Lake birding habitat

Lake Elmdale

Arkansas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Elmdale is a productive birding destination in Arkansas, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Lesser Scaup 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

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/21/2026Lake Elmdale1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

4/21/2026Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery2 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/19/2026Chesney Prairie Natural Area1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/18/2026Chesney Prairie Natural Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/21/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/21/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/21/2026

Killdeer

24/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

184/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

34/21/2026

Black Vulture

14/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/21/2026

Osprey

14/21/2026

Blue Jay

14/21/2026

American Crow

14/21/2026

Fish Crow

14/21/2026

Purple Martin

14/21/2026

Barn Swallow

14/21/2026

Carolina Wren

14/21/2026

European Starling

64/21/2026

American Robin

24/21/2026

House Finch

14/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Elmdale for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Elmdale for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Elmdale?
Notable species at Lake Elmdale include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Lesser Scaup, Blue Jay, Northern Mockingbird. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Elmdale?
Birding at Lake Elmdale is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Elmdale?
Lake Elmdale offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.