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

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

4/21/2026Petit Jean SP--Mather Lodge

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

4/20/2026Lake Atkins--Lucky Landing1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

4/19/2026Atkins Bottoms1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

24/20/2026

Barred Owl

14/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/20/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/20/2026

Blue Jay

34/20/2026

American Crow

24/20/2026

Fish Crow

14/20/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/20/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/20/2026

Carolina Wren

14/20/2026

European Starling

24/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/20/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/20/2026

American Robin

14/20/2026

American Goldfinch

24/20/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/20/2026

White-throated Sparrow

24/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

74/20/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/20/2026

Common Grackle

54/20/2026

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.