...then this is a great time to drive through Holla Bend NWR. Seems there are more birds than just about any other year I've seen. Last year I was afraid that the songbirds had abandoned the Bend as a stop-over on their migratory route, but this year they've returned in abundance -- indigo buntings, common yellow warblers, tanagers, scissor tailed flycatchers, blue buntings and numerous others are readily spotted. My personal favorite pictured here, the painted bunting, is more abundant than I have ever seen. An early morning or late afternoon trip through is well worth the time.
Wow, gorgeous shot Dave! Thanks for the info - I'd really like to get over that way.
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on June 20, 2007 at 2:14 PM
Beautiful shot Dave! Glad to hear you've got a target rich environment this year.
I'm still hoping to create a good avian photo environment in my backyard. The one spot I can shoot from doesn't take advantage of the prevailing good light, morning or evening. And I finally have a lens with enough reach to make a decent capture too.
Great shot. I wish I could head that way. My 2 favorite spots, Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira NWR, are both underwater and closed or nearly closed, so I've had to find try other spots for birds, which isn't a bad idea :).
Posted by Dena Sanders on June 20, 2007 at 9:34 PM
Wow, neat shot! I didn't even know that place existed. I'll have to add it to the list of places to visit. Please share more as you get them!
Thanks to all for your kind comments. Holla Bend has truly become a birders paradise all through the year. As I stated, this time of year the song birds are abundant. The indigo buntings are almost as plentiful as sparrows and easily spotted along the roadway through the park. Scissortails are throughout the reserve along with summer tanagers, scarlet tanagers, yellow headed blackbirds, yellow-bellied flycatchers, prothonotary warblers -- the list just goes on and on. Even the most casual observer can see more types in a couple of hours than most will see all year. I will admit this is the best year I've seen so if you can get over, be sure and take the time.
In the fall it's a major stopover for all types of ducks, raptors and snow geese. With the snow geese come the eagles. This past year was by far the best for eagles. On one particular outing we counted over 50 adults and juveniles.
If you're driving through in the early morning or late afternoon, along with the birds, you're likely to see deer, coyote, bobcat and a large variety of mammals that make the Bend their home.
In my opinion, Holla Bend is one of Arkansas' hidden treasures for photographers.
Wait a minute! What am I doing telling all of you about it?
Discussion
6 repliesC/C appreciated.
Dave Hatfield
I'm still hoping to create a good avian photo environment in my backyard. The one spot I can shoot from doesn't take advantage of the prevailing good light, morning or evening. And I finally have a lens with enough reach to make a decent capture too.
Thanks for sharing, wonderful shot!
In the fall it's a major stopover for all types of ducks, raptors and snow geese. With the snow geese come the eagles. This past year was by far the best for eagles. On one particular outing we counted over 50 adults and juveniles.
If you're driving through in the early morning or late afternoon, along with the birds, you're likely to see deer, coyote, bobcat and a large variety of mammals that make the Bend their home.
In my opinion, Holla Bend is one of Arkansas' hidden treasures for photographers.
Wait a minute! What am I doing telling all of you about it?
Have a great day!
Dave Hatfield