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Discover Nature Notes

Red, White and Blue in Nature

Peg Craft
Jul 03, 2017

Happy Independence Day and Happy 80th Anniversary for the Missouri Department of Conservation! To mark the holiday and anniversary milestone, we are celebrating red, white and blue in nature this week. It's surprising how often these colors appear and where. You can see these colors on display and learn more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

wild turkey

Have You Seen This Fish?

Peg Craft
Jun 26, 2017

It's a commoner with an identity problem and kids love to catch them.  Learn more about this colorful underwater predator  in this week's Discover Nature Note.

green sunfish

Rattlesnake Rattles

Peg Craft
Jun 19, 2017

It's a startling sound that can stop you in your tracks.  There's no mistaking the rattlesnake's rattle.  But how it makes its scary sound and grows its tail may surprise you.  Learn more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Timber Rattlesnake rattle

Fish Fathers

Peg Craft
Jun 12, 2017

RIDDLE: Two fathers and two sons go fishing together in the same boat.  They all catch a fish but the total catch for the day is three fish.  How is this possible? Find the answer to this riddle and learn about two "super dad" fish in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Bluegill

The Bird that Fishes

Peg Craft
Jun 05, 2017

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.

Belted Kingfisher female with fish

Wild Waifs

Peg Craft
May 29, 2017

Baby birds and other young wildlife may look abandoned, but odds are their parents are nearby, caring for them from a distance.  Learn why this happens and why it's best to leave these babes alone in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Young Fawn in Grass

Acoustic Dawn

Peg Craft
May 22, 2017

Nature provides some of the best jam sessions.  It's definitely worth rising early in May and June to catch an acoustic dawn as spring harmonize to start their day.  Get a front row seat to this natural concert in this week's Discover Nature Note.

American Robin

Tracking Birds with Radar

Peg Craft
May 15, 2017

Like airplanes and thunderstorms, flocks of migrating birds can be tracked by radar. Learn how scientist's are tracking spring migrations in this week's Discover Nature Notes.

A male Blue Grosbeak perched on a tree

The Buzz on Flowers

Peg Craft
May 08, 2017

Happy Mother's Day. Flowers make a perfect gift for this special day. They add beauty and are an essential part of the food chain. Learn the buzz on how flowers came to be and watch a time-lapse video of Missouri native wildflowers in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Photo of smooth spiderwort flowers being visited by beelike syrphid flies

The Color of Fish

Peg Craft
May 01, 2017

It's all about the color, even for Missouri fish, when it comes to blending into their surroundings, selecting mates and defense.  Fish can also change their colors and patterns by mood.  Learn more about the how fish use color in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Native Fishes

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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.