23 Jun 2015 Waterfowl in the 501
Story and photos
by Linda Henderson
If I could, I would travel to exotic locations and photograph the wonders of the world, but that would require lots of money and lots of time. At this time in my life, I am busy with work and family responsibilities. Not to mention money for travel is also an issue. So, I look for photo opportunities right here in the 501. I have never thought of myself as a wildlife photographer or a bird watcher, but recently I have become interested in water birds.
Lake Conway is a wonderful place for excellent wildlife and bird photography. The Lake is a wintering habitat for many migratory birds as well as many waterfowl birds. Other Arkansas Game and Fish lakes in the 501 with great bird watching opportunities are Harris Brake Lake in Perry County and Lake Overcup north of Morrilton.
One of my favorite water birds is the Great Egret. This elegant bird is a dazzling sight as it prances its way through wetlands and on the edge of many of the lakes in the Central Arkansas area. An egret is slightly smaller and more willowy than a Great Blue Heron, which also spends lots of time in Central Arkansas lakes. Egrets are large birds with impressive wingspans. They hunt in classic heron fashion, standing immobile or wading through the water to capture fish with a jab of their yellow bill.
The Great Blue Heron is a regal sight. The blue heron has beautiful blue-gray plumage. The bird often stands motionless at the edge of a waterway waiting for a fish to swim by within striking distance. Blue herons are commonly seen in many of the lakes, marshes and sloughs in the 501.
The heron has long legs, a graceful neck and a thick knife like bill. Their head, chest and wing feathers are long and wispy. Their plumage gives them an almost unkempt look. In flight, the Great Blue Heron curls its neck into a tight S shape. The bird doesn’t necessarily migrate yearly as other waterfowl. It is perfectly happy to live within the waters where it was hatched.
The farmlands of the 501 — east Pulaski, Lonoke and White counties — have abundant hardwood bottom lands, tallgrass prairies as well as agriculture products that are important for wintering waterfowl. These farmlands attract birds that are migrating through the Mississippi flyway. The area is famous for attracting ducks, but other birds such as the snow goose can be found in the flooded or plowed land.
Snow Geese have increased in numbers and are now among some of the most abundant waterfowl in the United States. These loud-honking birds are white with a black-tipped wing and tail. They will cover a corn or rice stubble field like a snowy white blanket. When they take flight, they fly in a loose swirling, waving formation. A flock can be several thousands.
In the spring and summertime, many wetlands, lakes and urban ponds in the 501 will serve as nesting spots for Canadian geese and mallard ducks. There is nothing cuter than watching baby ducks and geese swimming and chasing after their parents. I have enjoyed seeing how quickly these little babies mature and become juveniles. Many of these migratory birds have made Central Arkansas their permanent home and can be observed year around. The good thing about these birds is they are comfortable with their human neighbors.
Urban geese and ducks will tolerate you observing them as long as you stay out of their territory. They can be territorial, so respect their space or you might get chased by mama goose.
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