2009

Nursery Orders for Wildlife

Posted by Tim Smith on Dec 29, 2009

If you’re like me and have ordered plants or seeds from mail-order nurseries in the past, you’ve probably received several plant catalogs in the mail recently.

Looking Ahead

Posted by Tim Smith on Dec 22, 2009

Several Missouri hunters have contacted me recently because they are wishing to plan their vacation time for 2010 around turkey and deer seasons.

A Bird of a Different Color

Posted by Tim Smith on Dec 18, 2009

In my position as ombudsman, I receive a number of photos from the public of unusual birds.

2 comments

Fragile Frost Flowers

Posted by Tim Smith on Dec 14, 2009

If you’ve been out exploring the countryside on a cold morning recently, you may have encountered the short-lived frost flower.

1 comment

Nature is red in tooth and claw. That paraphrase of the English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson came to mind when I saw the sharp-shinned hawk make a pass at the birds around my feeders. The hawk’s presence can usually be assumed when the smaller birds scatter wildly, some of them taking refuge in the dense, multi-stemmed deutzia shrub near the feeders.

A Place in the Pageant

Posted by Jim Low on Dec 8, 2009

Waterfowl hunters are the original cockeyed optimists.

Did I See a Bald Eagle?

Posted by Tim Smith on Dec 4, 2009

As the winter season approaches, bald eagles are moving into Missouri from breeding areas to our north.

Shoot a Deer This Weekend!

Posted by Jim Low on Dec 4, 2009

I just checked the tally for the ongoing Antlerless Portion of Firearms Deer Season and found that hunters have checked a little more than 13,600 deer since Nov. 25.

Tree-stand Safety Odyssey

Posted by Jim Low on Dec 2, 2009

When I took up deer hunting seriously about 20 years ago, I also took a serious interest in safety.

Thanksgiving

Posted by lanahk on Nov 26, 2009

It’s easy to focus too much on negative changes to our natural world, be it increasing urban sprawl, threats from invasive exotic species or natural disasters like flooding and ice storms.

When Green Is No Good

Posted by lanahk on Nov 24, 2009

It was one of the warm, sunny weekends in November, and I was happily going from new bluebird box to bluebird box, brushing a coat of water sealant on the wooden top of each.

What Kind of Deer Hunter Are You?

Posted by Jim Low on Nov 19, 2009

I never thought I cared about antlers until I shot this 10-pointer.

Whose Deer are They Anyway?

Posted by Tim Smith on Nov 17, 2009

A recent e-mailer wanted to know why this department doesn’t pay for deer damage to vehicles but will collect fines for the wildlife code violations pertaining to deer.

Deer Hunters Beware!

Posted by Jim Low on Nov 13, 2009

Firewood looks harmless, but it can harbor the emerald ash borer, a devastating forest pest. Hunters are urged not to move firewood to and from their camps. Instead, buy firewood locally and burn it all before returning home.

Ladybugged

Posted by Tim Smith on Nov 10, 2009

For a few weeks now, I’ve been receiving questions on the subject of ladybugs, also known as lady beetles.

1 comment

New Leadership for Missouri Conservation

Posted by lanahk on Nov 9, 2009

The Missouri Conservation Commission named Bob Ziehmer as the new director who will replace John Hoskins when John retires Jan. 15, 2010. Bob is currently one of our assistant directors.

Firewood Cutting as Eco-activism?

Posted by Jim Low on Nov 3, 2009

Now that the air has a crisp autumn tang, I will be spending some time with a chainsaw in the woods around my house.

1 comment

Nature's Secrets Revealed

Posted by Tim Smith on Oct 29, 2009

The literary naturalist Loren Eiseley described the way vegetation reveals its secrets in the fall and winter, when the lush growth of summer is reduced to the freeze-tolerant mechanical parts of stems, bark, wood, leaves, fruits and seeds.

Bird Dog Season Opening

Posted by Tim Smith on Oct 26, 2009

There’s the old expression, “That dog won’t hunt,” meaning that someone’s assertion lacks credibility.

Invasion of the Squirrel Neuterers

Posted by lanahk on Oct 23, 2009

A horror story was the last thing I expected when I recently picked up "By a Thousand Fires," an antique book about Ernest Thompson Seaton. But there it was, creepy and gross enough for a Hollywood thriller.

