Written by Samantha M Holschbach
Arkansas is often taken for granted as the ‘Natural State,’ especially by college students immersed in studies and on-campus activities, perhaps too busy to relish the state’s natural wonders. However, many conservation efforts are underway to ensure that Arkansas preserves its esteemed outdoor heritage.
In fact, conservationists have recently given attention to an estimated 40,000 Purple Martins peppering the sky above ‘Bird Island’ a span of cypress trees on Lake Ouachita in west-central Arkansas. Multiple agencies and organizations are working to protect the multitude of martins roosting on the island.
“It’s just basically a miracle of nature,” said Lakota Carter, a graduate of Mountain Pine High School’sEAST(Environmental and Spatial Technology) lab program, which monitors and counts the Purple Martin population. “There weren’t nearly this many birds last year.”Bird Island stands as Arkansas’s largest known Purple Martin roost when they are present between late July and early August. The island is a staging area for martins as they feast on insects and develop fat stores before migrating to South America.”Purple Martins are a species affected by climate change,” said Mary Smith, director of education atAudubon Arkansas. “The information that Mountain Pine students collect is important science. We really don’t know much about Purple Martin staging roosts; this data can help us monitor the population and help track how this population is responding to climate change.”EAST lab students count the martins via two methods — a 360-degree camera and high-powered floodlights. The camera takes two images to capture both hemispheres of the sky. Students blend the images using software and convert the result to a flat format on 40″ x 40” paper. Then they take samples of the image and count each ‘dot’ that is a martin.The second method involves students illuminating five-foot sections of island trees with floodlights and photographing the martins. The count is then extrapolated to reflect the total number of martins roosting on the island’s estimated 50-60 trees. Having an accurate estimate of Purple Martin numbers is vital for Bird Island to be considered for Important Bird Area status. Spearheaded by Audubon Arkansas, theImportant Bird Areasprogram recognizes sites that harbor significant concentrations of birds and therefore warrant protection.
Because the island is diminutive – smaller than a football field – even the slightest disturbance could spell disaster for the martins, thus emphasizing the importance of protection.
“Think of dominoes,” said Mike Vincent, facilitator of Mountain Pine EAST lab. “If you take that migratory habitat out of the line, who’s to say the martins will keep going?”
The staggering Purple Martin numbers have captured the attention of many other organizations, including the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas Department of Education, Army Corps of Engineers, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, Purple Martin Conservation Association and several community groups. The EAST lab ultimately hopes that collaboration among such organizations will bring protection and widespread recognition of Bird Island.
Purple Martins on Lake Ouachita are especially vulnerable to boaters, who have harassed the birds by blowing horns and walking on the island. To dissuade this, Karen Rowe, AGFC bird conservation coordinator, has asked AGFC enforcement and fisheries personnel to document any disturbance of the roost. If sufficient evidence shows the island needs protection, Rowe said AGFC could designate Bird Island an AGFC Non-GameWildlife Management Area, offering a legal barrier of protection during the roosting season.
Lake Ouachita’s Purple Martin numbers were first detected last year on NEXRAD radar, the images resembling an explosion radiating from the island. The martin population was then an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 birds. Upon viewing the radar images, Audubon Arkansas encouraged EAST lab to explore the status of the martins. EAST lab students continually base their work on projects that give back to the community and improve the environment.
Through monitoring the island, EAST lab students gain technological skills and a deepened appreciation for the martins they are trying to protect.
“I’ve learned more of a philosophy,” EAST lab student Eli Smith said. “We’ve got to take a stand against those harming the birds. We just want to keep this [island] safe for our children and our children’s children.”
As the EAST lab looks to the island’s future, they maintain their focus on the present.
“Conservation-wise, that island is important,” Vincent said. “We just want to do everything we can to make sure it stays.”
