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Outdoors & Sports / Birding / Birding Locations
Ozark National Forest
When birding in the Ozarks National Forest look for the natural habitats that attract
specific species.
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Eagle near Bull Shoals Lake
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Hardwood forests, pine forests, ridge tops, hillsides, stream
sides and glades of this beautiful land provide excellent habitats for nesting
warblers, tanagers, woodpeckers and vireos.
Boone County/Harrison
Located in the middle of the Ozarks, north of the Boston Mountains, Boone County has
wooded, developed, agricultural, stream and lake habitats. Over 100 species have
been found with some evidence of nesting. With migrating species and winter
residents includes, as many as 200 species may be found.
Lake Harrison
Lake Harrison on Crooked Creek in downtown
Harrison is easily accessible, even for those limited in activities. It has a
resident population of ducks and among them there have been Wood Ducks at times.
Wild species may be attracted in such as Yellow crowned Night Heron, Green Herons and
Bufflehead. Even Ring-billed Gulls have been seen there, as well as at Bull Shoals
Lake.
Baker Prairie
This Natural Conservancy of tall grass
prairie of approximately 65 acres at the western edge of Harrison. It is the most
important example of the tall grass prairies that were once more abundant in this
part of the state. Located on Goblin Drive, it can be found on both sides of the
road. Many species of Birds are abundant in this area. Look for Grasshopper Sparrows
nesting on the prairie and in the fields to the west. The Painted Bunting has been
seen and heard in scrubby areas along the prairie borders. Bobolinks have been
spotted in spring migration, late April and early May, and have been recorded
annually along the Lone Oak Dairy road located two miles west of Baker Prairie off of
highway 397. Baker Prairie is a point of interest for locals and visitors
alike.
Cricket Creek Boat Dock Area
Cricket Creek Boat Dock area on Table Rock Lake in
the northwest corner of the county is a reliable location for nesting Prothonotary
and Parula Warblers. Tree Swallows are there in good numbers due to some standing
trees in the water. Scarlet Tanagers have been found in the large unbroken tracks of
woods. A few Black Vultures are always present. Over 110 species have been found
nearby.
Tucker Holler Boat Dock Area
Tucker Holler Boat Dock area on Bull Shoals Lake
in the central north border of the county is readily accessible. Bald Eagles are
fairly common there in the winter. Mergansers have spent the winter there.
Ironstob Chapel to Bergman Road
These great country
roads are known for wood warblers in the spring migration as is the road out of the Capps
community known as the Terrapin Creek road.
Lead Hill Boat Dock Area
Lead Hill Boat Dock area at Diamond City on Bull
Shoals Lake in the Northeast corner of the county has been reliable for many species
including nesting Painted Buntings, Orchard Orioles, Yellow Breasted Chats, and
Prairie Warblers. Bald Eagles are found all along the White River Lakes in the
winter. Even American Avocets and Caspian Terns have been seen here in the proper
season of migration.
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