Birdwatching

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Four women birdwatching; all are looking through binoculars
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Birding is popular because it’s easy to get started, and it offers increasingly greater rewards the more you learn. It’s also an inexpensive hobby — a field guide and pair of binoculars are all you need.

Read on for tips on how to get started identifying Missouri's birds around your home or out in the field. This section provides information on:

  • Birdwatching tools
  • Identifying birds
  • Bird behavior and habitats
  • Great places to watch birds in Missouri
  • MDC bird-related events
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Boy with binoculars
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Featured Topics
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Woman with Binoculars
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Learn about binoculars and field guides as well as birding apps and other helpful tools.

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Photo of a prairie warbler perched on a red cedar sprig
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Learn key features that will help you tell bird species apart.

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Upload and store your bird sightings in this online database and view sightings of other birders around the world. 

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The Great Missouri Birding Trail was created to show birders the best places to find birds around the state. 

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Great Places For Birdwatching

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Field of purple coneflowers at Huzzah CA
Crawford
Huzzah Conservation Area is located in Crawford County. The area consists of 6,225 acres.

Birding Events

Private Event | My Events | My Profile

Displaying 1 - 26 of 26
Date: Friday, December 1, 2023 12:00 am - Sunday, December 31, 2023 12:00 am
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Calling all agents! In this Agents of Discovery mission, traverse both inside and outside the nature center as you complete challenges and learn all about birds! Using the app and mission prompts, complete challenges and answer questions as you walk through the nature center to complete the mission. Best of luck, agents!
Registration period: October 27 - December 7
Date: Friday, December 8, 2023 6:30 pm - Friday, December 8, 2023 8:00 pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
Who’s that hooting it up each December evening?? Owls that’s who. You will learn what makes them such effective nighttime hunters and why they hoot so much this time of year. We will then take a short walk and see if we can entice any owls to fly in and talk to us. Dress appropriately since we will be outside part of the time.
Registration period: November 17 - December 9
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023 8:30 am - Saturday, December 9, 2023 10:00 am
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Start your morning with a naturalist and learn the basics of winter bird identification while enjoying a hot cup of java! After a classroom introduction to Missouri’s winter birds, follow the naturalist on a winter bird walk to put your new skills to the test! Hot water and tea will also be provided. Be sure to dress for the weather. Registration required. Ages 12+
Registration period: September 15 - December 11
Date: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 12:00 pm - Wednesday, December 13, 2023 1:00 pm
Location: Online only

Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap. Woodpeckers are some of Missouri’s most beloved bird species. Their characteristic tap-tap-tapping as they hunt for food has made them one of the most easily recognizable winter birds. Learn about these wonderful woodpeckers, their amazing adaptations, and how to identify Missouri’s seven native species in this virtual program.

Please ensure that your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program.
Registration period: November 9 - December 15
Date: Friday, December 15, 2023 9:00 am - Friday, December 15, 2023 10:00 am
Location: Online only
Winter is a great time to watch birds at your backyard bird feeders. As we virtually watch a backyard feeder, we will discuss common backyard feeder birds and ideas for attracting more of them. Be sure to include your email address when registering. Registered participants will receive the program link both the day before and day of the program. Registration required. All ages
Registration period: November 1 - December 14
Date: Friday, December 15, 2023 6:30 pm - Friday, December 15, 2023 8:00 pm
Location: St. Louis Regional Office/Busch Memorial CA
Who’s that hooting it up each December evening?? Owls that’s who. You will learn what makes them such effective nighttime hunters and why they hoot so much this time of year. We will then take a walk on the Short Loop of the Fallen Oak Trail and see if we can entice any owls to fly in and talk to us. Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
Registration period: November 16 - December 12
Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023 10:00 am - Saturday, December 16, 2023 11:00 am
Location: Online only
Learn all that mysterious owls can teach us by dissecting an owl pellet! This VIRTUAL program will guide you through the contents of the pellet provided by the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. You can pick up your dissection kit from the nature center beginning Wednesday, December 6th, until Friday, December 15th. The online guided dissection will begin Saturday, December 16th at 10AM as a naturalist explains what might be present in your pellet. All participants will receive a WebEx invitation to join prior to the event.
Registration period: November 6 - December 8
Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023 4:00 pm - Saturday, December 16, 2023 5:30 pm
Location: Shawnee Trail Conservation Area
Winter in Missouri means short-eared owls may be seen flying low over native grasslands in search of mice, rabbits, and other small mammals. Join us at Shawnee Trail Conservation Area to discover more about these uncommon winter residents. Bring the family and dress for the weather for this easy-rated hike.
Registration period: November 13 - December 19
Date: Wednesday, December 20, 2023 10:00 am - Wednesday, December 20, 2023 11:00 am
Location: Tower Grove Park-Stone Shelter

