If you want to get a glimpse of the wildlife that calls Fort Smith, AR home, birdwatching can be an excellent option. There are many opportunities to observe and identify bird species in the area, from songbirds to the migratory birds that make our region their home. Fort Smith has several popular hotspots, so you can meet new people while spending time outdoors.
1. Trusten Holder State Wildlife Management Area
There are numerous ways to experience Arkansas’ diverse avifauna. You can go bird watching at one of the many designated wildlife management areas, such as Trusten Holder State Wildlife Management Area, just south of Fort Smith. If you’re looking to see more than birds, you can also go canoeing, kayaking, or camping.
This is one of the best areas to spot pelicans, including the endangered American white pelican. The largest bird on the continent, this species is often spotted around Arkansas lakes and ponds during the winter. While most pelicans migrate south in the fall, this population is unusually concentrated in Arkansas. You can often spot pelicans around Lake Conway and several other lakes throughout the state.
2. Lake Dardanelle
If you are a nature lover, Lake Dardanelle is the perfect place to start your adventure. This lake is 34,300 acres of beauty and offers boating and fishing, picnic facilities, playgrounds, and dump stations. There are many bird species to see and listen to at this park, so bringing a camera is a good idea.
3. Ozark National Forest
Another great place to go see birds in Fort Smith is the Ozark National Forest, which is a half-hour drive north of the city. This park is surrounded by wetlands and wooded areas and offers numerous vantage points to observe birds. The sound of birdsong can be heard from miles away, and you may even see a rare species of Bell’s Vireo in your area. You might also spot a cerulean warbler or a wood thrush.
4. Crystal Springs Creek
Fort Smith is home to hundreds of species of birds and many of these migrate through the area every year. If you are looking for a new place to take your family to enjoy bird watching, look no further than Lake Hamilton. Thousands of acres of trees provide vantage points for viewing the birds.
You can hear the sounds of singing birds in the spring and summer months. Some of the species you can expect to see include: the Acadian flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, Painted Bunting, Wood Thrush, and Grasshopper Sparrow.
The 2016 Jeep Compass Sport is the car that will take you safely around Fort Smith to see the many alluring birds. With its electronic stability control and roll stability control, you can have the confidence that you are safe driving around the city. Though this car was released a few years ago, it still packs a punch. Stop by Rath Auto Resources of Fort Smith to see the variety of used cars we have in stock.
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