Trumpeter Swans in Arkansas

The non-breeding season (November through February) Trumpeter Swan population is growing here in Arkansas. What used to be just a single site (Magness Lake), is now joined by two small, unnamed lakes (Hiram Road) just a couple of miles away, and further sightings in the area are being reported.

The folks who own the properties at the Magness Lake and two Hiram Road sites have been kind enough to allow the public to view the Swans. There are a couple of rules:
1. Generally, be respectful of the properties - do not trespass beyond the viewing areas at any of the sites; leave trash behind; etc.
2. Do not allow animals (dogs, cats, etc.) out of the car. Even in the car, we have witnessed dog barking upsetting the swans considerably. Keep windows rolled up to minimize the disturbance.
3. Do not allow children to throw rocks at the Swans. This should not need to be said, but sadly, it does.
4. Only feed the Swans cracked corn. Do not feed them any type of human food, including bread. It is better to not feed them than to feed them food they are not equipped to digest.

Directions:

From Little Rock to Heber Springs/Magness Lake (site #1) Trumpeter Swans:
• Head North from Interstate 40 on Ark. Highway 167 to Ark. Highway 5.
• Take Ark. Highway 5 towards Heber Springs.
• Turn Right onto Ark. Highway 25.
• Turn Right on Ark. Highway 110.
• Go 4.4 miles from the intersection to Hays Road, across from the Sovereign Grace Baptist Church. Turn left onto Hays Road.
• Magness Lake (site #1) is about ¼ mile down the gravel road.

From Magness Lake to Hiram Road Sites (sites # 2 & 3) Trumpeter Swans:
• Turn Left back onto Ark. Highway 110.
• About .4 miles down the road, turn Right onto Cutoff Lane.
• At Hiram Road, turn Left.
• At about the 1½ miles, begin looking for the first small sign that says ‘Swans” and turn left onto the gravel road.
• The swans (site #2) will be a few yards down the gravel road.
• To reach site #3, turn left back onto Hiram Road and proceed about ½ mile until you see another sign and again turn left.
• The swans (site #3) will be a short way down the gravel road.