This weekend is for the birds.
That's the case at a number of Arkansas state parks taking part in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count.
Organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, the 50-state event offers the chance to have some fun with a purpose to it. As the sponsors explain, the aim is "to create a snapshot of birds across the world. All you have to do is spend 15 minutes tallying the numbers and types of birds you see."
At Pinnacle Mountain State Park, a half-hour's drive northwest of Little Rock, an interpreter will be present from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. all four days to help participants get started. There's no charge.
The park's website asks a question: "How can the birds you report seeing in just 15 minutes contribute to science and conservation?"
The answer:
"In past years, the Great Backyard Bird Count helped track rare influxes of snowy owls and the decline (and eventual rebound) of the American crow population.
"Stop by the visitor center to pick up everything you need to help assist Cornell University in its ongoing efforts to track species and learn how they have adapted — or not — to everything from climate change to suburban sprawl."
More extensive Great Backyard Bird Count activities are scheduled at Logoly State Park, near Magnolia in southwestern Arkansas. Friday's events include a guided birding hike (9-11 a.m.), a backyard birding program (noon-1 p.m.) and a winter sparrow ID workshop (2-3:30 p.m.).
Scheduled for Saturday at Logoly are a guided birding hike (9-11 a.m.), a bird art tutorial (noon-1 p.m.) and a raptor ID workshop (2-3:30 p.m.). On Sunday's calendar are another hike (9-11 a.m.), a bird-feeding demonstration (noon-1 p.m.) and an owl prowl (6-7 p.m.).
Monday brings a final hike (9-11 a.m.) and a citizen-science workshop (2-3:30 p.m.).
Flying flesh-eaters are the theme of events at two parks. At Lake Dardanelle at 4-4:30 p.m. Friday, "Resourceful Raptors" will highlight the roles of vultures in the food chain. At Mount Nebo, the topic at 11-11:30 a.m. Saturday will be "Owls: Superheroes of the Forest."
At Mississippi River State Park, near Marianna in the Delta, a fee of $8 and registration at least an hour before departure are required for the 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday birding van tour. Publicity for the tour explains that a seven-passenger vehicle will be used because there are so many great birding spots in and near the park that it's easier to take a van so you can see more of them.
At Northwest Arkansas' Lake Fort Smith State Park, visitors joining a guided Bird Scavenger Hunt at 11-11:45 a.m. Saturday should "be on the lookout for things birds eat, plants that attract birds, and even sketch birds we see on the trail."
Other state parks with bird-count activities during the weekend include Hobbs, DeGray Lake, Mount Magazine and Village Creek.
In all cases, participants are encouraged to take binoculars and/or cameras, although they are not necessary. Comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes are highly recommended.
For more information on the Great Backyard Bird Count in Arkansas, visit your local Audubon chapter or arkansasstateparks.com.
Weekend on 02/14/2019