Get Outside in August

Catch the Red Eye

Red-eyed vireos are one of the few birds that sing on hot, humid summer afternoons. The song, which is helpful for locating this hard-to-see bird, is a monotonous series of two-, three-, or four-syllable whistles, with alternating up- and down-slurred phrases. The call, like that of most vireos, is a burry vray or tjay. For more information on the red-eyed vireo, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4dN.

Show-Me Jellyfish

Late summer is a great time to be around the water. If you are near a lake or pond, you may see an aquatic visitor typically seen only in the ocean — a jellyfish. This variety is a freshwater jellyfish that swims when surface water temperatures reach 80 degrees. They will sting like their marine cousins, but it doesn’t break the skin. Most people report itching or redness, and some don’t feel them at all. To learn more about this aquatic creature, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4u8.

Let the Sun Shine

Sunflowers are a highlight of late summer. With their bright yellow petals and flattened dark centers, they are reminiscent of the sun itself. There are 16 species of sunflowers, or Helianthus, to enjoy in Missouri. Learn more about sunflowers at short.mdc.mo.gov/4dG.

Sounds of Summer

Tree crickets, or pale bush crickets, are often heard but rarely seen. True to their name, they live in trees, bushes, and tall herbaceous plants at least a foot or so above the ground. Most are delicate, pale green insects. Some members of this group are ones whose calls can be used as thermometers, because their regular, rhythmic chirping becomes slower as the temperature falls.

Peeping for Pawpaws

Did you know Missouri has an official state fruit tree? In 2019, the Missouri Legislature designated the pawpaw as Missouri’s state fruit tree. Learn to identify and locate the trees now, so you can watch for the ripening fruits in September. Pawpaw trees grow in colonies and resemble large shrubs or small trees with a slender trunk and broad crown. Leaves are 6–12 inches long and flowers are drooping, dark reddish-purple with an odor of fermenting grapes. The sweet fruit can be eaten raw or baked. To learn more about the pawpaw, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4dp.

Cooking and Cleaning Fish

Wednesday, Aug. 7 • 12–1:30 p.m.

Online only. Registration required by Aug. 7. To register, call 888-283-0364 or visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4uB.

All ages

Fishing is a great chance to get closer with nature, spend time with family, and feed those close to you. In this virtual program, we will be covering how to clean, prepare, and cook catfish. Join us for a real-time demonstration of how to remove the fillets and cook them both on a stovetop and in the oven.

Getting Ready for Teal Season

Wednesday, Aug. 14 • 1–2 p.m.

Online only. Registration required by Aug 14. To register, call 888-283-0364 or visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4u6.

Ages 12 and older

With teal season starting next month, it’s important to be prepared to hunt for one of the fastest waterfowl in Missouri. We’ll go over what types of teal you can expect to see and the equipment and decoys that will make your hunt a success.

Find more events in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events

Be BearWise

Help bears stay wild and healthy, and keep yourself and your neighbors safe.

Hiking, Camping, or at Home

• Never feed a bear.
• Always store food and garbage in a secure location.
• Stay alert and watch for bear signs such as tracks, scat, or claw marks on trees.
• When hiking, make noise so you don’t surprise a bear.
• Keep dogs leashed when hiking and camping.

If You Encounter a Bear

• Leave it alone! Do not approach it.
• DO NOT RUN.
• Back away slowly.
• Speak in a calm voice.
• Do not turn your back to the bear.
• Report all bear sightings to MDC.

Learn more at Bearwise.org

Natural Events to See This Month

Here’s what’s going on in the natural world.

• Fall warbler migration peaks.
• Young raccoons are weaned.
• Eastern snapping turtle eggs hatch.
• Rose gentian blooms.
• Striped bass head for cold water.