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Dabblers vs Divers

Peg Craft
Nov 13, 2018

DABBLERS VS. DIVERS:  Ducks are amazing creatures.  Discover how to tell dabbling ducks from diving ducks by the way they eat, fly and look.  Check out a video and photos and where you can see them in this week's Discover Nature Notes blog.

Wood Duck

Why Healthy Deer Matter and How You Can Help

Peg Craft
Nov 04, 2018

WHY HEALTHY DEER MATTER AND HOW YOU CAN HELP:  Over the last 100 years, Missouri's white-tailed deer were brought back from an all-time low of 400 to more than 1.2 million today.  They're one of our most valuable species 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.  Scientists work with hunters and landowners to prevent the spread of disease, especially Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which is always fatal.  Learn more about deer health, CWD, and mandatory testing in this week's Discover Nature Note.

deer hidden

Creepy Critters

Peg Craft
Oct 29, 2018

GUESS THAT SPOOKY SOUND:  They may have hairy legs or vampire-looking wings, but these real life critters eat the blood suckers that ruin our summer evenings and perform some amazing feats.  Learn more about spiders and bats in this week's Discover Nature Note and see how many spooky sounds you can guess before each video puzzle completes.

Silver-Haired Bat

Three Dabblers

Peg Craft
Oct 22, 2018

ARE YOU A DABBLER OR A DIVER:  Do you like to skim along the surface or go deep?  Learn the differences between dabbling ducks and diving ducks and how you can look for three dabblers winging their way through Missouri in this week's Discover Nature Note blog. 

American wigeon male

The Sounds of Fall

Peg Craft
Oct 15, 2018

THE SOUNDS OF FALL:  Fall is a sensory delight.  And not just for the eyes and nose.  The sounds of fall are as distinct as its sights and smells.  Explore the many sounds of fall and places to go to hear them in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Woolly Bears and Winter

Peg Craft
Oct 08, 2018

WOOLLY BEAR MYTHS AND FACTS:  These fuzzy caterpillars are out crossing roads now.  Why do they do that and can they really predict weather?  Explore fun facts about them and learn what they turn into in this week's Discover Nature Notes blog.

Woolly Bear Caterpillar

Health Benefits of Hiking

Peg Craft
Oct 02, 2018

HAPPY AND HEALTHY TRAILS:  Boosting brain power, balance, and muscle and joint toning are some of the many benefits from hiking.  Learn where and how you can hike your way to health and happiness, as well as take a video tour on the Ozark trail in this week's Discover Nature Note blog.

hiking

Natural Differences

Peg Craft
Sep 25, 2018

NATURAL DIFFERENCES: Ever wonder why the males and females of some species look different? They may vary in size, coloration or behavior. Seasonal decorations can help some animals distinguish males from females. Learn and see more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

mallard pair

Missouri Nuts

Peg Craft
Sep 16, 2018

MISSOURI NUTS:  Gather ye nuts while ye may.  In Missouri, that's September and October for our finest homegrown edibles.  Our top three that rank high in nutrition, economic value and taste are black walnuts, pecans and hickories.  Watch a video on walnuts and try a recipe for hickory nut sandies in this week's Discover Nature Note. Pictured:  Pecan leaves and nuts

pecan leaves and nut

Fall Mushrooms

Peg Craft
Sep 09, 2018

PUFFBALLS AND OTHER FALL MUSHROOMS:  Mushroom hunting is popular in the spring, but there are many varieties that grow in the fall.  Puffballs can release thousands of powdery spores when squished.  They're not the same as the classic Star Trek spores, but puffball mushrooms are edible.  Learn more in this week’s Discover Nature Note.

Photo of a giant puffball, a large, smooth, rounded mushroom, growing in grass

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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.