Birding is a great activity for all ages! At this Beginning Birding for Kids program, we'll learn some common backyard birds and how to identify them. We'll also learn how to use binoculars, and even go on a short walk to the Robert and Martha Gaddy Wild Bird Garden to practice our new birding skills!

We will meet at the Stone Shelter. This program will take place completely outdoors, so please dress accordingly. All supplies will be provided.

This program is designed for children ages 5+.
Registration period: November 16 - December 17
Date: Wednesday, December 20, 2023 10:00 am - Wednesday, December 20, 2023 11:30 am
Location: Shaw Nature Reserve
Join us for an enlightening program on winter birds and birdfeeders. Discover the various visitors you’re likely to encounter during the cold months and learn about the specific feeders and seeds that attract each species. Equip yourself with knowledge to create a bird-friendly environment in your backyard this winter. Homeschoolers are welcome!
Registration period: December 4 - December 19
Date: Wednesday, December 20, 2023 1:00 pm - Wednesday, December 20, 2023 2:00 pm
Location: Twin Pines Conservation Education Center
Join us as we discuss the owls that call Missouri home, as well as the owls that visit during the winter months. There is so much to learn about these amazing raptors.
Registration period: November 16 - December 18
Date: Thursday, December 21, 2023 10:00 am - Thursday, December 21, 2023 11:00 am
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Learn all that mysterious owls can teach us by dissecting an owl pellet! Participants will have the chance to open up an owl pellet and reconstruct the bird of preys’ last meal with the bones that couldn’t be digested. Please register ONLY the individual who will be dissecting. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend and assist, but do not need to register.
Registration period: October 12 - December 22
Date: Friday, December 22, 2023 10:30 am - Friday, December 22, 2023 12:00 pm
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Dress warmly and join us for a winter bird walk on the Nature Center trails. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them.
Registration period: December 6 - December 25
Date: Wednesday, December 27, 2023 10:00 am - Wednesday, December 27, 2023 10:30 am
Location: Online only

Join this virtual program to learn how birds survive the winter and what you can do to help.

When registering, please provide an active email address, as you will receive a program link the day before the program. If you do not receive a link, please check your junk email. This program will use the Webex platform and will not be recorded. For more information email Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov or call (417) 334-4865 ext 0.
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 8:00 am - Wednesday, January 31, 2024 5:00 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Calling all agents! In this Agents of Discovery mission, traverse both inside and outside the nature center as you complete challenges and learn all about birds! Using the app and mission prompts, complete challenges and answer questions as you walk through the nature center to complete the mission. Best of luck, agents!
Registration period: December 1 - January 4
Date: Friday, January 5, 2024 6:30 pm - Friday, January 5, 2024 8:00 pm
Location: Rockwoods Reservation
Who’s that hooting it up each January evening?? Owls that’s who. You will learn what makes them such effective nighttime hunters and why they hoot so much this time of year. We will then take a short walk and see if we can entice any owls to fly in and talk to us. Dress appropriately since we will be outside part of the time.
Registration period: November 6 - January 9
Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 12:00 pm - Wednesday, January 10, 2024 12:30 pm
Location: Online only
Winter is a great time to see our National Emblem here in Missouri. Will discuss their life history, why they are here, and good locations and events to see them.
Registration period: December 1 - January 11
Date: Friday, January 12, 2024 6:30 pm - Friday, January 12, 2024 8:00 pm
Location: St. Louis Regional Office/Busch Memorial CA
Who’s that hooting it up each evening?? Owls that’s who. You will learn what makes them such effective nighttime hunters and why they hoot so much this time of year. We will then take a walk on the Short Loop of the Fallen Oak Trail and see if we can entice any owls to fly in and talk to us. Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
Registration period: December 5 - January 15
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 11:00 am - Tuesday, January 16, 2024 12:00 pm
Location: Online only
Winter is a great time to start the hobby of bird watching while stuck indoors. Join us to learn about common birds seen during winter and how to keep them around your feeders.
Registration period: November 29 - January 26
Date: Friday, January 26, 2024 6:00 pm - Friday, January 26, 2024 7:00 pm
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Nesting season comes early for owls and they’re hooting in anticipation. The trails will be open and patrolled; bring a flashlight and a walking partner for a stroll on your own. Dickerson Park Zoo docents will offer an indoor program at 6 pm.
Registration period: November 20 - January 26
Date: Friday, January 26, 2024 7:00 pm - Friday, January 26, 2024 9:00 pm
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

