Birdwatching

Missouri is home to several species of both native and introduced doves and pigeons. In this virtual program, we will discuss how to identify each species that has been documented in the state by both sight and sound. We will also discuss dove hunting here in Missouri. This program will be held virtually. A link will be sent both the day before and morning of the program to your email address provided during registration.

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 them for their fall migration.

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.

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.

Do you enjoy the sights of migrating birds and natural springs? Join us at Big Spring in Van Buren as we observe birds in their fall migration through the beautiful Ozark country of Missouri. We will meet at the spring at 7:30 AM and head out to the trail from there. The trail is easy and will be less than 1 mile. Feel free to bring your own binoculars - department binoculars will be provided to those that need to borrow them.

Cooler temperatures and southward migrations make fall a great time 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.

Feeding birds can increase your bird identification skills as well as brighten your day. Join us for this virtual program that will discuss what type of seeds birds prefer to snack on to give them energy in the chilly weather, and how to make and freeze your own homemade suet in preparation for winter feedings.

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.

Fall migration is a great time to see both new and familiar birds, but it can be tricky to know what you’re looking at when they are so far away. Join us for a virtual presentation and discover how birds can be identified from their shapes, outlines, flying patterns, and other unique behaviors! This is a beginners’ introduction to identifying birds from a distance with no binoculars required.

This program will be held virtually. A link will be sent both the day before and morning of the program to the email address provided during registration.

As the days get shorter and weather get cooler the summer songbirds begin to fade away. In this evening of birding, we will be searching for birds that decide not to migrate and discuss why they choose to stay.

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.

From the smallest of hummingbirds to giant ostriches, birds are the only living animals that have feathers! Learn about the various types of feathers found on birds and investigate feather anatomy during this presentation hosted by River Bluffs Audubon Society. All are welcome to attend the Audubon meeting after 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.

Cooler temperatures and southward migrations make fall a great time 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.

Do your little ones enjoy being in nature? Appreciate the natural world through a story, songs, movement, and play as you sit under the canopy for a “nature” adventure. Come see the topic we are exploring this month, Fall leaves and seasonal changes! We will go on a little walk with flashlights for a scavenger hunt in the park. Younger children and siblings are welcome. Meet the naturalist at the West End Picnic Site, next to the New Comfort Station. Please dress for the weather.

Please register all children 2-7 for this program.

Fall is in full swing; leaves are changing, cooler breezes are starting to blow, and migratory birds are making their yearly appearances. Trail of Tears State Park offers many opportunities to spot these birds in multiple habitats from riparian corridors along the river to oak hickory forest. With some luck we might spot migrating waterfowl moving along the Mississippi Flyway. Participants can expect to shuttle from the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center to the park where we will roam searching for birds at stationary points and a short hike.

No prior birding knowledge or experience is necessary. Hiking conditions will be easy to moderate with gravel and some dirt areas on the trail. Closed toe shoes and long pants are recommended.

Cooler temperatures and southward migrations make fall a great time 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.

Birding is the fastest growing outdoor recreational activity. Join us for a morning of birding and experience the activity everyone is flocking to. 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.

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.