Main menu

Search

Discover Nature Notes

The Bird with the Sky on Its Back

Peg Craft
Mar 17, 2019

Poet Henry David Thoreau wrote that the bluebird, "carries the sky on its back". Learn more about this symbol of happiness and how you can help them and watch them raise a family by building a nest box.

GAGA Over Ferns

Peg Craft
Mar 10, 2019

There are thousands of ferns with creative names and healthy features. You can now officially go "gaga" over them with a new genus of 19 plants named after Lady Gaga, inspired by a grammy costume and DNA sequencing. Discover the resurrection fern. It comes back to life, has been to space, and is used medicinally. Learn more in this week's Discover Nature Notes blog.

Maidenhair fern

Nature's Slow Take on Speed Dating

Peg Craft
Mar 03, 2019

Male prairie chickens boom, jump in the air, and compete for the attention of hens. The hens take their time strolling by before picking a mate. See their spring dance and learn what's being done to save them in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Prairie chickens

Toad or Frog?

Peg Craft
Feb 22, 2019

Which picture is a toad and which is a frog? Learn their differences and what they have in common in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Toad or Frog?

Wily Coyotes

Peg Craft
Feb 17, 2019

Wile E. Coyote never could catch the roadrunner in cartoons, but in reality, coyotes have keen survival skills. Learn how two famous Missourians shaped their image, and how to deal with them in urban areas in this week's Discover Nature Note.

coyote in snow

Nature Valentines Top 5

Peg Craft
Feb 10, 2019

Many species use showy displays and fancy moves to attract a mate. Catch our top five countdown on the best in show on land, in the air, and on the water.

valentines composite

Hollywood's Voice of Choice

Peg Craft
Feb 03, 2019

Their piercing calls are often dubbed for eagles in the movies.  Red-tailed hawks have strong senses as well.  Learn more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Red-tailed hawk in flight

Groundhogs and their Day

Peg Craft
Jan 27, 2019

Groundhogs rule their day with a popular weather forecast.  They're also expert home builders.  Learn more and the answer to an age old question in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Groundhog weather cartoon

WHO Are You?

Peg Craft
Jan 19, 2019

If you really want to know what owls you are seeing and hearing, check out this week's Discover Nature Note.

Great Horned Owl

Outdoor Winter Adventures

Peg Craft
Jan 13, 2019

Here are three adventures to get you out of the house and into Missouri's great outdoors this winter. They offer a chance to engage all the senses as well as your family and friends. Tap into the fun in this week's Discover Nature Note.

winter trout fishing

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  Google+  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.