Learn about binoculars and field guides as well as birding apps and other helpful tools.

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:
Learn about binoculars and field guides as well as birding apps and other helpful tools.
Learn key features that will help you tell bird species apart.
Upload and store your bird sightings in this online database and view sightings of other birders around the world.
The Missouri Birding Trail was created to show birders the best places to find birds around the state.
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 20+ 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. At the end of the program, an optional bird hike along some of Rockwood Reservation's paths will be offered.
This program is one of several in our new Outdoor Skills Series (see detailed list below). Whether you’re seeking to connect more to nature or hone your outdoor skills, these classes are for you. Sign up for some or all and get to meet others that share your interests in the outdoors!
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Outdoor Skills Series Location Date Time
1. Backpacking Basics Pacific Library 2/27/2025 3:30-4:30
2. Compass and Map Caldwell Memorial WA 3/27/2025 11:00-12:30
3. Bird ID for Beginners Rockwoods Reservation 4/9/2025 9:00-10:00
4. Hike Conservation Area La Barque Creek CA 4/26/2025 10:00-2:00
5. Outdoor Cooking Rockwoods Reservation 5/7/2025 10:00-11:30
6. Discover Nature Fishing 1 Shaw Nature Reserve 5/9/2025 10:00-12:00
7. Tree ID + Guided Hike Caldwell Memorial WA 5/13/2025 10:00-12:00
8. Knot Tying Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 10:00-11:30
9. Primitive Camping 101 Caldwell Memorial WA 5/23/2025 12:00-1:00
10. Archery Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 10:00-11:00
11. Atlatl Rockwoods Reservation 6/10/2025 11:30-12:30
Hummingbirds 101: Creating Spaces for Natures Jewels
The ruby-throated hummingbird is one of Missouri’s most intriguing birds! Would you like to learn how to attract these unique birds to your yard or garden during spring and fall migration? Join naturalists from MDC and Missouri River Bird Observatory as we learn about the native plants, sweet nectar and insects loved by this tiny creature, also known as nature’s helicopter! A link will be sent to registered participants prior to the program.
Hummingbirds 101: Creating Spaces for Natures Jewels
The ruby-throated hummingbird is one of Missouri’s most intriguing birds! Would you like to learn how to attract these unique birds to your yard or garden during spring and fall migration? Join naturalists from MDC and Missouri River Bird Observatory as we learn about the native plants, sweet nectar and insects loved by this tiny creature, also known as nature’s helicopter!
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.