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I visited the Arkansas Arboretum Trail Sunday March 31 during our latest short episode of spring before the return of winter. The Little Maumelle River was swollen to nearly three times its normal width and blocked part of the trail. I picked up first of season Louisiana Waterthrush and Northern Parula as well as seeing this Wild Pansy and Great Horned Owl.

All plans for Saturday were set aside when I learned that a Mountain Bluebird had been spotted in Oppelo, east of Petit Jean Mountain, perhaps only the second sighting ever of this species. I contacted my birding buddies and Saturday morning we were on our way.  The bird did not disappoint.  He showed within minutes of our arrival and acted like he owned the place for the next two hours. The morning was gray, cold, damp, and a bit windy so conditions were not ideal but I took about 70 pictures and was able to glean a few that were worth keeping.  I’m looking forward to going back when it is sunny. Thank you Justin for finding this life bird for me and Samantha. Click on the slides for a larger image.

Here are some pictures from a beautiful morning at Lake Maumelle and the old WinRock Sod Farm. Several first of year birds were seen including Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, and Winter Wren.

Click to enlarge.