Larry Lade
Moderator
Missouri is ideally situated in a favorable location for observing a wide variety of birds. It is located in the approximate center of the "lower 48 states". Therefore we are visited by some of the birds which are "western" US birds, as well as some which are considered to be either "northern" or "southern" birds. We are also on what is referred to as "the mississippi" flyway. This is used by waterfowl and (generally) shorebirds. Generally, Missouri is considered to be in the eastern half of the US. Most of our birds tend to be eastern US species. However, we do see Eastern Kingbirds and Western Kingbirds, Red-tailed Hawks and Swainson's Hawks (occasional), Eastern Meadowlarks and Western Meadowlarks, etc.
400 species of birds have been recorded in Missouri. Of this number, 150 + of them nest in the state.
Some of the favorite birding areas are:
Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge (7,193 acres)
An extensive wetland in the Missouri River floodplain, this area abounds in geese, ducks and shorebirds during the spring and fall migrations. As many as 400,00 Snow Geese (some Ross's) and 200 Bald Eagles can be seen in late November and early December. *Last year on one day in the winter 476 Bald Eagles were counted on the refuge. The refuge is located in north-west Missouri.
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge (10,670 acres)
and Fountain Grove Conservation Area
In proximity to each other, these prime wetland areas along the Grand River attract waterfowl and shorebirds during migration. White Pelicans are common during April and September. *Bitterns, night-herons, Sora and even Yellow Rail can be found here. These places are located in north-central Missouri.
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area (3,656 acres)
Situated in the Missouri River floodplain, Eagle Bluffs is a unique wetland because it receives part of its water supply from a city water treatment facility. Herons, egrets and shorebirds can be abundant during September. This area is located near Columbia (home of the University of Missouri - "Tigers"). Columbia is located near the middle of the state.
Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area (1,200 acres)
This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland, adjacent to the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, is prime resting habitat for migrating wetland birds. During winter is also attracts Bald Eagles and a wide variety of gulls. This is a favored site of birders (bird watchers) in the Saint Louis area, as it is located close to that city. This site is in east-central Missouri.
Taberville Prairie (1,680 acres) and Schell-Osage Conservation Area (8,633 acres)
Taberville Prairie is habitat for birds such as Greater Prairie-chickens, Upland Sandpipers and Henslow's Sparrow. Schell-Osage hosts a variety of wetland species. A Lewis's Woodpecker was seen at Schell-Osage a year or two ago. This site is located in the west-central part of the state.
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge (22,000 acres) is perhaps the "the best" spot to visit. The refuge contains extensive forest, swamps, marshes and bluffs, and supports the greatest diversity of birds of any public lands in Missouri. Well over 100 species are present at the peak of spring migratioin. Birds normally found much further south of Missouri are regular visitors to this area. Mingo is located in Missouri's "boot heel" (the extreme south-east portion of the state).
These are just a few of the more frequented birding locations in the state of Missouri.
400 species of birds have been recorded in Missouri. Of this number, 150 + of them nest in the state.
Some of the favorite birding areas are:
Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge (7,193 acres)
An extensive wetland in the Missouri River floodplain, this area abounds in geese, ducks and shorebirds during the spring and fall migrations. As many as 400,00 Snow Geese (some Ross's) and 200 Bald Eagles can be seen in late November and early December. *Last year on one day in the winter 476 Bald Eagles were counted on the refuge. The refuge is located in north-west Missouri.
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge (10,670 acres)
and Fountain Grove Conservation Area
In proximity to each other, these prime wetland areas along the Grand River attract waterfowl and shorebirds during migration. White Pelicans are common during April and September. *Bitterns, night-herons, Sora and even Yellow Rail can be found here. These places are located in north-central Missouri.
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area (3,656 acres)
Situated in the Missouri River floodplain, Eagle Bluffs is a unique wetland because it receives part of its water supply from a city water treatment facility. Herons, egrets and shorebirds can be abundant during September. This area is located near Columbia (home of the University of Missouri - "Tigers"). Columbia is located near the middle of the state.
Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area (1,200 acres)
This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland, adjacent to the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, is prime resting habitat for migrating wetland birds. During winter is also attracts Bald Eagles and a wide variety of gulls. This is a favored site of birders (bird watchers) in the Saint Louis area, as it is located close to that city. This site is in east-central Missouri.
Taberville Prairie (1,680 acres) and Schell-Osage Conservation Area (8,633 acres)
Taberville Prairie is habitat for birds such as Greater Prairie-chickens, Upland Sandpipers and Henslow's Sparrow. Schell-Osage hosts a variety of wetland species. A Lewis's Woodpecker was seen at Schell-Osage a year or two ago. This site is located in the west-central part of the state.
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge (22,000 acres) is perhaps the "the best" spot to visit. The refuge contains extensive forest, swamps, marshes and bluffs, and supports the greatest diversity of birds of any public lands in Missouri. Well over 100 species are present at the peak of spring migratioin. Birds normally found much further south of Missouri are regular visitors to this area. Mingo is located in Missouri's "boot heel" (the extreme south-east portion of the state).
These are just a few of the more frequented birding locations in the state of Missouri.
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