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Joe Neal, Curator - Arkansas Audubon Society

joeneal@uark.edu

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Following are recent records submitted to the Arkansas Audubon Society seasonal bird database.  These records have not been vetted.  Check your record for accuracy.

Species: Townsends solitaire
County: Logan
Locale: Mount Magazine State Park
Date: 01/09/08 - 03/01/08
Number: 1
Observers: Don R. Simons and others
email: don.simons@arkansas.gov

comments

This bird was first found at the first pull out on Cameron Bluff Overlook Drive. I checked on it almost daily. It responded to a tape of its species by flying in and perching in treetops and sometimes with call notes. On Feb. 7th I found it across the hollow near Brown's Spring Picnic Area. I saw it for the last time on March 1st. I was not able to find it on March 6th.

Species: Townseds solitaire
County: Logan
Locale: Mount Magazine State Park
Date: 02/09/08
Number: 1
Observers: Don R. Simons
email: don.simons@arkansas.gov

comments

This bird was below the lodge and is believed to be a different one from the solitaire found half a mile to the northwest. It perched in treetops. I was not using a tape of its song when I saw it. I was not able to relocate it an hour later.

Species: Townsends solitaire
County: Logan
Locale: Mount Magazine State Park
Date: 04/02/07 - 04/06/07
Number: 1
Observers: Don R. Simons and others
email: don.simons@arkansas.gov

comments

This solitaire was found west of cabin #1 above the south facing bluff. It would not respond to a tape of its song. Believed to be the first April record for this species in Arkansas.

Species: Northern Parula
County: Garland
Locale: Hot Springs
Date: 03/03/08
Number: 1
Observers: Bill and Susan Trimble
email: btrimble2@earthlink.net

comments

AAS Bird Records Database lists on other records of a Northern Parula arriving the first week of March.

Species: Clay-colored Sparrow
County: Washington
Locale: Mudcreek Trail (Fayetteville)
Date: 02/12/08
Number: 1
Observers: Mike Mlodinow
email: mamlod@hotmail.com

comments

Probably an adult.Documented.If accepted, the first winter record for Arkansas.

Species: Northern Shrike
County: Benton
Locale: About 1 mile north of Maysville
Date: 12/30/07
Number: 1
Observers: Mike Mlodinow,Dennis Braddy, Jacque Brown
email: mamlod@hotmail.com

comments

An Immature.Documented. First seen with Joe Neal on Dec.25, but seen poorly. If accepted, the first record for Arkansas.

Species: Red-necked Grebe
County: Pulaski
Locale: Lake Maumelle
Date: 3/9/08
Number: 1
Observers: Kenny & LaDonna Nichols
email: kingbird@centurytel.net

comments

Very rare winter visitor.

Species: Red-throated Loon
County: Pulaski
Locale: Lake Maumelle
Date: 3/9/08
Number: 1
Observers: Kenny & LaDonna Nichols
email: kingbird@centurytel.net

comments

Very rare winter visitor. Winter plumage.

Species: Stilt Sandpiper
County: Desha
Locale: Kelso
Date: 3/6/08
Number: 1
Observers: Dick Baxter
email: richard.baxter@smail.astate.edu

comments

Early migrant, possibly the earliest for the state. Basic plumage. Seen in a mixed flock comprised of about 50 Dunlin, 350 LB Dowitchers, 150 Greater Yellowlegs, 60 Lesser Yellowlegs, and 75 Least Sandpipers.

Species: Painted Bunting
County: Washington
Locale: Doug and Elizabeth James residence 20 S Duncan St
Date: 01/19/2008
Number: 1
Observers: Douglas James and Elizabeth Adam James
email: djames@uark.edu

comments

This was a green, female. It was seen on Jan 19, 20, 21, 23, coming to a feeder in the backyard. Only January record for the state.

Species: Northern Shrike
County: Benton
Locale: Wet Prairie Road NE of Maysville
Date: 12/25/07
Number: 1
Observers: Mike Mlodinow, Joe Neal
email: joeneal@uark.edu

comments

JN comments: Mike and I saw a bird that looked to me like an odd shrike, but tan colored. For me, from the driver's side, partially obscured, but Mike had a clearer view to the right on the passenger's side. I had no experience with Northern Shike, but Mike did and he identified it as such, though we both felt a better view was necessary to establish a first state record. A Northern Shrike in this plumage was identified and photographed on Dec 30 (see MMM card and documentation form for the Dec. 30 sighting).

Species: Surf Scoter
County: Benton
Locale: Riocky Branch on Beaver Lake
Date: 11/04/07
Number: 1
Observers: Joe Neal, Mike Mlodinow
email: joeneal@uark.edu

comments

Our only such record this season. This duck is rare overall in NWA.

Species: Brewers Blackbird
County: Benton
Locale: Centerton
Date: 11/10/07
Number: 17
Observers: Joe Neal, Mike Mlodinow, Jacque Brown
email: joeneal@uark.edu

comments

Males and females. A good count for NWA. One of several records this winter. Species is very uncommon and even somewhat rare here. Always an interesting surprise. I have photographed them in various places, but they are scarce enough to require close scrutiny.

Species: Great-tailed Grackle
County: Benton
Locale: Highway 279 between Vaughn and Centerton
Date: 11/22/07
Number: 125
Observers: Joe Neal, Mike Mlodinow
email: joeneal@uark.edu

comments

A relatively big flock. We have frequently seen them staging in this area, near a dairy farm, while traveling to the fish hatchery. There must be a winter night roost nearby, probably to the W judging from the flight pattern.

