Field Guide

Butterflies are visiting newly opened flowers. The great spangled fritillary is common and easily recognized. Look for it in yards and gardens.

May is a peak month for bird nesting in Missouri. Breeding birds eat large quantities of insects and other small invertebrates. The robin is only one example.

Cottonwood trees release their cottony seeds. Our fastest-growing native tree towers majestically in lowlands near streams and helps stabilize river banks.

In woodlands, prairies, byways, and riversides, there’s a ragwort blooming near you. We have several species of these bright yellow daisy-like flowers.