Birdwatching

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.

Discover the fascinating world of birds of prey in this engaging and educational library program at the Joplin Public Library! Perfect for nature lovers of all ages, this interactive program explores the lives, adaptations, and importance of raptors such as hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles. Participants will get an up-close look at taxidermy specimens, and a hands-on feather display will showcase the incredible variety of feather types. No registration is required.

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.

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.

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.

Come join us for a relaxing hike on Rock Quarry Trail at Rockwoods Reservation as we identify some of our local Missouri birds by sight and sound along the way. Whether you're just curious about birding and looking to get started or have been doing it for a while, all are welcome to join!

Also, check out the Bird ID program we'll be offering earlier that day and register for it separately if interested in attending. Thanks!

Hummingbirds may be the strangest and most loved migratory bird species that visit Missouri. Weighing in at seven grams these small birds make a 2,000-mile journey just to visit the Show-Me State! Join us this month as we explore the fast and feathered world of hummingbirds.

Creature Feature is a monthly virtual program that aims to educate Missourians about the natural world one species at a time. Register to receive a Webex meeting link to view the program. The meeting link will be sent out a few days before the program as well as the day of the program.

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.

Discover the colorful world of summer birds right outside your door! This beginner-friendly program will introduce participants to common backyard species through their shapes, songs, and behaviors, with tips for spotting birds even in the heat of the summer. Attendees will also learn simple, impactful ways to support birds like providing water and selecting bird-friendly landscaping. Whether you’re brand new to birding or looking to sharpen your ID skills, this session helps you connect with the wildlife that shares your neighborhood.

Here is your chance to 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.