Spring Birding Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas
Ozark Mountains Offer Great Birding Among Flowering Redbud Trees
Apr 11, 2009
This 2,500 acre preserve is a jewel among the 52 state parks of Arkansas. Limestone caves, miles of hiking trails, 146 camping sites and 18 comfortable cabins make the park a primary tourist attraction in northwest Arkansas. Birding is particularly good in spring, and the birds are much easier to see and photograph in early April, before the Oak, Hickory and Sycamore trees leaf out.
Birding Devil's Den State Park
More than 160 bird species are found within the park throughout the year, and spring adds migratory warblers and other birds to the many resident species.
The mile and a half Devil's Den trail, which begins behind the visitor center, coupled with a half mile spur paralleling Lee Creek, provides some of the best birding in the park. Birds commonly seen throughout the Oak and Hickory forested slopes include Blue jay, Tufted titmouse, White-breasted nuthatch, Red-bellied and Pileated woodpecker, Black and white warbler and Northern cardinal.
The trail winds among limestone outcroppings, caves, crevasses and several waterfalls. Spring wildflowers are abundant, and flowering Redbud and Dogwood dominate the otherwise leafless forest in early April. Descending to Lee Creek, the trail connects with a spur that follows the creek past the historic Donald Homesite. Along the creek, birders will find flocks of American goldfinch, Carolina chickadee, nesting Carolina wren, Downy and Hairy woodpeckers, White-throated sparrow and Eastern phoebe. Birders should carefully check the goldfinch flocks, since they sometimes include at least one Northern parula.
Park Accommodations
The park's dam, cabins and other buildings were built in the 1930s by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) as a WPA project. The cabins were renovated and modernized in the 1970s, but still maintain their rustic charm. These cabins now feature fireplaces, modern heating and air-conditioning, fully-equipped kitchens and satellite cable television.
The camp sites include many with water, sewer and electrical hookups, and a trailer dump station is also on site. Other facilities include coin-operated laundry and a seasonally-open swimming pool and cafe.
Getting to Devil's Den Park
The park's entrance is located about eight miles south of Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Interstate Highway I-540. Access to the park from I-540 is available at exit 53, Highway 170 at West Fork, which is 17 miles from the park, and also at exit 45 near Winslow, 7 miles from the park on Highway 74.
Spring Birding in The Ozark Mountains
April birders in Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas are rewarded with spectacular spring beauty in addition to first class birding.
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