Birdwatching

Come learn about feathers and their uses. A single feather may have more than a million individual parts. Most of these are microscopic. Come join us to make a unique ornament with feathers from Missouri Native Game Birds.

Who’s that hooting it up each December evening?? Owls that’s who. You will learn what makes them such effective nighttime hunters and why they hoot so much this time of year. We will then take a short walk and see if we can entice any owls to fly in and talk to us. Dress appropriately since we will be outside part of the time. Warm clothing including gloves and flashlights are recommended.

Participants meet in the Rockwoods Visitor Center Classroom.

Join the naturalist in the Powder Valley lobby for some crafty fun! We will be talking about wintertime bird feeders, and you will be able to make your very own pinecone bird feeder.

Join us for a creative and eco-friendly workshop where you’ll transform tea cups into charming bird feeders. This hands-on program is perfect for nature enthusiasts and crafters alike, offering a unique way to attract and support local birdlife while adding a touch of elegance to your own garden or gift to the birder in your life. 

What You'll Do: 

Learn about bird-friendly design principles and the best types of seeds for different birds. 

Choose from a variety of vintage tea cups and saucers, provided by us, or bring your own special set. 

Assemble and decorate your bird feeder using natural twine, non-toxic glue, and beads. 

Get tips on where to hang your feeder for the best birdwatching experience. 

 

***If allergies or food sensitives (animal products) are a concern don't hesitate to contact the instructor before the class to make sure accommodations will be provided. 

 

No experience is needed, and we’ll provide all the materials necessary. Please register each person who is participating. This is a kid friendly program, an adult only class is being provided later in the day.

Join us for a creative and eco-friendly workshop where you’ll transform tea cups into charming bird feeders. This hands-on program is perfect for nature enthusiasts and crafters alike, offering a unique way to attract and support local birdlife while adding a touch of elegance to your garden or gift to the birder in your life. 

If allergies or food sensitives (animal products) are a concern don't hesitate to contact the instructor before the class to ensure accommodations will be provided. 

No experience is needed and we’ll provide all the materials necessary.  

This is an adult-only program, a kid-friendly class is being provided earlier in the day. Ages 18+

Winter is a great time to watch birds at your backyard bird feeders. Discover ways to attract birds to your backyard and explore some of the common feeder birds as we virtually watch a backyard feeder. Be sure to include your email address with your registration. The naturalist will send the program link both the day before and day of the program. Registration required. All ages

Missouri has eight owl species that can be found throughout the year. Learn about these species, what they sound like, and where you might find them. This program will not be recorded. All ages. Registration required.

Help us round out an amazing year of bird adventures at this stop by event. While the "Your Big Year" challenge continues through the end of the month, this is a great opportunity to stop by any time and learn more about birds while enjoying games and other bird-related activities. All ages. No registration required.

Call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Who’s that hooting it up each evening?? Owls that’s who. You will learn what makes them such effective nighttime hunters and why they hoot so much this time of year. We will then take a short walk and see if we can entice any owls to fly in and talk to us. Please remember to dress for the weather as this program will be held partially outside.

Too cold outside? Enjoy the warmth of our auditorium with a Nature Center Conservation Matinee. This month, we’re looking to those migratory snow geese that are so fascinating to watch! This beautiful film covers for the first time the incredible 2,500 mile migration story of snow geese from Hudson Bay to the Mississippi Delta, including orphaned geese who have breaks with their human 'parents' and find their way back into the wild. Runtime is 50 minutes and 47 seconds.

Winter is a great time to get outside and view Missouri's birds in the wild! Minimal leaf cover allows for better viewing of our resident species as they flutter among the forest. Join us for a casual cold-season hike through a section of mature timber to see what kinds of birds can be found, and hopefully learn a thing or two about our aviary residents in the process. Binoculars will help us get a better look at the birds we find. Please bring your own if possible. In addition, dress appropriately for the weather. A portion of this program will take place outdoors.

Walk-in (all ages) There's something enchanting about observing how birds adapt to the challenges of winter. How do they find food in the snow? What strategies do they use to stay warm? Join us for this fascinating program focused on birds' winter adaptations. We'll explore how features like feather density, body shape and beak structure help birds thrive in cold environments. Through engaging activities and close observations, we'll uncover the secrets of how these remarkable creatures survive the winter months. This program is in partnership with the Missouri River Bird Observatory. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Winter in Missouri means short-eared owls may be seen flying low over native grasslands in search of mice, rabbits, and other small mammals. Join us at Shawnee Trail Conservation Area to discover more about these uncommon winter residents. Bring the family and dress for the weather for this easy-rated hike.

Join us for Bird Bingo and win some fun bird (and non-bird) related prizes! All ages. No registration required. Call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Who’s that hooting it up each January evening?? Owls that’s who. You will learn what makes them such effective nighttime hunters and why they hoot so much this time of year. We will then take a short walk and see if we can entice any owls to fly in and talk to us. Dress appropriately since we will be outside part of the time. Warm clothing including gloves and flashlights are recommended.

Participants meet in the Rockwoods Visitor Center Classroom.

With duck season almost over its time to start looking for our migrators heading back north along with looking to next waterfowl season. We’ll have a list of waterfowl to see and some great locations to check out along with the tools you’ll need to get a good look.

Who’s that hooting it up each January evening?? Owls that’s who. You will learn what makes them such effective nighttime hunters and why they hoot so much this time of year. We will then take a short walk and see if we can entice any owls to fly in and talk to us. Please remember to dress for the weather as this program will be held partially outside.

Note: This event takes place at Marion Access (Cole County).

At Marion Access on the Missouri River (located approximately 13 miles north of Runge Nature Center on Highway 179), there will be wild eagle viewing opportunities, exhibits, a warming fire, and hot chocolate on a come-and-go basis from 10 AM to 2 PM. Naturalists and volunteers from Runge Nature Center will be on hand with spotting scopes to help visitors view wild eagles along the river. No registration required. All ages invited. Be sure to dress for the weather. (Weather back-up date is Saturday, February 1.)

Note: Due to ongoing construction and limited parking at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City, we regret to announce our annual Eagle Adventure activities at the nature center will not take place in 2025.

Did you know the Mississippi River hosts one of North America’s largest concentrations of bald eagles? They are drawn to areas of open water in search of fish, their preferred food. The colder the weather, the better the chances of seeing them fish, ride ice floes, soar overhead and roost in nearby trees!

Eagle lovers of all ages are invited to the Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton on February 8, 2025. Visitors are welcome to view eagles through spotting scopes staffed by trained volunteers. The World Bird Sanctuary will be providing live Bald Eagle programs throughout the day. For more information visit EagleDays.org.

No advance registration is required.