This park is located
in Bixby on the west side of US 64 (Memorial Drive), just north of the
Arkansas River Bridge at 131 St. S. It is on the north bank of the river
with an expanse of sand when water is low.
The park consists
mainly of medium to large deciduous trees covering a well-mowed picnic
area. Yellow-throated Warblers are especially easy to find in the picnic
area near the parking lot. Look for woodpeckers, nuthatches, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted
Titmice, Carolina and Bewick's wrens, and Great Crested Flycatchers in
this area. Be sure to check the river for herons and egrets in summer,
gulls and terns in spring and fall, and for ducks and cormorants in
winter. The weedy areas bordering the north and south sides of the park
should be investigated for birds which like the denser habitat such as
Cardinals, thrushes, and wintering sparrows.
There are two sewage
ponds on the west end of the park that attract migrating shorebirds and
some ducks. The gates are kept locked but most of the eastern pond may
be seen from the fence.
Across the highway
from the park is a sod farm where one should look for shorebirds in
spring and late summer. Heavy traffic is a problem; use caution when
entering or leaving the park, and do not attempt to park on the
roadside.
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