Roaring River State Park hosts Birding Boot Camp March 30-31

Roaring River State Park hosts Birding Boot Camp March 30-31

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MARCH 15, 2019 – Come to Roaring River State Park for Birding Boot Camp during the weekend of March 30-31. Beginning and experienced birders are invited to learn about topics such as bird identification, songs, nests and helping scientists around the world protect birds. Strap on your boots, grab your binoculars and get ready for 2019 Birding Boot Camp! These free events are open to the public.

Saturday March 30
9 a.m. Birding March - Bring your binoculars for our first bird watching experience. We will hike Chute Ridge Glade to observe the birds in this unique habitat. Meet at the nature center.

12 p.m. Fancy Feathers and Field Marks - Learn the basics of bird anatomy and field marks. Field marks are crucial for learning to identify new birds. Meet at the nature center.

3 p.m. Bird the Builder - Birds build unique homes. Come learn about the different styles of nests, and get a chance to create your own. Meet at the nature center.

Sunday March 31
9 a.m. Birding March - Bring your binoculars for a short hike. We will hike River Trail to observe the birds along Roaring River. Meet at the nature center.

3 p.m. Birding by Ear - Come listen to recordings of bird calls. You will learn tips to recognize bird songs and calls. After, we will test our skills outside of the nature center.

Roaring River State Park is located seven miles south of Cassville on Highway 112 in Barry County, southwest Missouri. For more information about the event, contact the park office at 417-847-2539.

For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

MDC joins birding enthusiasts at Wings Over Weston

Annual birding festival showcases conservation and ecology of wild birds

Weston, Mo. – Birds and butterflies were featured at the Wings Over Weston festival May 13 and 14 at Weston Bend State Park in Platte County. School groups toured nature exhibits and learned about birds and natural habitats on the birding fest’s opening day. More than 700 people visited on Saturday when the festival hosted the general public. Sunny, cool weather made it a great day to hike on the park’s trails and look for birds.

   The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is a partner in the annual event. Wings Over Weston is organized by the Burroughs Audubon Society of Kansas City and Missouri State Parks. Other conservation partners, such as Missouri Master Naturalists, provide exhibits and volunteers.

   Visitors enjoyed guided birding hikes, crafts and games for children, live bird displays, a native plant sale, and conservation exhibits. MDC staff was on hand with displays about prairie chickens, peregrine falcons, stream ecology, monarch butterfly conservation and information about wild birds.

    MDC conservation areas offer excellent opportunities for birding year round. For more information on birding in Missouri, visit http://on.mo.gov/1sjfstj.