Field Guide

It’s a great time to go birding. The weather’s getting cooler, and fall migrants are passing through Missouri in peak numbers. Our winter residents are arriving, too.

Fall color in Missouri usually peaks around mid-October. Our native maples contribute brilliant colors to the display. Each species has its own beautiful palette.

Mama garden spiders are full sized and capturing big ol’ cicadas and grasshoppers. Most insects and spiders will die when it freezes. They’re racing to lay eggs before the curtain falls.

Downy gentian is a gorgeous wildflower that blooms in fall. It’s not common, but it’s widespread in native grasslands. Visit prairies to find it.