Raptor Awareness Program at Robertsville State Park June 27

Turkey Vulture 

Robertsville State Park will host a Raptor Awareness Program, presented by the World Bird Sanctuary, on Saturday, June 27 at 2 p.m. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the program will discuss birds of prey including falcons, hawks, owls and vultures.

Participants will see different species of raptors, learn a vulture’s secret weapon, and hear about identifying a bird of prey in the wild. The program will be in the day-use area at Shelter A.

Robertsville State Park is located off Hwy O near Robertsville. For more information about the event, call the park at 636-257-3788. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Birds over Baker at Sam A. Baker State Park May 30

Visitors can discover the world of birds by learning all about these feathered friends at Sam A. Baker State Park on Saturday, May 30. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will be held at the day use area starting at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

This birding festival will feature live bird presentations, guided bird watches, activities and crafts for the whole family. Throughout the day from 3 to 7 p.m., there will be activities and crafts that will cover such topics as migration, hunting game birds and bird behavior. Members of the East Ozarks Audubon Society will also provide guided bird walks; identifying and pointing out birds that call Missouri home.

A new feature this year will be a falconer with her live raptors on display. Guests will learn all about this hobby and more during this fun-filled festival.

Bird merchandise will also be available for purchase throughout the day.   Food and entertainment by the Shoestring Band will be available from 6-7 p.m.

Guests will wrap up the event with the Raptor Awareness Program, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the park’s amphitheater. The program will cover information about birds of prey during a live bird presentation from the World Bird Sanctuary from St. Louis, featuring the raptors of Missouri, such as hawks, owls and falcons.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located four miles north of Patterson on Highway 143 in Wayne County. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-856-4514. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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“Falconry” at the Missouri State Museum on May 6

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Missouri State Museum will present the program, “Falconry,” as part of its ongoing “Museum after Hours” series on Wed., May 6. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the program will begin at 7 p.m. in the museum classroom, which is located in the History Hall in the east wing of the State Capitol.

Trained birds of prey have been hunting companions to humans for thousands of years and their use
pre-dates even the spear. Join licensed falconer Megan Duffe-Yates as she explores the history of falconry from its roots in Asia to its practice today in Missouri. Visitors will learn about this ancient sport, learn about the methods and equipment used and see live falconry birds.

The Missouri State Museum’s “Museum after Hours” events are held the first Wednesday of each month when the museum galleries remain open from 5-9 p.m. “Museum after Hours” is for those who have wondered what it would be like to visit the museum at night or whose schedules don’t allow daytime outings. In addition to the special programs, the events allow a more relaxed opportunity to view all the museum exhibits. These exhibits include both old favorites and new offerings. Evening entry to the museum will be through the carriage entrance on the south side of the building underneath the grand staircase.

The Missouri State Museum, which is part of the Missouri state park system, is located on the first floor of the Missouri State Capitol. For more information, contact the museum at 573-751-2854. For information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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