For a Good Time in the Woods, Join Moms

Posted by Bonnie Chasteen on Oct 21, 2009

A few weeks ago, Bernadette Dryden, our publications supervisor, asked me if I wanted to go to the Missouri Mycological Society’s (MOMS) annual foray at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. “Maxine says they’re good cooks and make brunch out of the edible mushrooms on Sunday.”

The Things Hunters See

Posted by Jim Low on Oct 20, 2009

One of the things that people who have never hunted might not realize is the remarkable variety of things that hunters experience that are in no way hunting-related.

Take a Youth Hunting

Posted by Tim Smith on Oct 15, 2009

Late October brings the beginning of several special opportunities for experienced hunters to mentor the younger generation.

4 comments

A Hoot

Posted by Jim Low on Oct 13, 2009

I was sitting in my favorite tree stand Sunday afternoon when a barred owl hooted in a tree about 100 yards behind me.

New Calendars Available

Posted by Tim Smith on Oct 9, 2009

More than 20 years ago, I unwittingly started a family tradition of giving the Conservation Department’s Natural Events Calendar as a Christmas gift to several of my relatives and in-laws.

4 comments

A Bonnie Wee Visitor

Posted by Jim Low on Oct 7, 2009

As I walked from the break room back to my office one day last week, I noticed a fellow traveler in the otherwise-deserted hallway.

Conservation Agents into the Field

Posted by lanahk on Oct 5, 2009

One by one they came onto the stage to be recognized as the latest class of 19 newly trained conservation agents in the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Fall Turkey Season: Good Times & Good Management

Posted by Jim Low on Sep 29, 2009

Rumors are cropping up--especially in southern Missouri--that the Conservation Department might cancel this year’s fall firearms turkey season.

Good News About Turkeys

Posted by Jim Low on Sep 23, 2009

I would be exaggerating if I told you that Missouri wild turkeys produced a bumper crop of poults (young turkeys) this year.

Birds Know It, Bees Know It

Posted by Tim Smith on Sep 21, 2009

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at 4:19 p.m. Central Standard Time, the autumnal equinox will occur.

If the Missouri River Could Talk...

Posted by Jim Low on Sep 18, 2009

… it would utter a thunderous “THANK YOU” to those who helped orchestrate dozens of river cleanup events in recent years.

Nighthawks Are on the Move

Posted by Tim Smith on Sep 16, 2009

One of the signs of autumn in Missouri is the southward migration of common nighthawks.

The Law of Diminishing Run-ins

Posted by Jim Low on Sep 14, 2009

This is the time of year when the frequency of deer-vehicle accidents begins to creep up.

Misperception

Posted by Tim Smith on Sep 11, 2009

I’ve recently been hearing an advertisement on the radio that encourages landowners to enroll their acreage into a land trust.

A Swiftly Tilting Planet

Posted by Jim Low on Sep 10, 2009

I hate to rush through life, but September always finds me anticipating autumn’s imminent arrival.

Willa's First Hunt

Posted by Jim Low on Sep 8, 2009

I spent a magical morning with my golden retriever puppy on the opening day of dove season.

1 comment

Quick, Easy and Delicious Bass

Posted by Jim Low on Sep 4, 2009

Followers of this blog may recall that I recently lucked into an angler’s dream … 100 acres of water teeming with voracious largemouth bass.

1 comment

A Rising Tide

Posted by Jim Low on Aug 31, 2009

Last couple of weekends ago I had as much fun as a person can while fishing.

Federal Agencies Looking for Mo. R. Comments

Posted by Jim Low on Aug 28, 2009

If you are among the growing number of Missourians who have discovered the majestic beauty and vast recreational opportunities of the Missouri River, you might want to attend one of two meetings the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are holding in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas early next month to discuss the river’s management.

Enduring Red Cedar

Posted by Jim Low on Aug 26, 2009

Since buying our little house in the woods 13 years ago, I have cut down hundreds of cedar trees for various reasons.

