowing flights into and out of the box.

Once nearly decimated by human population growth, bluebirds have made…[more]

Bluebird Day is scheduled Saturday, March 13, at Mammoth Spring State Park in Mammoth Spring. The Spring River Sportsman’s Club provides information about attracting bluebirds and building boxes for them. All materials needed to build a bluebird house are provided. Seating is limited. Reserve your space and bluebird kit by March 7. The event is free.

Find more information online at http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/mammothspring or phone 870-625-7364.

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Wood ducks are among the most colorful Arkansas wildlife. They nest naturally in hollow trees, but boxes built by man are readily accepted by the birds.

Learn how to build your own wood duck box and how to attract the ducks at Lake Charles State Park in Powhatan in northeast Arkansas. The park will be hosting “Build-A-Box Workshop: Wood Ducks” on Saturday, Feb. 6.

Participants will…[more]

Arkansas bird watchers are invited to take part in the 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb. 12-15. Participants in the free event will join tens of thousands of volunteers of all levels of birding experience to count birds in their own backyards, local parks or wildlife refuges.

Each checklist submitted by these “citizen scientists” helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society…[more]

Locations all across the state offer many opportunities to see the nation’s emblem in the wild this winter.

As lakes in the northern U.S. and Midwest freeze, eagles migrate south to find open water and food. Oklahoma has 11,600 miles of shoreline and over a million surface acres of water, and that is part of what makes it one of the top 10 states in the…[more]