MDC to offer free virtual hummingbird program July 21

People can learn more about hummingbirds (pictured above)
 at a free Missouri Department of Conservation
online program on July 21.

Springfield Nature Center staff will host online program on these fascinating birds.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Hummingbirds fascinate humans for a variety of reasons. The way these tiny birds hover at feeders and dart back and forth makes them a favorite of many people.

People who want to learn more about these unique birds should sign up for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) virtual program “Hummingbird Basics.” MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center staff will offer this program July 21 from 10-10:30 a.m. People can learn about these birds’ life cycles and why, in the upcoming weeks, hummingbirds will be looking for feeders as they ravenously feed to store up energy for their long migrations in the fall. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173682

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/regions.

MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located at 4601 South Nature Center Way in southeast Springfield. The nature center building and facilities are currently closed to the public due to COVID-19 precautions, but the area’s three-mile network of trails is open to the public.

Live hummingbird banding at Montauk State Park Sept. 6

Male Ruby-Throated hummingbird (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Researcher Lanny Chambers will visit Montauk State Park to capture, band and study Missouri’s smallest flying machine, the ruby throated hummingbird. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will take place between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 6 at the Hummingbird Garden in front of the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge.

Visitors will get a close-up look at this tiny bird, and will learn about its life history. Guests are welcome to bring cameras, but will be instructed to keep an adequate distance from the birds and researchers in order to insure the safety of the birds. The event is free and open to the public.    

Montauk State Park is located 22 miles southwest of Salem on Hwy. 119 in Dent County. For more information about the event, call the Montauk State Park naturalist at 573-548-2225. 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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Help band hummingbirds at the Cape Nature Center

The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center will host a hummingbird banding event Saturday, Aug. 29, from 8 a.m. to noon. (MDC file photo)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – It’s nearly time for ruby-throated hummingbirds to depart on their annual fall migration to Central America. Before these tiny birds leave the area, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center will host a hummingbird banding event Saturday, Aug. 29, from 8 a.m. to noon.

“This event is truly a special opportunity for children and adults to get up close to a hummingbird,” said Sara Turner, manager of the center. “If you’ve not had the opportunity to see these fragile little birds when they’re banded, then this is something that you won’t want to miss.” 

Cathie Hutcheson of Makanda, Ill., will be capturing, banding, and releasing hummingbirds. She will record important information that can be used to track the annual migration of these small birds.

Many people provide needed energy for hummingbirds by growing native plants and hanging out feeders. Participants will learn how to attract hummingbirds as well as how to choose and maintain feeders which give the busy birds the needed boost for their long journey. Those who wish to attract hummingbirds to their own garden will be able to pick up free seeds for native plants that provide the preferred nectar for hummingbirds.  

Doors will open at 8 a.m. with banding beginning shortly after. The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is located in Cape County Park North, just off I-55 at exit 99. No advance registration is required for this program. For more information, call the nature center at (573)290-5218.

Hummingbird Research at Onondaga Cave State Park

Researcher Lanny Chambers will visit Onondaga Cave State Park throughout the season to capture, band and study Missouri’s smallest flying machine, the ruby-throated hummingbird. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event is scheduled for May 2, July 4, Aug. 8, and Sept. 5and will take place at the park’s visitor center between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Visitors will get a close-up look at this tiny bird, and will learn about its life history. Guests are welcome to bring cameras, but will be instructed to keep an adequate distance from the birds and researchers in order to insure the safety of the birds. Lucky visitors may get to release a hummingbird. The event is free and open to the public.

Onondaga Cave State Park is located seven miles southeast of the Leasburg exit off of Interstate 44 on Highway H. For more on the event, contact the park at 573-245-6576. For more information about Missouri 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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