Birding sites in central and southeast added to Great Missouri Birding Trail website

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages beginner and seasoned birders to discover nature by exploring the “best of the best” places to birdwatch around Missouri.  Finding them is as easy as going online to the new website, Great Missouri Birding Trail, at greatmissouribirdingtrail.com.

Central and Southeast Trail portions have recently been added to the website for additional birding site options.

Other complete sections of the Great Missouri Birding Trail are St. Louis and Kansas City with each including a Metro Trail that features birding sites within each city’s center and that are easily accessed by public transit. Work continues on the two remaining sections of the Trail: Northeast and Southwest.

The Trail website includes maps of the best birding sites around the Show-Me State, along with info on various aspects of bird conservation. Pages include birding tips, beginner basics, landscaping for birds, and how to get involved with local bird organizations.

The best-birding locations include mostly public land, such as conservation areas and state parks, and cover various types of bird habitats, such grasslands, woodlands, forests, glades, and savannas. Each type of natural community hosts a different suite of bird species to identify.

The Great Missouri Birding Trail project was started by Mike Doyen of Rolla, president of the Missouri Bird Conservation Foundation. The Trail is now a partnership between the Foundation and MDC, with support from other state and federal agencies and birding organizations.

“Nothing is more critical to birds than habitat,” Doyen said. “If the habitat is right, the birds will be there. Visit some of more than 200 sites along the Trail and become familiar with the diversity of habitat that birds call home. Then ask yourself: What can I do in my backyard to improve habitat for birds?”