Wildlife

Carolina Wrens are tiny birds with big voices. Rick Jones explains the reasons for the call, how they defend themselves from predators, and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of this little bird’s ability to nest near human habitations.

Two types of squirrels are found on Crystal Bridges grounds: the gray and fox squirrels. Jay Schneider, Assistant Superintendent of Hobbs State Park, explains how to tell the two species apart.

With the male’s year-round bright red plumage, the Northern cardinal is one of the recognizable birds in the region. Rick Jones discusses the habits of these colorful birds and how to attract cardinals to your yard.

Lori Spencer, known as “The Butterfly Lady” of Northwest Arkansas, describes the lifecycle, and habits of the Giant Swallowtail butterfly.

Rick Jones discusses the highly vocal tufted titmouse, a regular visitor to the area’s birdfeeders.

Many visitors to Crystal Bridges are lucky enough to see one of the black squirrels that live on the Museum grounds. Jay Schneider, Assistant Superintendent of Hobbs State Park, explains these squirrels’ unusual coloring.

Lori Spencer, “The Butterfly Lady” explains how the Snowberry Clearwing moth got its name and how to distinguish between these pollinating moths and bees.

Jay Schneider, Assistant Superintendent of Hobbs State Park, tells us how to recognize the copperhead snake, and in what type of environment copperheads are most likely to be found.

Rick Jones describes the White-breasted nuthatch, explains how it got its name and how it shares its preferred hunting area with another bird, the brown creeper.

Butterfly expert Lori Spencer describes the American Lady butterfly, a summer visitor to Northwest Arkansas and the powdery scales found on butterfly wings.

Rick Jones describes the appearance and habits of the intelligent and acrobatic Carolina Chickadee.

Lynn Sciumbato explains the important role of woodpeckers in the forest environment, and discusses the pileated woodpecker: the largest of the woodpecker species found at Crystal Bridges.

Naturalist Rick Jones explains how to identify the colors and call of the American goldfinch, a songbird common to Crystal Bridges.

Butterfly expert Lori Spencer describes the fast-moving white-lined sphinx moth and its role in the garden as a pollinator.

Lynn Sciumbato describes the differences in hunting styles of two types of hawk that may be seen at Crystal Bridges: the red-tailed hawk and the red-shouldered hawk.

Lori Spencer, author of Arkansas Butterflies and Moths, discusses Monarch butterflies and native milkweed plants.

Assistant Superintendent of Hobbs State Park, Jay Schneider, describes the three-toed box turtle, the most common type of land turtle found at Crystal Bridges.

Crystal Bridges is home to a resident population of white-tailed deer. Jay Schneider, Assistant Superintendent of Hobbs State Park, explains the relationship between the deer and their natural environment.

Butterfly and moth expert Lori Spencer discusses the life cycle of the beautiful Luna moth.

Lynn Sciumbato introduces the barred owl, a common inhabitant of wooded areas, and one whose call is frequently heard here at Crystal Bridges.

Rick Jones, Volunteer Naturalist at Hobbs and Devil’s Den State Parks, describes the habits of the vocal and multi-talented mockingbird, and how to attract them to your yard.