• Canoeing on the Buffalo

    Buffalo

    National River Arkansas

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  • Buffalo National River Announce Limits in Vistor Services

    As Buffalo National River anticipates the beginning of another season of floaters, hikers, and other visitors, things have altered to an extent where many things perhaps taken for granted in the past will be absent or at least altered. More »

  • Road Construction

    CAUTION!! Road construction will begin in Boxley Valley on Monday, April 22, 2013. Parking areas for wildlife viewing will be installed to alleviate congestion and increase safety during high traffic periods. Construction may last 180 days. More »

Birds

color photo of adult bald eagle perched on tree limb with background of cloudless blue sky

Bald Eagle near the Carver area of the park.

Backcountry Horseman Association photo

Approximately 200 species of birds use the Buffalo National River for at least some part of the year. Nearly half of those species live here year round and can be seen frequently during canoe trips down the river.
Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfishers, and Wood ducks are a common sight in almost any section of the river, and Bald Eagles are observed frequently during the winter, as they rest in trees on the ridge tops that overlook the river. Nearly 100 of the recorded species migrate to the oak-hickory forest that surround the river to build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young here during the summer.
The unbroken tracts of forest attract other migrators to feed and rest during their spring and fall migrations between breeding grounds of northern U.S. and Canada and wintering grounds in Central and South America. Many of the birds found within the canopy of the forest are more likely to be heard than seen. The challenge of identifying these cryptic birds by only their song or call can be a rewarding experience and one easily found within the dense woods of Buffalo National River.

Bird Checklist

Did You Know?

Twilight on the Buffalo National River

Did you know that there are no dams found on the Buffalo National River. In fact, a number of people realized this and fought to keep the river untouched by dam builders. On March 1, 1972, Congress established Buffalo National River as the country's first national river.