Ozark National Forest

Arkansas

Located in northwest Arkansas, the Ozark National Forest spans 1.2 million acres of spectacular mountain scenery, clear streams, and lush hardwood forests. This premier birding destination is renowned for spring migration when forests ring with songs of vireos, thrushes, warblers, and tanagers. The region supports significant populations of interior forest birds and is a top choice for Arkansas birders.

Best Months to Visit

April to June

Birding Season

Spring and Summer

Notable Species

Cerulean Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Acadian Flycatcher Wood Thrush Chestnut-sided Warbler Worm-eating Warbler

Top Birding Guides in Ozark National Forest

Browse our selection of expert birding guides serving the Ozark National Forest area.

Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society

5.0

Registered non-profit organization serving the four-county region of northwest Arkansas (Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties). Offers free field trips open to the public throughout the Ozark National Forest and surrounding areas. Maintains a referral list of professional birding guides and provides educational programs focused on Ozark forest birds including warblers, vireos, and woodland species.

Ozark forest birds Spring migration Warbler identification

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Ozark Natural Science Center

4.5

Non-profit environmental education organization located in Huntsville, Arkansas, nestled within 15,000 acres of the Ozark landscape. ONSC offers public birding programs including the annual Birds & Blooms weekend in April, focusing on early spring wildflowers and migratory songbirds. Features 8 miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats ideal for observing interior forest birds. Hosts citizen science programs and seasonal educational camps. The center is embedded within McIlroy Madison County Wildlife Management Area and has recorded over 126 bird species.

Spring migration Interior forest birds Educational programs

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