Post
by seark » Tue May 27, 2008 12:12 am
Have to agree with Bev - Lake Ouachita is outstanding - otters, loons, beavers, eagles, osprey, songbirds, deer. Recommend a week day in summer or a Sunday evening after the weekenders have headed home.
Also - Cane Creek Lake at Cane Creek State Park, Arkansas Post National Memorial (Best Gator Watching site, also excellent birding), and any of the National Wildlife Refuges in the state. Besides paddling ops, many of the NWFs also have nature drives or hiking trails for wildlife watchers.
People should also consider the stream, lake, Arkansas State Park or AGFC Nature Center/Education Center nearest their home. People often mistakenly think they have to be in a wilderness area to see wildlife when in fact much of our wildlife has adapted to human environs. A key to seeing wildlife at any of these sites is to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as others have noted. Think dusk and dawn. The visitor centers may be closed but the trails and boat ramps are usually open.
Other tips, go slow or sit quietly for many minutes. Look up down and all around. Let the critters forget your there. Once spotted, try not to stare directly at the animals unless you are concealed. They are attuned to a predator's stare and will take flight. Continue drifting/walking slowly and use your peripheral vision to not scare the animal. Savor the common - crows, blue jays, rabbits, squirrels, insects can be fascinating to watch. Don't get too caught up in numbers or "rare" sightings. Also, becoming familiar with the usual suspects will increase your ability to recognize an uncommon species. Teaching yourself and your children to be observant is developing a skill critical in safety and success in many endeavors.
A lightning strike took out the modem, the router, the telephone and the garage door opener. 