Birdwatching

Nesting season comes early for owls and they’re already hooting in anticipation. Join us to learn about common Missouri owls what makes them effective nighttime hunters and how to identify them by sound. This is a live event only. Registration is required with a valid email address to receive the program link.

Why are owls active at night? What kind of owls live in our area? Find the answer to these and many more questions about owls at the Owl Prowl!

This program will include an indoor presentation about owls and their special adaptations followed by a short hike on a nearby trail to call for owls. After the hike, we will dissect owl pellets to see what owls have been eating.

Please bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. For ages 5 & up; registration required by 2/18.

Winter is a wonderful time to enjoy backyard feathery friends. Join a naturalist for a hands-on morning of birding at Powder Valley. We’ll utilize the excellent viewing windows at the nature center to observe birds at the feeders. Participants will learn birding techniques, how to identify birds quickly, and observe winter visitors.

For those who enjoy citizen science, we will be conducting a feeder watch during the program. This event is perfect for beginners and expert birders to contribute to a nationwide scientific study.

Binoculars and field guides will be available for all participants.

WHO's that calling up in the trees? It's an owl, of course! Join us for Little Acorns: Calling All Owls to learn about these amazing, mysterious birds and make a fun craft to take home! Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Do you enjoy bird watching? Do you enjoy crafts? Join a naturalist at Powder Valley for a bird-friendly craft session! We will be learning some birding basics, as well as how to attract more birds to your garden, followed by making bird feeders out of recycled teacups and saucers.

This program will be BYOT: Bring Your Own Teacup! Bring a teacup and saucer from home or have fun picking one out secondhand!

Please make sure to register all participants ahead of time.

Winter is a wonderful time to enjoy backyard feathery friends. Join a naturalist for a hands-on morning of birding at Powder Valley. We’ll utilize the excellent viewing windows at the nature center to observe birds at the feeders. Participants will learn birding techniques, how to identify birds quickly, and observe winter visitors.

For those who enjoy citizen science, we will be conducting a feeder watch during the program. This event is perfect for beginners and expert birders to contribute to a nationwide scientific study.

Binoculars and field guides will be available for all participants.

Live Raptor Show from World Bird Sanctury, nature games and crafts for families, nature arts, education nature booths, Hannibal Public Library Storytime, free nature books for children, eagle viewing with scopes at the Riverfront, an eagle nest model, and more. This event is free to the public and handicapped accessible.

Sponsored by the Mississippi Hills Master Naturalist

Sign up for a Live Presentation with Alice, the Turkey Vulture, during our fun Vulture Venture activities! Three live presentations will be offered, and space is very limited; please register for only one session, to help us accommodate the anticipated large attendance.

Vultures are an important yet often overlooked member of the natural world. They serve as nature's clean-up crew! Join us at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery to learn more about these often- misunderstood birds. 

Numerous games, activities, and crafts will be available for all ages, any time from 1pm until 5pm (no registration required). Spotting scopes will be set up for viewing vultures in the wild near Table Rock Dam and along Lake Taneycomo. (Dress as appropriate for the weather.)

Live vulture presentations will be offered at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm - prior registration required.

Vultures are an important yet often overlooked member of the natural world. They serve as nature's clean-up crew! Join us at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery to learn more about these often- misunderstood birds. 

Numerous games, activities, and crafts will be available for all ages, any time from 1pm until 5pm (no registration required). Spotting scopes will be set up for viewing vultures in the wild near Table Rock Dam and along Lake Taneycomo. (Dress as appropriate for the weather.)

Live Vulture Presentations with Alice the Turkey Vulture will be offered at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. Space is very limited and registration is required for these live presentations; check the Events listing (Taney County) for individual program times to register. (Please sign up for only one live presentation session.)

Sign up for a Live Presentation with Alice, the Turkey Vulture, during our fun Vulture Venture activities! Three live presentations will be offered, and space is very limited; please register for only one session, to help us accommodate the anticipated large attendance.

Vultures are an important yet often overlooked member of the natural world. They serve as nature's clean-up crew! Join us at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery to learn more about these often- misunderstood birds. 

Numerous games, activities, and crafts will be available for all ages, any time from 1pm until 5pm (no registration required). Spotting scopes will be set up for viewing vultures in the wild near Table Rock Dam and along Lake Taneycomo. (Dress as appropriate for the weather.)

Live vulture presentations will be offered at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm - prior registration required.

Sign up for a Live Presentation with Alice, the Turkey Vulture, during our fun Vulture Venture activities! Three live presentations will be offered, and space is very limited; please register for only one session, to help us accommodate the anticipated large attendance.

Vultures are an important yet often overlooked member of the natural world. They serve as nature's clean-up crew! Join us at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery to learn more about these often- misunderstood birds. 

Numerous games, activities, and crafts will be available for all ages, any time from 1pm until 5pm (no registration required). Spotting scopes will be set up for viewing vultures in the wild near Table Rock Dam and along Lake Taneycomo. (Dress as appropriate for the weather.)

