Birdwatching

Between spring bird migration and songbird breeding season, Spring is one of the best times to go birding! Join a Runge naturalist for a leisurely, guided walk suitable for all experience levels and search for the many bird species at Runge. Binoculars and field guides are available for those that need them. Meet outside the nature center’s front doors. This program is all outdoors, so make sure to dress for the weather. Registration preferred. Ages 8+.

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.

Celebrate spring by discovering the colorful migratory birds that return to our neighborhoods each year. We'll highlight fan favorites such as orioles, grosbeaks, and hummingbirds. Learn when they arrive, how to identify them, and why they stop in our backyards. We’ll also share simple, bird-friendly feeding and habitat tips to attract these beautiful visitors. All ages. Registration required. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This program will not be recorded.

Experience Kirkwood Park during the peak of spring bird migration. Everyone, from beginner to pro, is invited on a guided birding adventure in the park. Thanks to the unique features found around Walker Lake, Kirkwood Park is a perfect place to go birding. A Missouri Department of Conservation naturalist and Kirkwood Park staff will be your guides.

No binoculars? No problem! Binoculars and field guides will be available for those that need them.

Warblers, flycatchers, finches, and more! Looking to take the step from backyard birdwatching to birding? This program will explore the pursuit of birding during a peak season for songbird activity. There will be a short educational portion to begin, followed by a casual hike to view various species. Participants are encouraged to bring their own water and binoculars. If needed, a loaner set of binoculars can be provided, but please send an email before the registration deadline so the proper number of loaner binoculars can be brought.

Join us for a beginner bird ID program and discover the various feathered visitors you’re likely to encounter 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.

Between spring bird migration and songbird breeding season, Spring is one of the best times to go birding! Join a Runge naturalist for a leisurely, guided walk suitable for all experience levels and search for the many bird species at Runge. Binoculars and field guides are available for those that need them. Meet outside the nature center’s front doors. This program is all outdoors, so make sure to dress for the weather. Registration preferred. Ages 8+.

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.

Between spring bird migration and songbird breeding season, Spring is one of the best times to go birding! Join a Runge naturalist for a leisurely, guided walk suitable for all experience levels and search for the many bird species at Runge. Binoculars and field guides are available for those that need them. Meet outside the nature center’s front doors. This program is all outdoors, so make sure to dress for the weather. Registration preferred. Ages 8+.

Hummingbirds are beautiful and unique birds. Discover more about these tiny fliers and learn how to attract these magnificent little jewels to your yard or garden, as well as how you can help prepare for their spring arrival.

Registration required (ages 8+) Enjoy a leisurely walk around the Discovery Center grounds, observing the birds that use this urban oasis of varied native gardens, trees and landscaped areas. The walk is guided by a Missouri Master Naturalist and Burroughs Audubon member. While geared toward the beginner, birders of all skill levels are welcome. During the walk, bird identification, including old school methods and current apps, will be covered, as well as life history and related citizen science opportunities. We'll meet in the lobby and dress for the weather. The walk will be on sidewalks and mixed natural surfaces over flat terrain. Bring binoculars if you have them, there will be a limited number of binoculars available for use. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

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

Are you new to the world of warblers or birding in general? This program is designed to help anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating birds. Spring is a great time to study warblers as they arrive in Missouri. Level up your birding skills and improve your ability to identify these birds. All ages. Registration required. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This link will be sent the week of the program. This program will not be recorded.

Enjoy coffee and learning about birds? Join us at Mingo 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 Shoal Creek Conservation Center for Birds and Brews! This partnership program gives anyone (14 years old and older) an opportunity to enjoy some bird friendly coffee and explore the world of spring bird migration through a short walk by Shoal Creek. The easy rated walk will be about a 1 mile long on some uneven trail surfaces. Bring your binoculars or a pair can be provided during the program. Registration is required. This event is hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Ozark Gateway Audubon Chapter, and Wildcat Glades Nature Group.

