Letters to the Editor
Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and may be edited for length and clarity. Email Magazine@mdc.mo.gov or write to us:
Missouri Conservationist
PO Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Exceptional
We enjoy every issue, but the two articles in August, Beyond the ‘Ugly’ [Page 16] and Investigating Pollution and Fish Kills [Page 22] were exceptional. I am adding vultures to my list of favorite wildlife.
Bob and Cathy Zinkel, via email
Vultures
What a wonderful article on those skillful updraft gliders, black and turkey vultures. I always stand in awe of their aerodynamics as they gather high above the valleys around my property, socializing in their own mysterious way. Unfortunately, their need to find carrion leads them to the side of busy roadways, placing them in what seems to be their greatest peril. Whenever I approach a group of them feeding on roadkill, I consider the fact that, although they may be great flyers, they are very heavy birds and are ploddingly slow at take-off, so I give them great leeway, slowing down as much as I safely can. They are some of the last great avian scavengers left.
Kenneth Bassett, via email
I appreciated the article about vultures in the August issue. I recently found a dead raccoon in our front yard and carried it out to the street gutter. I planned to get on the KCMO website to find out how to dispose of it, but when I went outside, two turkey vultures were already at work. Nature’s sanitation department! Your magazine is a highlight each month (along with my MDC Natural Events calendar). Thanks for all you do!
Sarah J. Nettels, Kansas City
Nature Centers
We took our grandkids, ages 5 and 8, to Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. What a fantastic place for inquiring young minds. With so many hands-on experiences to delve into, our kids were occupied the whole time we were there. Our grandson could not get enough of the snake exhibits, and our granddaughter loved the woodpecker displays and the other hands-on activities. The staff were so helpful and ready to answer all our questions. Thanks for a great day for our family!
Jerry and Karla Neal, Corder
The Missouri Department of Conservation has eight education and nature centers located across the state. These places help you connect with nature in a variety of ways — take a walk on a nature trail, learn more about nature through live and still exhibits, or attend a class on a variety of topics, including outdoor skills. These centers are a great way to get out and beat the winter blues. For more information, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/4JV. —The Editors
Conservation Headquarters
573-751-4115
PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO
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And More...
This Issue's Staff
Editor - Angie Daly Morfeld
Associate Editor - Larry Archer
Photography Editor – Ben Nickelson
Staff Writer - Kristie Hilgedick
Staff Writer - Joe Jerek
Staff Writer – Dianne Van Dien
Designer - Marci Porter
Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner
Circulation – Marcia Hale