LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - If you've got an eye for birds, maybe you've noticed the rare ones being spotted in Arkansas this winter.
An extremely cold winter up north has caused two species in particular to flock to the Natural State and it's something that has birders chirping. They are the long-tailed duck and the white-winged Scoter. The movement is called the 'polar vortex effect.'
"It's a facultative movement. They're moving because they have to, not because they normally do," said Dan Sheiman, Audubon Bird Conservation director.
"I guess about as far away as I've had someone call is Illinois, to come see either the Scoter or the long-tailed duck," said Michael Linz, Arkansas birder.
Michael Linz photographed the first long-tail duck in the state on December 15th. Since, he's kept taking pictures of the birds for the short time they're here.
"It's that type of thing when you get that perfect picture you want to share it."
It's an influx Sheiman hopes brings birders out of the woodwork.
"Go out with other birders and grow from there. There are so many exciting birds around the state if you just get out and look for them, "said Sheiman.