Forest birding habitat

Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery

Arkansas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery is a productive birding destination in Arkansas, with 282 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/20/2026Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/19/2026Chesney Prairie Natural Area1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/18/2026Chesney Prairie Natural Area1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

4/18/2026Eagle Watch Nature Trail (Flint Creek Power Plant)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wilson's Snipe

24/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/20/2026

Canada Goose

94/20/2026

Blue-winged Teal

2004/20/2026

Mourning Dove

34/20/2026

Killdeer

84/20/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

14/20/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

14/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/20/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

14/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

324/20/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

14/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/20/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/20/2026

Northern Flicker

14/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

24/20/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

14/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery for birding?
The best months to visit Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery?
Notable species at Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery?
Birding at Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery?
Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.