Birdwatching

Have you ever heard a bird singing and wondered what it was? Or saw a bird that you had never seen before? Fall Migration is upon us, and it is the perfect time to learn some quick, simple identification tips and birding basics. We will also cover how to properly use binoculars, what kind of binoculars is best for birdwatching, and general care. All minors need to be accompanied by a registered adult.

Look for Birding 101 Hikes to sign-up for a guided hike to practice your skills.

Birding 101 Hike for those who have attended Birding 101 Class and are wanting to practice their skills, but welcome any bird enthusiasts to join us. Minors must be accompanied by a registered adult.

We will meet at the Visitor Center at 9:45 to distribute loaner binoculars. If you would like to apply insect repellant prior to the hike, please do so away from vehicles and people.

Birding 101 Hike for those who have attended Birding 101 Class and are wanting to practice their skills, but welcome any bird enthusiasts to join us. Minors must be accompanied by a registered adult.

We will meet at the Visitor Center at 4:45 to distribute loaner binoculars. If you would like to apply insect repellant prior to the hike, please do so away from vehicles and people.

Fall brings the annual migration of waterfowl to our area lakes from their breeding grounds in the north. Some will stay with us all winter and others will rest and continue on their way farther south. After an indoor program we will walk to the lake and look for waterfowl. Ages 10 to adult. Registration required.

Join MDC naturalists and area birders as we discover the avian life that call Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those who need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

Fall at Rockwoods Reservation is peak season for birding. We will walk the forest edge to the Rock Quarry Trail, observing birds by sight and sound. We are likely to find vireos, warblers and many more species. The hike is 2 miles long on a trail mostly covered in gravel or mulch. There are two fairly steep stairways going up the foothill and three going down, with a mostly flat trail along the ridge.

This walk is open to anyone who enjoys birds, all experience levels are welcome. Bring your own binoculars or use one of ours.

Please register each person attending individually. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Have you ever heard a bird singing and wondered what it was? Or saw a bird that you had never seen before? Fall Migration is upon us, and it is the perfect time to learn some quick, simple identification tips and birding basics. We will also cover how to properly use binoculars, what kind of binoculars is best for birdwatching, and general care. All minors need to be accompanied by a registered adult.

Look for Birding 101 Hikes to sign-up for a guided hike to practice your skills.

Birding 101 Hike for those who have attended Birding 101 Class and are wanting to practice their skills, but welcome any bird enthusiasts to join us. Minors must be accompanied by a registered adult.

We will meet at the Swamp Boardwalk parking lot off Bluff Road within Mingo NWR, just below the Visitor Center at 6:45 to distribute loaner binoculars. If you would like to apply insect repellant prior to the hike, please do so away from vehicles and people.

Walk-in (all ages) Prepare for the first day of fall by learning about bird migration with The Great Migration Challenge. Participate in this life-sized board game to discover where birds go and why and what it takes for survival along the way. Explore what challenges birds face during their journeys across land and sea. Not every bird survives, but you'll learn what you can do to help their chances along the way. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Do you love biking…and birding? If so, this program is for you! Join us as we go for a short, leisurely bike ride to look for birds along several miles of the Katy Trail. This program is for birders of all experience levels, from beginner to expert. We will meet at the McBaine Trailhead (south of Columbia) and ride to Providence Access, birding at several hotspots along the way. Once we reach the access, a shuttle will take participants and bikes back to their vehicles at McBaine Trailhead. Bring your own bike, helmet, and binoculars, or equipment can be provided by the nature center if needed.

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.

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.

We have one-bedroom homes for several new and growing barn owl families. We just need builders to put them together! Enjoy some time learning about Missouri owls with a focus on the barn owl and their need for suitable nesting opportunities. We will work together to build a nest box for your home, helping to sustain this rare species in Missouri.

Please register only one person per family/group. Due to limited supplies, one nest box per family/group.

We will meet in the Columbia Bottom Visitor Center.

Join MDC naturalists and area birders as we discover the avian life that call Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those that need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

Learn how to identify sparrows and other little brown birds that migrate through Missouri. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This program will not be recorded. All ages. Registration required.

Join MDC naturalists and area birders as we discover the avian life that call Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those that need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

Whoooo’s that hootin’? Learn more about Missouri’s elusive, nocturnal birds of prey. After learning common Missouri species, participants will discover some of the unique traits owls have, and how we can help protect these important creatures. It will be a hoot! Be sure to include your email address in your registration. The instructor will send the program link to all registered participants both the day before and day of the program. Registration required. All ages

Join us as we discuss the owls that call Missouri home, as well as the owls that visit during the winter months. There is so much to learn about these amazing raptors.