Live vulture presentations will be offered at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm - prior registration required.

It’s the ultimate partnership between man and bird! The sport of falconry goes back thousands of years and is still a popular sport today.

Join Powder Valley staff as area falconers gather to offer the rare chance to observe and learn about these fascinating feathered hunters.

The falconers will display their falconry equipment, hoods, and other equipment, as well as live birds – the birds that they use in their sport. You will have the opportunity to ask the falconry team questions and see their hunting partners up close.

Doors will open at 6 pm. Between 6 and 7 pm, visitors can tour the exhibits and visit tables to learn about Missouri's birds of prey at biofacts tables. They can create a take-home bird of prey craft and also meet members of the Powder Valley naturalist team.

At 7 pm, the auditorium doors will open for the presentation and at 7:30 pm visitors can go into the classrooms to meet the falconers and see their hunting partner birds up-close.

Join us at Chain of Rocks Park for a family-friendly open-house event celebrating the eagles and other animals that thrive along the Mississippi River in winter. Visitors can stop by anytime to explore hands-on crafts and activities for kids, warm up with complimentary hot beverages, and view wildlife through spotting scopes set up at the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge. MDC staff and volunteers will be on hand to share insights about bald eagles, winter ecology, and the unique role this stretch of the river plays in supporting wildlife during the coldest months.

Have you ever wondered what an owl eats? Fly into the fascinating world of these nocturnal predators through an owl pellet dissection! This hands-on experience is perfect for curious minds, offering a unique glimpse into the owl's diet and its role in the ecosystem. Hear about the fascinating adaptations that make owls such great hunters and learn how owl pellets come to be! Each registered participant will receive their very own owl pellet and receive tools to uncover the secrets it holds within.

Make sure to register each member of your group when signing up, including children. Meet the naturalist in Powder Valley Classrooms C & D.

Hoo hoo hoo's that hooting in the woods? Come learn about the many different owls that call Missouri home. After a short educational talk, experience a walk in the woods at night as we attempt to speak with some of our local chatty Barred owls. The walk will take place on the Broken Ridge trail, which is approximately 2/3 mile long. Be prepared for steep inclines and declines. Make sure to wear proper walking shoes, dress for the weather, and a flashlight if you’d like one. Meet the naturalist next to the frog statue in front of the nature center.

Please note registration is required! If you are registering a group of people, please register each individual (including children). If you are unsure of how to register multiple people, please email the program instructor for assistance.

Purple martins have already left Brazil, and some have already arrived in Louisiana, Texas and Florida after crossing the Gulf of Mexico. They will be arriving back in the St. Louis area by early March. East of the Rocky Mountains they have become almost totally dependent on housing provided by humans. Come and learn how you can help conserve these beautiful swallows that are native to Missouri. We will discuss strategies for attracting purple martins and ensuring they return each year to your housing. The final portion of the time will be spent outside observing and discussing the features found in the purple martin house behind the Busch Visitor’s Center.

Tis the season for bluebirds! Fly in and discover fun and important facts about these beautiful creatures through activities, displays and a naturalist-led walk to look at bluebird houses along our trails. Guided walks are scheduled for 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. No registration required. All ages.

Birding has a reputation for being a “retirement hobby.” In reality, it’s one of the most kid-friendly, curiosity-fueling, low-cost outdoor activities out there. Children are naturally good birders! They are observant, energetic, and fascinated by small details adults often overlook. This child-friendly presentation will break down what kids need to get started, lay the foundation for basic observation and bird identification skills, and discuss what parents can do to make the experience fun rather than frustrating. This program will be presented by Missouri Department of Conservation Naturalist Austin Lambert.

All ages are welcome to attend. The primary audience for the program is children ages 7 and up, and adults who will be birding with children. Be sure to include your email address in your registration. The program link will be sent out via email both the day before and approximately an hour before the program.

Enjoy coffee and learning about birds? Join us at Mingo NWR Visitor Center for Birds and Brew! This program will give you an opportunity to enjoy some bird friendly coffee, starting at 7:00AM, and at 7:30 AM we will hit the trail to explore the world of late winter birds on a short walk on the Swampwalk (Boardwalk). The easy rated walk will be about a 1 mile long on boardwalk and asphalt trail surfaces. Bring your binoculars or a pair can be provided during the program. Registration is required. Any minor must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Did you know Missouri was a historical hotspot for designing and creating waterfowl hunting decoys? Including a factory here in Jefferson City? Join the Missouri Duck Decoy collectors at their annual meeting at Runge Nature Center and discover the rich history of waterfowl decoys. Drop in from 10 am- 12 pm to view antique decoys and other related sporting items which will be on display for the public. Then from 1-3:30 pm, presentations will begin in the Runge auditorium. Presenters will discuss identification, history, and artistry of duck and other waterfowl decoys. There is no charge to attend this event. No registration required. All ages.

