Fun things to do and great places to discover nature.
- Time to put up bluebird nest boxes!
- Celebrate World Wildlife Day March 3 by learning what kinds of wildlife live
- near you. Visit mdc.mo.gov/field-guide to see what to look for right now.
- Bag some mushrooms. Dimpled and delicious, morels begin popping up on Missouri’s forest floors in mid-April. To be safe, go with an experienced mushroom hunter.
- Watch for water striders on streams when the weather is warm.
- Help a turtle cross the road, but only if it’s safe to do so.
- Are you age 9 or older? Sign up for Basic Archery for Families at Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in the St. Louis area. Call 636-300-0258 to register by March 22.
Looking for more ways to have fun outside? Find out about Discover Nature programs in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events.
What is it?
- I’m colorful but seldom seen.
- I swim in the water but nest in the trees.
- A high, soft whistle is all you’ll hear …
- ...as I take flight away from here.
The male wood duck is colorful but secretive. It lives along forested waterways, where it nests with its mate in tree cavities. The only way you may know wood ducks are near is by their high, soft whistle. Young wood ducks drop from their nest and into the water a day after they hatch. In fall, the male loses his breeding plumage and takes on the drab colors of winter. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.
Critter Corner | Double-Crested Cormorant
Cormorant males sport small feather tufts on either side of their head, but only during breeding season. These social birds nest near water, where they dive for fish. When a cormorant pops up for air, only its neck and head show above water. It sinks so low because its feathers have few of the oils that keep other water birds afloat. Cormorants spread their wings in the sun to dry out their feathers. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.