Birdwatching

Brown-headed nuthatches require a healthy, stable pine-woodland habitat — something Missouri had mostly lost but has been gradually regaining. Now that our state has restored some of its pine woodlands, approximately 100 birds were reintroduced in the Mark Twain National Forest between 2020 and 2021, and survival monitoring of the brown-headed nuthatches continues to present day. If this species is deemed a successful reintroduction, it will be considered a permanent resident of Missouri as it is nonmigratory. Join us as we discuss these intriguing birds while you paint your own water-color picture of the brown-headed nuthatch.

Join MDC naturalists and area birders as we discover the avian life that calls Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those that need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

Join us for breakfast while enjoying the birds and blooms of Rockwoods Reservation! Come and take a stroll through the newly renovated native wildflower gardens around the Visitor Center while enjoying a doughnut and a cup of shade-grown, bird-friendly coffee! Naturalists will be available to share information about the flowers and how you can grow them in your yards or container gardens. Also, spring is an excellent time to see and hear the wonderful birds of Rockwoods! Learn how to identify those birds using the Merlin bird identification app. Naturalists will also be sharing tips on what you can do to protect birds and help them thrive, including that coffee that you will be enjoying! All are welcome to stop by for a few minutes or spend some time relaxing with us enjoying the sights and sounds of spring!

Meet at the Visitor Center.

All are welcome! No reservations are required.

It is finally springtime, and the birds are out and about finding food plus we are in the heart of spring migration. Join us, along with some Burroughs Audobon experts on a hike to see the birds in action. We will meet at the front door to the nature center. We will then proceed to the trail for a hike to bird. We will keep our eyes out for spring wildflowers as well. Beginners and all experience levels welcome. Dress for the weather & bring your own binoculars, snacks, and drinks. Folks can leave anytime, if they have had enough.

Learn some birding basics, including how to use binoculars properly, and get some identification tips. We'll start with a short presentation in the classroom and then hit the trails to look for birds.

Registration required by visiting https://www.mymcpl.org/events/93085/hummingbirds-101-zoom (all ages) The ruby-throated hummingbird is one of Missouri's most intriguing birds! Would you like to learn about these unique birds and how to attract them to your yard or garden? Join us as we learn about the native plants, sweet nectar and insects loved by this tiny creature, also known as nature's helicopter! This program is hosted by Mid Continent Library.

Join MDC naturalists and area birders as we discover the avian life that calls Runge home. These short birding walks are for all experience levels. We will gather near the front doors of the nature center. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for those that need them. Registration preferred. Ages 8+

Do you love biking… and birding? Then this program is for you. Join us as we go for a leisurely ride to look for birds on Mokane Road in Callaway County, just north of Jefferson City. Mokane Road is one of the top birding hotspots in Central Missouri. This program is for birders of all experience levels. We will meet at Carl R Noren Access before carpooling to our starting point. Binoculars, bikes, and helmets will be provided for all that need them. Make sure to bring a water bottle. Participants under the age of 18 attending the program without an adult (18+) will need a signed permission form to take part in the program. Registration required. Ages 15+

Volunteer Naturalist Myra Scroggs will help you find some common nesting birds during this indoor and outdoor program. Ages 7 to adult.

Learn some identification tips and birding basics, including how to properly use binoculars. We’ll start with a short presentation in the classroom and then hit the trails to look for birds. Ages 7 to adult.

Join us for a beginner bird ID program July 3rd and discover the various feathered visitors you’re likely to encounter throughout the year in the state of Missouri. This program reviews 20+ common Missouri birds, their physical characteristics, and what foods they’re attracted to. Also, tips will be provided on how to create a bird-friendly environment to attract birds to your backyard. The program will conclude with a birding hike along some of Shaw Nature Reserve's paths.

Join photographer Paul Moffett in exploring the birds of the confluence. After retirement Paul started work on documenting, via photography, the birds of the confluence area. He's documented over 300 specimens in that 20 mile stretch between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers confluence and the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers confluence. He volunteers for Audubon at Riverlands primarily working with the Swan Society and Missouri Department of Conservation.

This program is part of our Nature Center @ Night series, the building will remain open until 7:30pm.