Discover Nature Notes

When might some birds need a designated flyer? When their food is overripe. Favored fruits can become fermented. For birds and insects consuming rotten fruit or overripe nectar, this temporary impairment can leave them vulnerable to injury and predators. Learn more about this natural phenomena and what you might do if you observe this behavior in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Discover some healthy and fun outdoor holiday activities for the whole family in this week's Discover Nature Note.

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.

Its aromatic wood is used for chests and closets, its oils for soaps and gin, and its high-energy berries feed hungry birds. Meet the Eastern Red Cedar. A shapely, spicy evergreen that is a yuletide favorite for people and wildlife. Red cedar branches provide greenery during winter and protect deer and rabbits from the wind. Discover more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Watch December's party in the sky featuring the Geminid meteor showers and other celestial treats. Find out how, where, and when to watch the light show in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Here's a crowd where you can stand in the midst and watch a spectacular show between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check out Missouri's unique vantage point for viewing wild visitors in this week's Discover Nature Note.

While on the holiday road, look for these roadside diners and divers. They may be perching on highway signs, telephone wires and polls, or dive-bombing the ground for their meals. American Kestrels are small and colorful raptors that are commonly seen in open areas and alongside roadways. Discover more about these pint-sized predators in this week's Discover Nature Note.

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

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

Halloween brings out the creepy critters. Discover three that are just trying to feed themselves or their young in what might be considered nightmare ways to the human species in this week's Discover Nature Note.