Are you a beginning birder? A backyard bird-watcher who would like to learn how to find and identify birds away from the feeders? Or a casual birder who wants to improve their birding skills?

This event will help less-experienced birders enjoy the wealth of bird species that will migrate through mid-Missouri this spring or return here to nest. Spring migration provides the best birding of the year, but it can be frustrating for beginners due to the sheer number of bird species and the difficulty in getting good looks at the birds among the spring leaves.

Experienced birders from the Columbia Audubon Society will lead bird walks with small groups – only a few guests with each leader. The goal will be to help new birders improve their basic birding skills, including finding birds with binoculars, becoming familiar with common species, and using field guides to help with identifications. Bird walks will start whenever participants arrive and we’ll keep them short (about an hour), so drop by whenever it’s convenient and stay as long as you want.  We’ll bring extra binoculars and field guides to share, so feel free to come on down even if you don’t have a full set of birding gear.

Meet the Audubon guides at the pavilion overlooking the 3M wetlands area next to the MKT trail — near the junction with the Hinkson Creek trail. The pavilion area can be reached by short walks on the MKT trail from the Forum Blvd and Stadium Blvd trailheads. There are also connector trails from the north and south end of Colony Dr (off Forum Blvd) and from the Forum 8 Theaters.

Maps:
Google Maps image centered on the pavilion
City map of the area with the pavilion (shelter) marked at upper right

For more information, contact: