Discover Nature Notes

Nest Eggs

Peg Craft

Jun 17, 2019

One of these eggs is out of place. There's a devious plan at work in this nest. Find out why, and how bird eggs are designed for competitive edge, in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Father's Day is a popular time of year for family fishing. Check out two fish fathers who would qualify for "super dad" status when it comes to raising young fry. Learn their techniques and catch some fishing tips in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Hummingbird Hustle

Peg Craft

Jun 02, 2019

Hummingbird Hustle: These pint-sized birds pack a lot of power and speed in their game. They can fly backwards, sideways and even upside down with wings beating more than 50 times per second. Hummingbirds also feature a rainbow of colors as they flit about seeking nectar from orange and red tubular flowers. Watch one in slow motion and learn how to attract them to your yard in this week's Discover Nature Note.

The Bird that Fishes

Peg Craft

May 26, 2019

With stout frame and a mohawk crest, this potent predator strikes with stealth. Its prey may not see it coming, but you might if you listen for its swooping call. Find out more about this wild fisher on Missouri waters in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Amphibian Noisemakers

Peg Craft

May 19, 2019

Discover the musical stylings and skills of Acris crepitans and Hyla versicolor, more commonly known as cricket frogs and gray tree frogs. They provide an outdoor soundtrack suite while munching on pesky insects that are not so sweet. Learn more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Missouri's Marsupial Moms

Peg Craft

May 12, 2019

These mammal moms are made for mobility. Opossums are the only marsupials in North America. Females have fur-lined front pouches to raise their large broods which are born blind and hairless, weighing less than a dime. Despite their scruffy looks, these scavengers are natural cleaners, gobbling up thousands of ticks and eating cockroaches, rats, mice, and more. Check them out in this week's Discover Nature Note.

The Buzz on Flowers

Peg Craft

May 05, 2019

Flowers are a great way to show appreciation for Mother's Day. Discover how flowers came to be and how native plants help people and wildlife in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Send in the Wrens

Peg Craft

Apr 28, 2019

They may be among the smallest songbirds, but they make their presence known with loud and persistent singing. Hear from Carolina, house and Bewick's wrens in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Celebrating 50 Years of Urban Fishing

Peg Craft

Apr 21, 2019

In 1969, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon and the St. Louis Blues were in the Stanley Cup. To ease social tensions at that time, St. Louis became a national, pilot city for an urban fishing program. Catch the unique story of urban fishing and why it's so popular today in this week's Discover Nature Note.