holla bend national wildlife refuge

We spend a few hours birding here on a sunny and cool mid November afternoon. From the looks of it, we were the only birders; about a dozen other groups were here - all hunters. Immediately after paying the $4 entrance fee we were treated to a flock of 200 snow geese flying low overhead, then we were treated to a pair of perched Red Tailed Hawks, then not much. Although at the substantial overlook tower we did not succeed with much birding, but we did enjoy the close up antics of a lone armadillo. When we stopped along the Arkansas river we were treated to the sight of eight Bald Eagles feeding on a fish along the opposite river bank; this was reason enough to set up the tripod and mount the 500mm lens and camera. The lighting was perfect; we watch the antics for about a half hour.

As with most places, if you do a bit of research before you go, you will have a better chance of seeing and/or doing what you find most interesting. Holla Bend NWR is is managed for wildlife of all types that would be expected in the habitats available. It's a great place to bird; hunting is allowed, so know the seasons; there are mammals there, deer abound, but expecting to see bear is being a bit unrealistic given the habitats.There is an active Friends group whose time and effort contributions are valuable extensions of the limited number of paid staff.As for birding, where and when are of about equal importance (after studying the possibilities). There is a full suite of nesting passerines that would be expected in the habitats at Holla Bend. Spring migration brings a good number of species passing through (but other sites may give better opportunities for viewing them. There is a new nature trail through woods that has a view of a small lake. The viewing tower is good for waterfowl (we were treated to Trumpeter Swans), and of the field across the road. A prairie restoration project is underway. Nest boxes have been placed for Prothonotary Warbler. Bald eagles nest here and Black and Turkey Vultures roost. Waterfowl, sparrows, Loggerhead Shrike, and various raptors are among the draws for autumn to early spring birding.

I saw very few birds but I did see lots of hunters. It appears as though they are spending a lot of tax dollars to lure birds and small animals so that hunters can more easily kill them. Very disappointing, bordering on downright depressing.

A pleasant drive (about 8 miles) through the refuge, but DON'T expect to see wildlife other than birds. This place was made to be a birding refuge for migrating birds and it is spectacular as such. Just don't expect deer and bears and the like to run across the road in front of you.

The Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge is mainly meant for hunters, so if you are here for hiking or wildlife observation you might feel disappointed. However, as a runner I can say that Holla Bend is a great place to run as well. The 10+ miles worth of dirt roads going through the refuge make for a great place to train for anyone doing a half marathon or marathon. My suggestion would be to visit Holla Bend NWR if you are a runner or a hunter, but if you are a hiker than only visit after you have visited surrounding attractions such as Mount Nebo State Park or Petit Jean State Park.

Less than an hour's drive from Hot S[rings or Little Rock, Holla Bend is a must-do day trip for the dead of winter. As the weather gets coder, more eagles can be seen. Bring binoculars or better yet a spotting scope, a sack snack & thermos of coffee and prepare to spend a lot of time slow driving down gravel roads through cut over corn flieds, etc. Where there is grain, there are geese, Where there are geese, there are eagles. Holla Bend is the wide open space around an oxbow lake with unlimited sightings on a lucky day. One year I saw a hawk and 2 armadillos, but then again another time I saw 18 eagles. With a spotter scope you can get close enough to see them blink! Again, this is a dead of winter day trip. Dare to go and you might get really lucky. No eagles, head for Petit Jean State Park Mather Lodge-15 min. away-for a great meal in their restaurant and some mountain trail hiking.