I am taking some time off (June 27th to July 5th) from the daily grind and was thinking about some birding (specifically wading or shore birds) from Ozark --> Conway and beyond. Aaron Szabo and I are thinking about shooting some nature photography together, so I am simply soliciting some ideas from folks.
I am not as familiar with the area, having only been in Russellville a few times. Does anyone have suggestions as to where the bird concentrations might be best? I don't mind bringing a blind and setting up shop either. This would tie in with some landscape shooting if possible.
While some herons and egrets are still nesting, many have nearly full-grown fledglings by now. Still, wherever you find bird-walking-water, e.g., shallow or marshy water with growing plants, you will probably find herons and egrets. Also, don't overlook the possibility of songbirds in trees and bushes along the edge of lakes and marshes. Just watch for a while and you will be amazed how many show up.
Those more familiar with Central Arkansas will be able to offer more specific advice. Holla Bend NWR may be a fruitful area to check out. However, I have not been there. Some of the contributors to this forum have much more knowledge of the area than do I.
If the mass quanities of Egrets and Herons were still in my area, I would invite everyone over. But most have gone. Two weeks ago there were hundreds and now about 50 or less and spread out. I'll try to get out Friday morning and see what is hanging around. Earlier in the week, about five Little Blue Herons and several Great Egrets were hanging around.
This is at the Blackwell exit on I-40. Also, there is a good swamp that would work for landscape. Part of the swamp at Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA can be seen half way down the page on my blog- http://enjoyarkansas.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-05-23T15%3A36%3A00-07%3A00 Lake Conway has some good spots too. I'll send you a email with more info later Friday.
Posted by Marc Langille on June 25, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Thanks Mark - I am used to hunting 1 to 2 of them at a time, so hearing that many means better odds in my mind! I'd love to photograph some Little Blues - that's something I do not have in my portfolio. I never say no to GBH or GE's either!!!
Discussion
5 repliesI am taking some time off (June 27th to July 5th) from the daily grind and was thinking about some birding (specifically wading or shore birds) from Ozark --> Conway and beyond. Aaron Szabo and I are thinking about shooting some nature photography together, so I am simply soliciting some ideas from folks.
I am not as familiar with the area, having only been in Russellville a few times. Does anyone have suggestions as to where the bird concentrations might be best? I don't mind bringing a blind and setting up shop either. This would tie in with some landscape shooting if possible.
Thanks,
Marc
Those more familiar with Central Arkansas will be able to offer more specific advice. Holla Bend NWR may be a fruitful area to check out. However, I have not been there. Some of the contributors to this forum have much more knowledge of the area than do I.
Thanks for the message good sir!
This is at the Blackwell exit on I-40. Also, there is a good swamp that would work for landscape. Part of the swamp at Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA can be seen half way down the page on my blog- http://enjoyarkansas.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-05-23T15%3A36%3A00-07%3A00 Lake Conway has some good spots too. I'll send you a email with more info later Friday.
Here is one I photographed in the middle of Seattle - by Lake Washington:http://www.marclangille.com/photos/468353279_RptuT-XL.jpg
Look forward to the report.