Beaver Lake and Hobbes area to be site of birding activities on January 16, 2010

Joe Neal reports:
Since we have now moved into 2010, this is a reminder that the first Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society field trip is Saturday, January 16. We are meeting at Hobbs State Park - Conservation Area, 20201 E. Highway 12, Rogers at 9 AM. We will pack into as few cars as possible and drive the 5 miles down to Rocky Branch on Beaver Lake to view winter waterfowl and hopefully find land birds in the cedar and shortleaf pine stands adjacent. The productivity of mid-winter waterfowl trips to Beaver varies immensely -- from a waste of time & gas to rarities like Pacific Loon or Western Grebe. We will be hoping for a day with little or no wind, or if slight wind, from the south. Dress warmly -- but we will never be far from cars. (Note: no bathrooms are open at Rocky Branch now). After Rocky Branch we will return to Hobbes State Park & can bird some more there for anyone interested and picnic. At 2 PM, I'm presenting a program on winter birds in the Hobbes-Beaver Lake Area as part of the
park's lecture series. I am told there will be snacks (not lunch) provided at the park as part of this activity. The field trip & lecture are free & open to the public. You do not need to be a member of NWAAS or be an experienced birder to participate in this or any other field trip. If you have additional questions, call me at 479-521-1858.