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Erin & Cotter

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Birds

The date we chose for our wedding is no coincidence, as it doesn’t get much better than early May in Central Arkansas’ Birding Calendar. Erin and I like to assign a bird to each wedding we go to based on whichever one seems to be lingering during the ceremony. On our wedding day downtown, we spotted a Mississippi Kite (unlisted) almost immediately. They are a summer resident bird-of-prey - one of my favorites. Below is a “Top 10” list of “easy” birds to look out for if you make your way to us (and probably in your own backyard).
Question

Northern Mockingbird

Answer

Arkansas’ State Bird. A striking, grey, slender bird with distinct white wing bars, and white tail stripe. Found throughout the state in various environments. Particularly loves magnolia trees, where it sings at night (see To Kill a Mockingbird). Often perches at the highest point in a feeding area and goes through repeating “mockeries” of vocalizations. The behavior is thought to discourage other birds from visiting feeders and other food sources, since the calls make the area sound overpopulated. Very fitting for Arkansas’ State Bird, because we'd also prefer that people stop moving here...

Question

Carolina Chickadee

Answer

You see these dudes everywhere. Gray and white with a distinct black cap. Beautiful song that I swear they only sing between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Question

Tufted Titmouse

Answer

You also see these dudes everywhere. Miniature, gray cardinals with big black eyes. Very chatty - not afraid of you.

Question

Carolina Wren

Answer

You never have to wonder if the wrens are around. Pound for pound the loudest and most vocal birds in the forest. Little brown guys with longish, downturned beaks. The defining feature is their cocked tail and their lack of silence.

Question

Eastern Blue Bird

Answer

Did you know it is related to the Robin? Rusty, brown belly, medium sized, but blue.

Question

Northern Flicker (Erin’s Favorite)

Answer

Larger than a Robin, but more slender. Actually a woodpecker, but often seen foraging on the ground and at feeders. Distinct black cheek patches, yellow under wings, very colorful, very beautiful. Very cutesy, very demure.

Question

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Answer

Got a daggum red mohawk, but gets it's name from a little red patch on the belly that you likely won’t see. Most common woodpecker. Fairly large, makes squeaky-toy type call (most woodpeckers do).

Question

Green Heron

Answer

Only if you’re near a body of water. Short, stout little heron that folds it's neck in. Proud of you if you see one. Erin will give you a dollar.

Question

Red-Tailed Hawk

Answer

Biggest hawk you’ll see and fairly common. Distinct red tail that you will see from above when soaring. The bottom of the tail has no bars or stripes, which is how you can distinguish it from red-shouldered or broad winged hawks.

Question

House Finch

Answer

Females look like every other little gray bird, but the males have beautiful pinkish/purplish heads and rumps. They flock together and make a hell of a lot of noise.

For all the days along the way
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