On bird-watching list: Binoculars, a friend

Tips for seeing Frazier Pike sandhill cranes:

If you plan to go, go soon. Experts predict the birds will be gone by mid-March and possibly much earlier.

Afternoons seem to be a better time to find them than mornings, and warm days rather than cold, windy ones.

Take good binoculars and a birding field guide. It will help you learn about the other interesting birds in that area, whether you see the cranes or not. Among birds often spotted there are kestrels, merlins, larks and eagles.

Go with a friend, so one can drive slowly and keep his eyes on the road while the other scans the fields with binoculars. Or take two or three friends. The more eyeballs you have looking, the better your chances.

The road is narrow in many places, so wait until you get to a turnout before stopping to get out of the car to watch the cranes on foot.

Consult ARBird-L, the bird-watching listserv hosted by the University of Arkansas, to see if other people are posting anything about the sandhills. Learn more about that at arbirds.org.

While on Frazier Pike between Slack Water Harbor Drive and Asher Road, look for birds in soybean fields, pastures and among pecan groves on either side of the road, but remember that this is private property.

Respect landowners. Don’t climb over fences or disobey posted signs to get a better look.

Keep your eye out for other people who may be looking for the birds too. Some of them may be avid birders who have come back for a second or third look at the cranes, and they may be able to help you find them. Birders are usually very helpful people who will be excited about helping others see unusual birds. Many of them carry spotting scopes and can help you get better looks at the birds than you might get through even a good pair of binoculars.

Don’t try to approach the cranes. Be content with viewing from a distance.

While in the area, turn on West Damsite Drive for the short drive to the David D. Terry Lock and Dam, where you’ll likely see ring-billed gulls, geese, cormorants and other waterfowl diving, swimming and flying over the Arkansas River.