What do Missouri Ozark forests, Tanzania, interior least terns, bald eagle nests, volunteers, bird–window collisions, and the wind industry have in common? More than you might think. We are partnering with the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society during their monthly meeting for a presentation by Janet Haslerig, MDC Avian Ecologist. She will explore the connections between birds, people, and conservation—both locally and globally. Ages 12 and up. Registration required

Bluebirds are a delightful sight in Missouri all year long, and their nesting season begins in the first half of March. This is the perfect time to join naturalists from Burr Oak Woods and the Missouri River Bird Observatory for an engaging in-person program. Learn how to set up nesting boxes, select the best feeders, and understand the importance of monitoring bluebirds to help grow the local population. Enjoy watching this “Cheer Cheerful Charmer” bring color and song to your backyard.

Bluebirds are a delightful sight in Missouri all year long, and their nesting season begins in the first half of March. This is the perfect time to join naturalists from Burr Oak Woods and the Missouri River Bird Observatory for engaging virtual program. Learn how to set up nesting boxes, select the best feeders, and understand the importance of monitoring bluebirds to help grow the local population. Enjoy watching this “Cheer Cheerful Charmer” bring color and song to your backyard. A link will be sent to participants prior to the program. Registration required (ages 18+)

Falconry is the ancient art and hunting sport of using trained birds of prey to hunt wild game. It was introduced to the United States in 1622 by England, and though it has evolved over the years, one thing remains the same: the bond between the falconer and their bird. Join Meagan Duffee-Yates, Master falconer, as she discusses the rich history of falconry. Discover what makes birds of prey such fascinating animals and see live birds of prey. She'll discuss the steps involved in becoming a falconer and the importance of raptor conservation. Best for age 5 and up.

March is the perfect time to learn all about birds in Missouri, especially everyone’s favorite, all of our wonderful songbirds! We’ll be talking about a wide group of birds that are either leaving the state to go back North, new birds coming up from the South, and our permanent residents that are around all year. We’ll also be talking about what types of food they eat with recommendations on what types of seeds they prefer to get the best birds! After our presentation, we’ll make quick and easy pine-cone bird feeders that participants will get to keep and hang up to enjoy their own backyard birds!

Birds are especially vocal in spring—but not all of their sounds mean the same thing. In this virtual program, we’ll explore the difference between bird songs and calls, explore alarm calls, and discover why some birds exaggerate or even mimic other species. Through audio clips and discussion, you’ll start to learn to interpret bird sounds and what they reveal about predators, territory, and seasonal behavior.

Enjoy coffee and learning about birds? Join us at Mingo NWR Visitor Center for Birds and Brew! This program will give you an opportunity to enjoy some bird friendly coffee, starting at 7:00AM, and at 7:30 AM we will hit the trail to explore the world of early spring bird migration through a short walk on the Swampwalk (Boardwalk). The easy rated walk will be about a 1 mile long on boardwalk and asphalt trail surfaces. Bring your binoculars or a pair can be provided during the program. Registration is required. Any minor must be accompanied by a registered adult.

New to birding or need refresher? Join Missouri Department of Conservation Ornithologist Kristen Heath-Acre for a primer on identification of Missouri’s common birds by sight, sound, and their associated habitats. Whether new to birding or experienced, there are always tips and tricks to learn in the world of birds.

All ages are welcome, although the program and its content are geared primarily for teenage and adult audiences. Be sure to include your email address in your registration. The program link will be sent out via email both the day before and approximately an hour before the program.

Spring is in the air, so grab your binoculars and get ready to spot nature’s tiny rainbows! Join us as we learn all about warblers and how these energetic little birds live. We will discover how they use songs to communicate, explore how to recognize them by their dazzling feather patterns, and why the forest is crucial for their survival. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes as a portion of this program will take place on the gravel trails with steep inclines.

Spring is in the air, so grab your binoculars and get ready to spot nature’s tiny rainbows! Join us as we learn all about warblers and how these energetic little birds live. We will discover how they use songs to communicate, explore how to recognize them by their dazzling feather patterns, and why the forest is crucial for their survival. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes as a portion of this program will take place on the gravel trails with steep inclines.

Enjoy coffee and learning about birds? Join us at Mingo NWR Visitor Center for Birds and Brew! This program will give you an opportunity to enjoy some bird friendly coffee, starting at 7:00AM, and at 7:30 AM we will hit the trail to explore the world of spring bird migration through a short walk on the Swampwalk (Boardwalk). The easy rated walk will be about a 1 mile long on boardwalk and asphalt trail surfaces. Bring your binoculars or a pair can be provided during the program. Registration is required. Any minor must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Enjoy coffee and learning about birds? Join us at Mingo NWR Visitor Center for Birds and Brew! This program will give you an opportunity to enjoy some bird friendly coffee, starting at 7:00AM, and at 7:30 AM we will hit the trail to explore the world of summer birds on a short walk on the Swampwalk (Boardwalk). The easy rated walk will be about a 1 mile long on boardwalk and asphalt trail surfaces. Bring your binoculars or a pair can be provided during the program. Registration is required. Any minor must be accompanied by a registered adult.