Main menu

Search

Discover Nature Notes

The Holiday Tree Thief

Peg Craft
Dec 08, 2019

People have been stealing kisses under its branches for years, but in nature, mistletoe is the real thief. This parasite plant steals nutrients from trees. It also provides food and homes for birds and mammals. Discover where you can find it naturally in Missouri, in this week's Discover Nature Note.

mistletoe berries

Christmas Bird Counts

Peg Craft
Dec 02, 2019

You can help birds by joining Audubon's annual Christmas Bird Count.  These take place across the state and are part of the largest citizen-science effort in the United States.  Learn more about this important project and how birds are doing in this week's Discover Nature Notes blog.

kids birding

The Thanksgiving Turkey

Peg Craft
Nov 24, 2019

Wild turkeys are birds simmered in American tradition. Learn how they were restored, hunting tips, and how to prepare them from field to table in this week's Discover Nature Note.

turkey

Snake Myths

Peg Craft
Nov 17, 2019

There are many myths about snakes.  Some were imported from Europe and others grew as settlers got to know North American snakes.  Seperate fact from fiction and overcome your fears with this week's Discover Nature Note.

 

 

 

 

red milksnake

International Travel for Birds

Peg Craft
Nov 10, 2019

How would a bird find its way back to your backyard after wintering thousands of miles away?  Check out the navigation hacks that birds use for their international travels in this week's Discover Nature Note.

B.K. Leach CA

Why Healthy Deer Matter and How You Can Help

Peg Craft
Nov 03, 2019

Why healthy deer matter how you can help: Missouri's white-tailed deer are valued for outdoor recreation, jobs and tourism. The work of keeping our deer herd healthy today is as important as the early work to restore them. Learn more about deer health, CWD, and mandatory testing in this week's Discover Nature Note.

white-tailed deer

Halloween Creepers

Peg Craft
Oct 27, 2019

With names like robber and assassin, big eyes, and hairy features, some critters just give folks the creeps. Learn more about them and their contributions to the circle of life in the Halloween version of Discover Nature Notes.

Silver-Haired Bat

Ballooning Spiders

Peg Craft
Oct 20, 2019

Watch for flying spiders this fall. The newly hatched young will find a launch point, release their silk, and balloon to new territory. Learn more, including what they've been mistaken for, in this week's Discover Nature Note.

crab spider

Hiking for Health and Happiness

Peg Craft
Oct 13, 2019

Hike your way to health and happiness with this week's Discover Nature Note.

hiking

What About Bobcat?

Peg Craft
Oct 06, 2019

What About Bobcat? No baby steps needed for these stealthy creatures that can climb, pounce, and swim. Learn more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Bobcat

Pages

Archive

Subscribe to Discover Nature Notes

Get an email when new blog posts are available.
Sign up Now

Field Guide

Discovering nature from A-Z is one click away

Recipes

You had fun hunting, catching or gathering your quarry—now have more fun cooking and eating it.
Check out the recipes

Twitter  Facebook  YouTube  Instagram  Flickr  Pinterest  MDC RSS feeds

Mission & Vision

We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources.

organ donate