Bird life is abundant along the drive. Golden eagles are active in winter and spring; turkey vultures and a few black vultures are permanent residents; and red-tailed and red shouldered hawks are year round residents of the Ouachita National Forest. Strong updrafts and turbulence above the mountain entice these birds to perform fascinating and entertaining aerial acrobatics. There are also plenty of bird species to be seen if you explore further along a trail or lookout.

There are several resources available to help you plan a bird watching trip in Arkansas and Oklahoma. These sites provide bird databases, checklists the best places to see a species and more. Arkansas and Oklahoma have something for every birder’s interest.

Birds of Arkansas – Audubon Arkansas
http://www.birdsofarkansas.org/

Arkansas Audubon Society
http://www.arbirds.org/

Arkansas Birder
http://www.arkansasbirder.net

Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission
http://www.naturalheritage.com/

Arkansas Birding and Watchable Wildlife
http://www.birdinginarkansas.com/default.aspx

Encyclopedia of Arkansas
http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=4510

State Parks of Arkansas
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/things-to-do/wildlife/birding.aspx

Birds of Oklahoma
http://www.birdsofoklahoma.net/

Oklahoma Audubon Council
http://www.okaudubon.org/

Oklahoma Birds
http://www.oklahomabirds.com/

Oklahoma Birds and Butterflies
http://oklahomabirdsandbutterflies.com/

Oklahoma Ornithological Society
http://www.okbirds.org/

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/

eBird
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

National Audubon Society
http://www.audubon.org/

All About Birds of the World – Bird Checklists
http://www.birdlist.org/