Hobbs holding first loon tour

Two loon tours are scheduled by Hobbs State Park and the Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society.

Hobbs State Park offers eagle watch cruises, sunset cruises, and special dinner cruises, but this is the first time that the park will team up with the Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society for two November loon cruises.

Each cruise will be led by Joe Neal, Joan Reynolds and Rick Jones. Neal is author of articles and books on birds, including being coauthor (with Doug James) of "Arkansas Birds."

Reynolds has served as past president of the Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society. She also serves as a volunteer and an interpretive naturalist for Hobbs State Park. Her area of expertise spills over into Arkansas wildflowers.

Jones has been an avid birder and conservationist for more than years. He is currently a volunteer interpretive naturalist for Devil's Den State Park and Hobbs State Park Conservation Area. He is a Cornell Lab of Ornithology certified bluebird nest box monitor with an established nest box trail at the Botanic Garden of the Ozarks.

With these three expert guides, the deck is stacked for a good time.

During Nov. 4 and 18, the waterfowl migration will be in full swing.

"I expect there will be many bird species to see and identify," Neal said. "Besides common loons, we could also see red-throated loons. I expect we will see both pied-billed and horned grebes. Western and eared grebes are also possible. These trips fall right in the middle of waterfowl migration, and I expect we will see 10 or more species of ducks. We may see one-to-three gull species. Bald eagles should be visible, too. We will explore a loop that starts at Rocky Branch, goes down the lake towards Twin Cove, crosses to Lost Bridge-Glade and a little further west, then finish the loop back to Rocky Branch."

This event will be held from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Nov. 4, and Saturday, Nov. 18, at Rocky Branch Marina. The cost is $10 for adults (13 years and up). These are adult-only tours. Reservations necessary. For more information and to make reservations call 479-789-5000.