Dove Season Opener Next Week

Posted by Tim Smith on Aug 25, 2009

The traditional start of the fall hunting seasons is just around the corner now as the Missouri dove season opens on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Master Naturalists Create Nature Adventure for Preschoolers

Posted by lanahk on Aug 21, 2009

Forget fancy, expensive toys. There’s nothing like a few blocks of wood or a pile of sand to grab the attention of young children.

Nature Unleashed: Discover Nature Schools

Posted by lanahk on Aug 18, 2009

One image I hold from grade school was the magic of the milkweed plant.

Where the Butterflies Are

Posted by Tim Smith on Aug 14, 2009

In recent weeks I’ve had a couple of contacts from Missourians asking what has happened to all of the butterflies this year.

Mr 340 Makes Vacation, Film Doc

Posted by Jim Low on Aug 11, 2009

I took the most unusual vacation of my life last week, piloting a safety boat during the Fourth Annual Missouri River 340.

Consider the Goldfinch

Posted by Tim Smith on Aug 7, 2009

When I looked at the Natural Events Calendar on my office wall today, the event for Aug. 7 was “Goldfinches begin nesting as thistles go to seed.”

Government That Works: New Conservation Commissioner

Posted by lanahk on Aug 3, 2009

Last week Governor Nixon appointed a new member, Don C. Bedell from Sikeston, to the Missouri Conservation Commission.

The Gall of Those Little Wasps

Posted by Tim Smith on Jul 30, 2009

Some of the more unusual natural objects in Missouri’s forests are the insect galls that are found on oak trees.

4 comments

To Kill a Tree

Posted by Tim Smith on Jul 24, 2009

I receive occasional contacts from Missourians who are lamenting the harvest of trees or the use of herbicides on trees.

Catfish Mania

Posted by Jim Low on Jul 22, 2009

I spent Saturday night and Sunday morning on the Missouri River with two Nebraska natives who came all that way to compete in the Waverly Cats tournament.

Happy to See Black Rat Snakes

Posted by lanahk on Jul 20, 2009

As I opened our garage door yesterday, a young black rat snake about 2 feet long was rudely awakened from where it lay stretched out along the floor.

Where to Buy Charcoal Pans

Posted by Jim Low on Jul 17, 2009

If this is the first time you have seen one of my blog entries, HELLO! If you followed me from Conservation Conversations, THANK YOU, and welcome to Fresh Afield, my new blogging home.

It's a Small World After All

Posted by Tim Smith on Jul 15, 2009

If you doubt that the world is getting smaller and more interconnected all the time, consider the case of the Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea).

Recycling Box Turtle

Posted by Tim Smith on Jul 9, 2009

In recent weeks, I’ve observed a few three-toed box turtles in my yard in Jefferson City. It’s normal to see several of them each summer, often when the mulberry fruits are on the ground.

They Came from the Lake

Posted by Tim Smith on Jul 3, 2009

Odd-looking gelatinous blobs are appearing in some Missouri lakes and ponds.

Native Landscaping for Wildlife and People

Posted by lanahk on Jun 30, 2009

A reporter recently told me that the word “landscaping” appeals more to people today than “gardening” because it sounds like less work. I doubt that was on author Dave Tylka’s mind when he wrote the book “Native Landscaping for Wildlife and People” in 2002.

1 comment

July 1 an Important Date for Fall Hunters

Posted by Tim Smith on Jun 26, 2009

If you’re a fall hunter like I am and you purchased your Missouri small-game hunting permit in early March, you may want to make additional permit purchases soon.

Women Discover Nature and Outdoor Fun

Posted by lanahk on Jun 22, 2009

Whether they were excited to hit a bullseye in archery or clay targets using shotguns, savoring the latest Dutch-oven cooking, finding their way with a compass or just laughing at dinner, the 80 or so women at the latest Discover Nature—Women workshop put on by the Missouri Department of Conservation had great fun learning new skills.

Remembering Father

Posted by Tim Smith on Jun 18, 2009

With Father’s Day coming up on Sunday, I know that many people will be thinking of their fathers.

New Field Guide to Missouri Shrubs

Posted by lanahk on Jun 15, 2009

You’ll find lots of reasons to own the handy new "Shrubs and Woody Vines of Missouri Field Guide" published by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

What's Happening Out There?

Posted by Tim Smith on Jun 10, 2009

If you haven’t been in the Missouri outdoors recently, I can tell you that natural events are happening at a frenzied pace.

