Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery

Arkansas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
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

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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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/6/2026Lake Elmdale1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

3/5/2026Lake Fayetteville1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

2/26/2026Little H Hollow1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

2/26/2026Beaver Lake Nursery Pond1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

2/25/2026Chesney Prairie Natural Area1 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

2/25/2026Lake Atalanta Park--Lake and Surrounding Trails1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

2/23/2026Lake Fayetteville--North Shore Disc Golf Course1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

2/21/2026Leonard Ranch Rd1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

2/21/2026Austin Rd from School House Rd to the Oklahoma border2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

43/6/2026

Killdeer

103/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/6/2026

American Crow

13/6/2026

American Robin

553/6/2026

Savannah Sparrow

43/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

53/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

173/6/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

223/6/2026

Rusty Blackbird

13/6/2026

Common Grackle

63/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

33/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

33/3/2026

Gadwall

93/3/2026

Mallard

143/3/2026

Green-winged Teal

33/3/2026

Bufflehead

23/3/2026

Mourning Dove

33/3/2026

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.