Between bird migration and songbird breeding season, Spring is one of the best times to go birding! Join a Runge naturalist for a leisurely, guided walk suitable for all experience levels and search for the many bird species at Runge. Binoculars and field guides are available for those that need them. Meet outside the nature center’s front doors. This program is all outdoors, so make sure to dress for the weather.

Early May has arrived, and so have the amazing orioles! In this virtual program, we will discover more about these bright beauties and learn strategies to attract them to your own backyard! Registration is required. Be sure to include your email address. The presenter will email the program link both the day before and day of the program. This program is tailored to adult audiences, but all ages can enjoy.

Calling all nature lovers, curious explorers, and those that are wild about birds. Runge naturalists are forming a Fledgling Team for the second annual Missouri Birding Challenge, and we want you to be part of the adventure! From beginners to experts, birdwatchers of all levels are welcome. Together we will walk the Runge Nature Center trails, exploring forest and prairie habitats, to see how many bird species we can find. After searching for birds outdoors, we will return indoors to make a bird feeder to take home. All materials and equipment are provided, but feel free to bring your own binoculars and field guides if you would like. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. To learn more about the Missouri Birding Challenge go to Missouri Birding Challenge | Missouri Department of Conservation.

Watching birds at feeders not only provides hours of enjoyment but also sharpens your identification abilities! Join us to craft a unique, eco-friendly bird feeder using recycled materials and natural treasures like dried stems, leaves, and grasses. Not only will you leave with a beautiful feeder, but you'll also sharpen your bird-watching skills and enjoy hours of backyard birding fun. Bring your creativity! Registration required (ages 18+)

Between bird migration and songbird breeding season, Spring is one of the best times to go birding! Join a Runge naturalist for a leisurely, guided walk suitable for all experience levels and search for the many bird species at Runge. Binoculars and field guides are available for those that need them. Meet outside the nature center’s front doors. This program is all outdoors, so make sure to dress for the weather.

Experience the wild symphony of springtime songbirds at August G. Beckemeier Conservation Area. As the sunsets we will be looking for migrating species as they make their way back to Missouri. Everyone, from beginner to pro, is invited on this guided birding adventure. No binoculars? No problem! Binoculars and field guides will be available for those that need them.

This area proves you don't have get very far from the suburbs to get away from it all. Lying just off Olive Street in west St. Louis County, you'll quickly forget about the busy traffic as you immerse yourself in this forested oasis. August G. Beckemeier is located at 14415 Olive Blvd, Chesterfield, MO 63017.

This session will be held near the Rainbow Basin Trailhead parking lot, and it will highlight the migration of warblers and other woodland species as they pass through the area. The diverse woodland, upland, and prairie habitats will provide an excellent opportunity to spot a variety of birds in different ecosystems. Some simple to moderate hiking is available. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars.

It is finally springtime, and the birds are out and about finding food plus we are in the heart of spring migration. Join us, along with some Burroughs Audobon experts on a hike to see the birds in action. We will meet at the front door to the nature center. We will then proceed to the trail for a hike to bird. We will keep our eyes out for spring wildflowers as well. Beginners and all experience levels welcome. Dress for the weather & bring your own binoculars, snacks, and drinks. Folks can leave anytime, if they have had enough.

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

Between bird migration and songbird breeding season, Spring is one of the best times to go birding! Join a Runge naturalist for a leisurely, guided walk suitable for all experience levels and search for the many bird species at Runge. Binoculars and field guides are available for those that need them. Meet outside the nature center’s front doors. This program is all outdoors, so make sure to dress for the weather.

Registration required (ages 8+) Enjoy a leisurely walk around the Discovery Center grounds, observing the birds that use this urban oasis of varied native gardens, trees and landscaped areas. The walk is guided by a Missouri Master Naturalist and Burroughs Audubon member. While geared toward the beginner, birders of all skill levels are welcome. During the walk, bird identification, including old school methods and current apps, will be covered, as well as life history and related citizen science opportunities. We'll meet in the lobby and dress for the weather. The walk will be on sidewalks and mixed natural surfaces over flat terrain. Bring binoculars if you have them, there will be a limited number of binoculars available for use. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to 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 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.

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.