Join Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society (NWAAS) for its monthly field trip to Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery in Centerton, tomorrow at 8 a.m.

Meet at the hatchery’s parking area adjacent to the picnic shelter. All ages and skill levels are welcome. You do not have to be a member of NWAAS to participate. You can stay as long as you like and go home when you are ready. There is no on-site bathroom, but there is a McDonald’s a mile away in Centerton. Walking will be on grassy mowed lawn or 2 track road.

The hatchery is designated by Audubon Arkansas as an Important Bird Area for good reason. Day in and day out, season after season, the hatchery is interesting and sometimes stunning in terms of its bird life. The southward fall migration of sandpipers and other shorebirds will be well underway in August. Birds that nested in Alaska and Canada and across the Arctic tundra will be passing through. Depending on weather and quality of mudflat habitat, there may be 6-8 shorebird species.

You can see shorebirds anywhere in the state at this time, but the hatchery is special because they can often be seen at close range. If folks who regularly use spotting scopes turn out for this trip, anyone who is interested in an eyeball-to-eyeball look at these fascinating birds should have a memorable day.

Click here for more information and directions to the hatchery.

For more information about NWAAS, visit www.nwarkaudubon.org.