Species: Eurasian Collared-Dove
County: Benton
Locale: Just north of Vaugn and E of 279
Date: 12/01/07
Number: 39
Observers: Joe Neal
email: joeneal@uark.edu

comments

A relatively high count for NWA. This is in a dairy farm area. Also many Mourning Doves, Great-tailed Grackles and others foraging in the area.

Species: Short-eared Owl
County: Washington
Locale: Fayetteville area, Stonebridge Meadows golf club
Date: 12/29/07
Number: 1
Observers: Lynn Armstrong, Joe Neal
email: joeneal@uark.edu

comments

This bird was originally found during the Fayetteville CBC by Armostrong and others. We refound it and I collected images. This area is former Tallgrass Prairie and the lowlands have good cover with many native plants (like compass plant), which is where the owl was roosting.

Species: Great-tailed Grackle
County: Benton
Locale: former prairie fields near intersection of 12 and 43
Date: 01/01/08
Number: 500
Observers: Joe Neal, Mike Mlodinow
email: joeneal@uark.edu

comments

Estimated number; could have been more. A good count for NWA.

Species: Chipping Sparrow
County: Washington
Locale: Norwood area, on line of Washington and Benton counties
Date: 01/03/08
Number: 9
Observers: Joe Neal
email: joeneal@uark.edu

comments

A good winter count for NWA. Actual number was probably higher, since after seeing these birds, the flock took off, and it numbered about 50 individuals, though at least some were juncos.

Species: Merlin
County: Benton
Locale: Wet Prairie area
Date: 01/20/08
Number: 1
Observers: Joe Neal, Jacque Brown
email: joeneal@uark.edu

comments

This bird attached a flock of White-crowned Sparrows directly in front of us. We saw it just as it reached the road, then flared low and directly over us. Based upon the blue dorsal view, and the undertail, it was an adult Richardsonii. (Mike Mlodinow was also on this trip, but didn't get a diagnostic view).

Species: Common Redpoll
County: Boone
Locale: Between Harmon & Zinc
Date: 02/16/08
Number: 1
Observers: Sherry Stansbery, Ted Stansbery
email: greatblu@southshore.com

comments

Very few sightings in AR. The redpoll is female, grey/brown on back very similar to pine siskin and is usually seen in with a mix of pine siskins, goldfinches and purple finches. Photo sent earlier.

Species: Barn Owl
County: Washington
Locale: Razorback Golf Course
Date: 02/17/08
Number: 1
Observers: Abby Darrah
email: adarrah@uark.edu

comments

It is my understanding that Barn Owls are not very common in the Ozark Highlands.

Species: Harris Sparrow
County: Poinsett
Locale: Senteney Road
Date: 3/10/08
Number: 1
Observers: Dick Baxter
email: richard.baxter@smail.astate.edu

comments

Very rare in NE Arkansas; probably a first for Poinsett County. Adult. With White-crowns.

Species: Smiths Longspur
County: Prairie I believe
Locale: Stuttgart Airport
Date: 03/13/2008
Number: 1
Observers: Lynn Barber
email: dalybar@aol.com

comments

the single bird flew up from short grass off the edge of one of the paved areas of the runway, and after a quick flight of about 30 feet dropped to the grass, and was never found again. The obvious white tail edges on both sides of a dark tail and the overall buffy color were observed. The bird's behavior was unlike a Sprague's Pipit (see later) or an American Pipit or a Vesper Sparrow. While my view was not very long or very good, I have seen Smith's before, and I am convinced that is what I saw, although I am aware it is late for the bird in AR.

Species: Le Contes Sparrow
County: Ashley
Locale: Route 189 between Route 133 and Hamburg
Date: 01/09/2008
Number: 6
Observers: James Nelson, Ann Nelson
email: kingfishers2@verizon.net

comments

First ones we have seen in Ashley County. Located in brushy edge of farm field.

Species: Blue-headed Vireo
County: Ashley
Locale: Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge
Date: 01/10/08
Number: 1
Observers: James Nelson, Ann Nelson
email: kingfishers2@verizon.net

comments

Uncommon in Winter.

Species: Blue-headed Vireo
County: Ashley
Locale: Trail around lake in town park in Crossett
Date: 02/28/08
Number: 1
Observers: James Nelson
email: kingfishers2@verizon.net

comments

Uncommon in Winter.

Species: Pine Siskin
County: Ashley
Locale: Crossett
Date: 01/13/08
Number: 2
Observers: James Nelson
email: kingfishers2@verizon.net

comments

Uncommon in Winter.

Species: Purple Finch
County: Ashley
Locale: Crossett
Date: 02/23/08
Number: 3
Observers: James Nelson
email: kingfishers2@verizon.net

comments

Uncommon in Winter.

Species: Purple Finch
County: Ashley
Locale: Crossett
Date: 02/26/08
Number: 1
Observers: James Nelson
email: kingfishers2@verizon.net

comments

Uncommon in Winter.

Species: Purple Martin
County: Ashley
Locale: Trail around lake in town park in Crossett
Date: 02/28/08
Number: 1
Observers: James Nelson
email: kingfishers2@verizon.net

comments

First of year.

Species: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
County: Clark
Locale: Arkadelphia oxidation ponds
Date: 03/15/08
Number: 7
Observers: Don and Dolores Harrington, Glenn and Evelyn Good, Gail Golden
email: dolores@siftingsherald.com

comments

The species is a rare winter visitor to the state, and the sighting was probably a first for the location.

Species: Red-breasted Merganser
County: Clark
Locale: Arkadelphia oxidation ponds
Date: 03/15/08
Number: 9
Observers: Don and Dolores Harrington, Glenn and Evelyn Good, Gail Golden
email: dolores@siftingsherald.com

comments

The species is rarely seen at this location and usually only one or two ducks are present. The 9 birds seen on 03/15 were all drakes in alternate plumage.