Wetland landscape with waterfowl at Holla Bend refuge

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge

Arkansas · Southeast

Habitat
WetlandGrasslandForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

November-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Holla Bend NWR occupies a former bend of the Arkansas River, creating a mosaic of wetlands, croplands, and bottomland hardwoods that attract impressive numbers of wintering waterfowl and raptors. Bald Eagles congregate here from November through February.

The refuge's auto tour loop offers excellent roadside birding, with large flocks of Snow Geese, thousands of ducks, and soaring eagles visible from your vehicle. Spring and summer bring nesting Painted Buntings, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, and Dickcissels.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

46/15/2026

Northern Bobwhite

46/15/2026

Wild Turkey

16/15/2026

Mourning Dove

126/15/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

56/15/2026

Common Nighthawk

16/15/2026

Green Heron

16/15/2026

Great Egret

56/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/15/2026

Bald Eagle

16/15/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/15/2026

Barred Owl

16/15/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

46/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/15/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

36/15/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

46/15/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

56/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/15/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Drive the auto tour loop slowly in winter for close views of eagles and waterfowl

  2. 2

    Summer mornings are best for Painted Buntings singing from roadside perches

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge for birding are November-April. The best seasons are Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge include Bald Eagle, Snow Goose, American White Pelican, Painted Bunting, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture, Belted Kingfisher. The area supports wetland, grassland, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge?
Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.