Chesney Prairie Natural Area

Arkansas · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Grassland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Chesney Prairie Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Arkansas, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Eurasian Collared-Dove among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Mallard Eurasian Collared-Dove Mourning Dove Killdeer

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

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

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/16/2026Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/15/2026Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

4/14/2026Yard1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Northern)

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/14/2026my backyard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

54/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/20/2026

Black Vulture

14/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/20/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

34/20/2026

American Goldfinch

304/20/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/20/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/20/2026

Blue-winged Teal

34/20/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/20/2026

Mourning Dove

34/20/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

14/20/2026

Blue Jay

14/20/2026

American Crow

34/20/2026

Fish Crow

24/20/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/20/2026

Barn Swallow

24/20/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Arkansas

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge

Arkansas River refuge with wintering eagles, waterfowl, and summer grassland birds.

Andrew H. Hulsey State Fish Hatchery

Forest birding hotspot in Arkansas with 243 recorded species.

Arkansas Post National Memorial

Forest birding hotspot in Arkansas with 212 recorded species.

Arkansas Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Arkansas →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chesney Prairie Natural Area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Chesney Prairie Natural Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Chesney Prairie Natural Area?▼

Notable species at Chesney Prairie Natural Area include Canada Goose, Mallard, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Killdeer. The area supports grassland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Chesney Prairie Natural Area?▼

Birding at Chesney Prairie Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Chesney Prairie Natural Area?▼

Chesney Prairie Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.