Birdwatching

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+)

Registration required (ages 8+) Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with a guided bird walk that highlights the incredible journeys of migratory birds and how we can support them right here in our community. Participants will enjoy observing spring migrants in action while also receiving a brief introduction to eBird and other community science tools, learning how their sightings can contribute to real conservation efforts. Whether you're new to birding or already enjoy time outdoors, this program offers a meaningful way to connect with nature and make a difference. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

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.

Spring into migration season with a fun craft at Powder Valley! Birds are making their way up through the Mississippi Flyway, heading for their summer homes. Celebrate Missouri’s feathered guests and returning residents by learning about spring migration and stamping your own bird-themed tote bag to take home.

This program is for registered participants aged 8 and up. Please register all participating individuals, including parents and children.

Please Note: There are two times for this program (one for ages 8+ and one for 16+), so make sure to show up to the correct one that you have registered for!

Spring into migration season with a fun craft at Powder Valley! Birds are making their way up through the Mississippi Flyway, heading for their summer homes. Celebrate Missouri’s feathered guests and returning residents by learning about spring migration and stamping your own bird-themed tote bag to take home.

This program is for registered participants aged 16 and up. Please register all participating individuals.

Please Note: There are two times for this program (one for ages 8+ and one for 16+), so make sure to show up to the correct one that you have registered for!

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.

Join us for an early morning 5-mile hike at the Marais Temps Clair (MTC) Conservation Area. Birds are most active in the early morning hours. This is a great time of the year for a hike to see what lives in the marsh habitat of MTC. Meeting details will be provided to registrants beforehand.

Do you love biking… and birding? Then this program is for you! Join us for a leisurely, evening bike ride to go birdwatching on Mokane Road in Callaway County, north of Jefferson City. Mokane Road is one of the top birding hotspots in Central Missouri and all birding experience levels are welcome. Meet at the Missouri Department of Conservation Airport Hangar on the south side of the Jefferson City Airport; directions will be provided in an email before the program. Biking will be a maximum of 7 miles at a leisurely pace. Binoculars, bikes, and helmets will be provided for all that need them, but feel free to bring your own. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather.

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.

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.

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.

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.