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. Listen as a seasoned falconer explains how to get started in this age-old sport. 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.

Registration period: November 29 - January 26
Date: Friday, January 26, 2024 7:00 pm - Friday, January 26, 2024 8:00 pm
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Nesting season comes early for owls and they’re hooting in anticipation. The trails will be open and patrolled; bring a flashlight and a walking partner for a stroll on your own. Dickerson Park Zoo docents will offer an indoor program at 7 pm.
Date: Thursday, February 1, 2024 8:00 am - Thursday, February 29, 2024 5:00 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Calling all agents! In this Agents of Discovery mission, traverse both inside and outside the nature center as you complete challenges and learn all about birds! Using the app and mission prompts, complete challenges and answer questions as you walk through the nature center to complete the mission. Best of luck, agents!
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024 9:00 am - Saturday, February 3, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Puxico Activity Center (FEMA Building)
We're celebrating the return of bald eagles to Mingo NWR, Duck Creek CA, and Lake Wappapello. This special event includes the indoor live bald eagle shows from our friends at the World Bird Sanctuary. Programs will be held at the Puxico Activity Center (FEMA building). Opportunities to view bald eagles in the wild, with the assistance of volunteers and spotting scopes, will be available at the Visitor Center at Lake Wappapello, 3 locations on Mingo NWR and 1 location at Duck Creek CA during event hours. Mingo Visitors Center will have presentations on the restoration project that took place on the refuge. All ages are welcome. Registration is not required. However, eagle shows have a capacity of 400 people and will be filled on a first come first serve basis.
Registration period: December 1 - February 3
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024 10:00 am - Saturday, February 3, 2024 12:00 pm
Location: Howard Wood Urban Outreach Office
Today is all about eagles! Learn about how Bald Eagles nest, what they eat, where to see them, and how our actions impact their lives. There will be something to learn, build and take home for all ages. The office will be open for activities from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Please register all attending individually.
Registration period: December 6 - February 23
Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024 9:30 am - Saturday, February 24, 2024 10:30 am
Location: Online only
Join us online or in-person to discover the sights and sounds of common to rare winter backyard birds through a traditional slide show. Then, test your new knowledge with a fun, online trivia game played individually on your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Or in-person, join a team using one of our devices. No account or login is necessary to join our Blooket game. Afterwards, for our in-person visitors and weather permitting, join the Naturalist on an optional birding hike out on the trail.
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Missouri's winter eagle watching is spectacular. Find places to view eagles on your own, or join us at some of the many Eagle Days events scheduled around the state.

