About Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area:
(From the Arkansas State Parks Website):
This park-natural area stretches for 12 miles along the wild and scenic Cossatot River, Arkansas's premier whitewater experience renowned as the best whitewater float stream in mid-America. Located in southwest Arkansas south of Mena, the Cossatot forms Cossatot Falls, a rugged and rocky canyon that challenges the most experienced canoeists and kayakers with its Class IV and V rapids. When the water is high, the paddlers are here. This National Wild and Scenic River is a watershed basin with flow levels dependent on rainfall. After significant precipitation, the river level rises, allowing experienced paddlers the opportunity to test their skills in challenging Class IV and V whitewater. At the river's Cossatot Falls area, a rocky canyon with distinct ledges, the river drops 33 feet in elevation within 1/3 of a mile. Late winter to early spring is peak whitewater paddling season here. Class III-V whitewater is for experts only. Floatable river levels are usually limited to late-fall, winter and spring.
April 17th Excursion:
I arrived at the campsite near Cossatot Falls at around 4:30 pm. I registered my campsite, unloaded camping equipment, then gathered my camera and binoculars for a short tour of the area. A beaten trail passed behind my campsite and along the river for a 1/2 mile or so, as well as a trail that led in the opposite direction, ultimately leading to the falls.
I followed the trail leading south, toward the falls, in hopes of getting some good photos of the river and the imposing looking rocks that compose Cossatot Falls. While taking photos I heard a familair chirp and spotted a small group of Northern Rough-winged Swallows who were skimming along the river in search of insects to eat. The familiar shape of a Turkey Vulture drifted through the fog above the river.
I heard a strange series of vocalizations while walking back through the campground, cajoling me to try and find the source. High in a tree along the river's edge was a male Summer Tanager, his bright red plumage a great help in finding his location in the trees.
After returning to my campsite I setup a tarp and sleeping bag, then turned my attention to preparing dinner.
Location: Cossatot River SP, Natural Area - Cossatot Falls - Wickes,AR
Observation date: 4/17/09 Number of species: 5
Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura 1
American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos 2
Northern Rough-winged Swallow - Stelgidopteryx serripennis 9
Summer Tanager - Piranga rubra 1
Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis 2
Photos: (Numbered from top to bottom)
1) A photo of the sunset along the Cossatot River.
2) A view of the Cossatot River near sunset.
3) The eastern bank of the Cossatot River, about 1/4 north of my camp.
4) A macro photo of the water beads on a leaf.
5) The well-beaten trail leading north from camp.
6) A picture of the western bank of the Cossatot River, directly across from my campsite.
7) My campsite along the river's edge (it's about 25 yards to the river).
8-9) A couple of photos illustrating the intimidating rock structures found in and around the Cossatot River.
10) A small stream flowing from the hills into the Cossatot River. This photo was taken from a bridge built over the stream.
11-13) Several photos of the mountains surrounding the Cossatot.
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