The odd duck in Arkansas’ Important Bird Area (IBA) program has gorgeous Swans. The 60-acre privately-owned IBA has the biggest and longest-running wintering population Trumpeter Swans in the South.
The presence of more than 320 birds each season make this location vital in restoring the migratory population for the bird species. The splendor the birds’ accessibility has created an interest in a lot of people who are not normally thought to be birders.
Site Description:
Magness Lake is a 25-acre oxbow of Little Red River that is six miles to the east from Heber Springs. Nearby to the lake are woods in the bottomland and pastures. With a significant personal cost, the Eason family has assisted the Swans by feeding them cracked corn. They also have assisted wildlife enthusiasts by expanding the parking lot and putting up signs. Don’t forget to show your gratitude if you come across them.
History Summary:
Arkansas is a part Trumpeter Swans’ historical wintering zone, but the species disappeared at the beginning of the 1900s. In the month of January 1991, three immatures were observed in Magness Lake. Four adults were spotted the following winter and, ever since, the population has fluctuated but has been increasing until it has been the largest and longest-running wintering group of Trumpeters in the south of the US.
Magness Lake has become an important location for the restoration of the self-sustaining population of migratory birds. In fact, the numbers have risen to the point that, in recent years, birds have spread into nearby lakes.
Conservation Issues:
Visitors are welcomed when Swans are in the area (early November through early March; afternoons in the late afternoon are ideal). However, be sure to park only in designated areas. Please be considerate of private property and bird habitat, as well as stop others from entering the area or feeding the birds a diet that is unhealthy, like bread.
It is believed that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has relocated swans from Iowa in the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge and Boxley Valley in an attempt to increase the number of migratory species. It will be interesting to see whether the efforts are successful. Recently, Swans have appeared independently in several areas of the state showing the effectiveness in Midwest conservation efforts, and boing well for the restoration of the migratory swan population.
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