Eagle Days Events

Private Event | My Events | My Profile

Displaying 1 - 10 of 10
Registration period: December 1 - December 21
Date: Thursday, December 21, 2023 12:00 pm - Thursday, December 21, 2023 3:00 pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Winter is a great time to explore the Missouri River. Cooler temperatures mean bald eagles are present in higher numbers, and low water means it is a great time to get out and explore sandbars. Hop aboard as we take a boat ride on the river starting and ending at Carl R. Noren Access, north of Jefferson City. We will meet at Carl R. Noren Access. Life jackets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Be sure to dress for the weather. Signed permission forms are required for all participants. Registration required. Ages 13-18
Registration period: October 15 - January 6
Date: Saturday, January 6, 2024 9:30 am - Saturday, January 6, 2024 10:30 am
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Eagles are beloved birds in America. They soar with big wings that stretch six feet and play a great part in keeping their habitat healthy. Learn about these regal fliers in this program. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.
Registration period: November 1 - January 6
Date: Saturday, January 6, 2024 10:30 am - Saturday, January 6, 2024 11:30 am
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Eagles are beloved birds in America. They soar with big wings that stretch six feet and play a great part in keeping their habitat healthy. Learn about these regal fliers in this program. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0–2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.
Registration period: November 6 - January 9
Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 12:00 pm - Wednesday, January 10, 2024 12:30 pm
Location: Online only
Winter is a great time to see our National Emblem here in Missouri. Will discuss their life history, why they are here, and good locations and events to see them.
Registration period: December 5 - January 4
Date: Friday, January 12, 2024 10:30 am - Friday, January 12, 2024 11:00 am
Location: Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center
Soaring through the skies of Missouri is a large, majestic bird that is also an important symbol for our country. Join us for Little Acorns to learn all about these Regal Eagles and make a craft to take home! Recommend for ages 3-7.
Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024 10:00 am - Saturday, January 20, 2024 4:00 pm
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
We're celebrating the annual return of bald eagles to Lake Springfield. The Dickerson Park Zoo will bring a live bald eagle. Programs will be held at the Nature Center every hour on the hour from 10 am to 3 pm. There will be opportunities to view bald eagles in the wild at the Lake Springfield Boathouse and Marina during event hours, with the assistance of volunteers and spotting scopes. All ages.
Date: Sunday, January 21, 2024 12:30 pm - Sunday, January 21, 2024 4:30 pm
Location: Springfield Conservation Nature Center
We're celebrating the annual return of bald eagles to Lake Springfield. The Dickerson Park Zoo will bring a live bald eagle. Programs will be held at the Nature Center at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 pm. There will be opportunities to view bald eagles in the wild at the Lake Springfield Boathouse and Marina during event hours, with the assistance of volunteers and spotting scopes. All ages.
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024 9:00 am - Saturday, February 3, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Puxico Activity Center (FEMA Building)
We're celebrating the return of bald eagles to Mingo NWR, Duck Creek CA, and Lake Wappapello. This special event includes the indoor live bald eagle shows from our friends at the World Bird Sanctuary. Programs will be held at the Puxico Activity Center (FEMA building). Opportunities to view bald eagles in the wild, with the assistance of volunteers and spotting scopes, will be available at the Visitor Center at Lake Wappapello, 3 locations on Mingo NWR and 1 location at Duck Creek CA during event hours. Mingo Visitors Center will have presentations on the restoration project that took place on the refuge. All ages are welcome. Registration is not required. However, eagle shows have a capacity of 400 people and will be filled on a first come first serve basis.
Registration period: December 1 - February 3
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024 10:00 am - Saturday, February 3, 2024 12:00 pm
Location: Howard Wood Urban Outreach Office
Today is all about eagles! Learn about how Bald Eagles nest, what they eat, where to see them, and how our actions impact their lives. There will be something to learn, build and take home for all ages. The office will be open for activities from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Please register all attending individually.
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024 9:00 am - Saturday, February 10, 2024 3:00 pm
Location: Audubon Center at Riverlands

Did you know the Mississippi River hosts one of North America’s largest concentrations of bald eagles? They are drawn to areas of open water in search of fish, their preferred food. The colder the weather, the better the chances of seeing them fish, ride ice floes, soar overhead and roost in nearby trees! Eagle lovers of all ages are invited to the Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton on February 10, 2023. Visitors are welcome to view eagles through spotting scopes staffed by trained volunteers. The World Bird Sanctuary will be providing live Bald Eagle programs throughout the day. Overflow parking will be located at Lincoln Shields portion of Riverlands with a shuttle operating during the event.

For more information visit Eagle Days - Great Rivers Greenway. https://greatriversgreenway.org/eagledays/