About the Area
Bois D’Arc (pronounced “bo-dark”) is a large area of varied habitats, including cropland, old field, woodland, wetland, non-prairie grassland, and many scattered glades. Bois D’Arc translates to “arc of wood” and was named as such because Native Americans used the area’s trees for the wood for their bows. The majority of the area is cropland and old field and is primarily managed for dove, quail, and rabbit hunting. However, the Osage Orange Hiking Trail is a great multi-loop hiking trail that also caters to birdwatchers. Watch for flycatchers sallying out from low perches to catch insects on the wing. Scissor-tailed, great crested, and even western kingbirds are possibilities here. The woodlands bring in painted bunting, Bell’s vireo, yellow-billed cuckoo, and red-headed woodpecker. Wood warblers show up in the spring in good numbers, and over 20 different species have been documented. Listen for black-and-white, Tennessee, Kentucky, northern parula, and prairie warblers. Red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, merlin, and American kestrel are the typical birds of prey found hunting the area. In winter, look for short-eared owls, and try to get as many different species of winter sparrows as you can.
From Springfield, Take S Campbell Ave to W Chestnut Expressway. Continue on W Chestnut Expressway and take MO-266 W to MO-T and turn north. Follow MO-T until it comes to a T and turn east (right). Two parking lots will be on your left.
Joplin and Springfield are the two largest cities in the southwest corner of the state, each with good options for food and lodging. Springfield hosts the Springfield Conservation Nature Center along Galloway Creek, with hiking trails in the woodlands behind the visitor center offering excellent birding opportunities. Catch a Springfield Cardinals game or visit the Dickerson Park Zoo. Bring the kids to the Discovery Center of Springfield or the Fantastic Caverns. You might also try birding the Springfield Botanical Garden or the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in Nathanael Greene Park.
Bois D’Arc is also near many other excellent birding opportunities. To the east lie Little Sac Woods CA, Fantastic Caverns, Ritter Springs Park, Valley Water Mill Park, and Fellow’s Lake. These areas form a nice driving loop featuring a diversity of natural habitats. You will encounter a wide variety of birds between these many habitats, from waterbirds to warblers.