Main menu

Search

Discover Nature Notes

Red, White, and Blue in Nature

Peg Craft
Jun 30, 2019

Happy Independence Week! To mark the holiday, we are celebrating RED, WHITE, and BLUE in nature. Check out patriotic colors and catch some fun facts about our national bird in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Turkey

On the Water

Peg Craft
Jun 23, 2019

COOL OFF On the Water this summer. With more than 110,000 miles of rivers and streams, Missouri has many chill choices for floating, fishing, and more. Get inspired with some famous Missouri musicians playing live in 8 water locations, and find helpful tips in this week's Discover Nature Note. Note: Please check weather, road, and water conditions before heading out.

Shoal Creek

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.

cowbird egg in dickcissel nest

Fish Fathers

Peg Craft
Jun 09, 2019

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.

Flathead Catfish

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.

female belted kingfisher

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.

gray tree frog calling

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.

Opossums

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.

sweet bee on purple milkweed

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.

Carolina Wren

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