Birdwatching

Read a picture book as you walk along the Nature Center trails. The StoryWalk®, available June 17-30, is provided in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Library. All ages. No registration required.

Volunteer Naturalists Myra Scroggs and Marilyn Owens will help you find common nesting birds during this indoor and outdoor program. Ages 7 and up. Registration required.

Across most of the eastern US, purple martins rely solely on human-provided housing for nests. Meet us at the purple martin poles at 10am to learn more about the largest member of the swallow family and their unique relationship with humans.

John Miller of St. Louis has had a life-long interest in purple martins, learning about them from his grandfather in Kentucky. He is a volunteer with the Purple Martin Conservation Association, having written articles for the organization's magazine and giving public presentations in the St. Louis area. Miller initiated re-establishment of colonies of purple martins in St. Louis' Forest Park and the Missouri Botanical Garden two decades ago and these colonies viewed as one within the St. Louis metro area probably represent the largest urban colony of martins in the breeding range.

Join us for a beginner bird ID program and discover the various feathered visitors you’re likely to encounter throughout the year in the state of Missouri. This program reviews 30+ common Missouri birds, their physical characteristics, and what foods they’re attracted to. Also, tips will be provided on how to create a bird-friendly environment to attract birds to your backyard.

Come join us for a relaxing hike on Rock Quarry Trail at Rockwoods Reservation as we identify some of our local Missouri birds by sight and sound along the way. Whether you're just curious about birding and looking to get started or have been doing it for a while, all are welcome to join!

Also, check out the Bird ID program we'll be offering earlier that day and register for it separately if interested in attending. Thanks!

Tiny bird. Major main-character energy. Join us for a relaxed watercolor program where you'll discover the surprising superpowers of the ruby-throated hummingbird, learn easy watercolor techniques as you create your own nature-inspired artwork. A perfect blend of wildlife discovery and creative expression...a colorful masterpiece worthy of your wall—or your next social post. No experience required. Ages 12+.

Hummingbirds may be the strangest and most loved migratory bird species that visit Missouri. Weighing in at seven grams these small birds make a 2,000-mile journey just to visit the Show-Me State! Join us this month as we explore the fast and feathered world of hummingbirds.

Creature Feature is a monthly virtual program that aims to educate Missourians about the natural world one species at a time. Register to receive a Webex meeting link to view the program. The meeting link will be sent out a few days before the program as well as the day of the program.

See a ruby-throated hummingbird up close! Join master hummingbird bander Sarah Driver to learn more about this winged jewel while attempting to capture some birds for banding. Ages 7 and up. Registration required.

Discover the colorful world of summer birds right outside your door! This beginner-friendly program will introduce participants to common backyard species through their shapes, songs, and behaviors, with tips for spotting birds even in the heat of the summer. Attendees will also learn simple, impactful ways to support birds like providing water and selecting bird-friendly landscaping. Whether you’re brand new to birding or looking to sharpen your ID skills, this session helps you connect with the wildlife that shares your neighborhood.

Birding is a fantastic way to get into nature this summer! In the trees, in the bushes, and in the water, birds are everywhere when we look. Join us for some birding at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center and learn about our summer resident birds and common birding apps. Then take a chance to borrow binoculars for a trip around our trails. This class is for beginners interested in birding but haven’t committed to buying binoculars or find it difficult to identify birds.

From the smallest of hummingbirds to giant ostriches, birds are the only living animals with feathers! Discover how important they are, and all the other wonderful things that feathers do for our avian friends! This virtual presentation will cover the different types of feathers and feather anatomy. The instructor will send a link via e-mail the day before and the day of the presentation.

Join a naturalist on an evening birding adventure in Creve Coeur Park! There is a whole host of species that live near this natural lake during the summer months. Who knows what we might see or hear on this wonderful evening of birding!

This lesson is designed to be open to everyone no matter their experience level in birding. No binoculars? No problem! Binoculars and field guides will be available for those that need them.

During the program we will be walking the Mallard Lake Loop trail.

Join us for a 2.5 mile hike to view the herons and egrets feeding in the MTC marsh. The young have just left the nests so we may see both young and adults feeding together. See some of the showiest members of all wading birds. Meeting details will be provided to registrants beforehand.

Here is your chance to see a ruby-throated hummingbird up close! Join master hummingbird bander Sarah Driver to learn more about this winged jewel while attempting to capture some birds for banding. Ages 7 and up. Registration required.

This is an educational class on the painted bunting, a beautiful migratory bird native to southern Missouri. We will learn how to identify this species based on appearance and call. We will also talk about its conservation status and threats both here and in its other habitats. Finally, we will learn how to draw this colorful bird using oil pastels. No experience is required, and all materials will be provided. All you need is an open mind!

This is an educational class on the painted bunting, a beautiful migratory bird native to southern Missouri. We will learn how to identify this species based on appearance and call. We will also talk about its conservation status and threats both here and in its other habitats. Finally, we will learn how to draw this colorful bird using oil pastels. No experience is required, and all materials will be provided. All you need is an open mind!

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.

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.

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.