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St. LOUIS, Mo.—Most people associate birds with the air and trees, but there’s also an entire world of feathered creatures that frequent the water, too.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to help bird enthusiasts get better acquainted with their avian friends, who call aquatic environments home, with Waterbird Walk Saturday, May 7 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in Forest Park. Join MDC naturalists on a trek to look for waterbirds in and around the park’s waterway.
The program is ideal for both birding beginners and intermediate birders wanting to delve more into the world of waterbirds. “Forest Park offers the closest encounters with some of the strangest bird species native to Missouri's waterways,” said MDC Naturalist August Wise.
Learn fascinating secrets about these unique birds, such as why some of them eat their own feathers, or what happens when a great blue heron takes a bite too big for it to handle. Discussions during the walk will explore various waterfowl, and wading birds, and the ducks that participants might see in the trees.
No experience is required, but participants should come dressed for the weather, and bring water and binoculars or camera if they have them. Binoculars can also be provided upon request. Participants should meet at the Forest Park Fish Hatchery building on Grand Drive.
The Waterbird Walk is a free program for ages 10 years and up. To attend, advanced online registration is required https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4UQ .
Program registrants should note that families now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own which will streamline the program registration process. Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children to an event without having to logoff and login for each person. This allows parents to register an entire family or select family members to an event at the same time.
Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.