Fish for Free!

Posted by Tim Smith on Jun 5, 2009

Here’s a trivia question. Name three ways a person can legally fish in Missouri without purchasing a fishing permit.

What Is the Future of Missouri's Outdoors?

Posted by lanahk on Jun 3, 2009

Missourians care about the outdoors, whether they focus on its water, nature, soil, wildlife, air, fish, forests, natural communities, outdoor recreation or some mix of these.

What's This Thing in My Yard?

Posted by Tim Smith on May 28, 2009

Every spring I get a few contacts about a strange object in someone’s yard. Sometimes a photo is sent and other times just a description.

7 comments

Nature's Clearcut

Posted by lanahk on May 22, 2009

Trees across the Ozarks that stood tall weeks ago now lie scattered like so many matchsticks in the wake of straight-line winds and tornadoes.

Hunting Spring Gobblers

Posted by Tim Smith on May 19, 2009

At the age of 55, this is the first spring that I have hunted turkeys.

A Punk Knot - Of Course!

Posted by Tim Smith on May 14, 2009

One of the most interesting aspects of my job as Department ombudsman is that citizens will share with me unusual observations and objects from the natural world.

1 comment

Keep Fingers Crossed for Quail

Posted by Tim Smith on May 6, 2009

The Northern bobwhite quail has declined in Missouri since the mid-1950s, by more than 70 percent in the last 30 years.

Free Nature Fun - Spring Birds

Posted by lanahk on May 1, 2009

This weekend is perfect for stepping outside with a pair of binoculars and your ears wide open to catch sight and sound of some colorful birds on their way north.

The Incredible, Edible...Morel

Posted by Tim Smith on Apr 27, 2009

When I moved to Missouri 23 years ago, I was amazed at the passion that exists here for the spring ritual of hunting morel mushrooms.

Missouri Volunteer Opportunity: Master Naturalists

Posted by lanahk on Apr 24, 2009

Who is a likely Missouri Master Naturalist?

1 comment

Missouri Volunteer Opportunity: Forestkeepers

Posted by lanahk on Apr 23, 2009

Whether you just have a few trees or many in a nearby park, you can do something to help Missouri’s trees. Volunteer as a Missouri Forestkeeper. This statewide network supported by the Missouri Department of Conservation and Forest ReLeaf of Missouri helps you monitor local trees.

Missouri Volunteer Opportunity: Stream Teams

Posted by lanahk on Apr 22, 2009

This year is the 20th anniversary of Missouri Stream Teams—volunteers dedicated to taking care of Missouri’s streams and rivers.

2 comments

Volunteer Opportunity Highlight: Nature Center

Posted by lanahk on Apr 20, 2009

If you’re interested in playing a role in keeping Missouri’s nature green, clean and healthy, you might consider the many ways to volunteer through the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Timberdoodle Hatch

Posted by Tim Smith on Apr 17, 2009

Last Saturday my dog, Lizzy, and I were multi-tasking.

We're Frost Free

Posted by Tim Smith on Apr 13, 2009

If you prefer warmer temperatures and you’re looking for the bright side of Tax Day, April 15 is also the average day of last frost in central Missouri.

2 comments

Bittern Burst out from Hiding

Posted by lanahk on Apr 9, 2009

As I was strolling around our “swamp” yesterday, an American bittern suddenly flew out from its hiding place among the dried cattails.

Hummingbirds Are Back!

Posted by Tim Smith on Apr 4, 2009

One of my favorite websites to visit each spring shows a map of the spring return of ruby-throated hummingbirds to the eastern United States.

Plant a Tree, Sink Some Carbon!

Posted by lanahk on Apr 1, 2009

Since 1886, Missourians “officially” have counted the first Friday in April as Arbor Day.

There's Always Next Season

Posted by Tim Smith on Mar 27, 2009

While this March had some warm days and signs of spring began appearing, April should bring the full glory of the new season and leave little doubt that last winter is now history.

A Third of U.S. Birds in Trouble

Posted by lanahk on Mar 24, 2009

Someone just commented to this blog about not seeing as many whippoorwills as usual. That fits with what’s happening to about a third of the 800 species of birds in the United States that are declining, threatened or endangered.