Columbia Audubon Society field trips and events are informal and friendly. Advanced registration is (normally) not required and all participants are welcomed, whether or not they are CAS members. Please help us maintain this relaxed approach by being prepared for the risks inherent in such activities (especially those involving the outdoors and/or driving), acting responsibly, and understanding that complete elimination of risk is not possible. Further guidelines are available for field trip leaders and participants.
Friday, May 3, 2024 | 8:00 a.m.
First Friday Fun! Join the Columbia Audubon Society for a bird walk. This walk is open to anyone who enjoys birds, and beginners are encouraged to attend. We will walk at the 3M Wetland Trail, just off the MKT Trail near Forum Blvd. We’ll meet at the Songbird Station parking lot at 8 a.m. sharp and then drive down the hill to park near the wetlands (less than a 5 min. drive). We’ll enjoy all the Missouri birds in this natural, lush landscape. The walk is about 1.75 miles on a level, gravel trail. Waterproof shoes are recommended, but not required. After our walk, we’ll return to Songbird Station by 11 a.m. and enjoy coffee and donuts. Led by Judy Lincoln.
Sunday, May 5, 2024 | 7:30 a.m.
We’ll walk about 1.5 miles along the level Katy Trail (from McBaine), with the option to then hike into the steeper terrain of Schnabel Woods Natural Area with its beautiful old-growth forest, where the especially tall trees may give your neck a workout. Those who wish to stay on the rail trail are welcome to do so. We’ll be looking and listening for warblers, tanagers, thrushes, vireos, and more during the time of year that is typically near the peak songbird migration. Habitat along the route includes bottomland forest, upland forest, the banks of Perche Creek, and a little bit of wetland. All skill levels welcome!
Meet at the McBaine trailhead (map) at 7:30 a.m. (sunrise is 6:05 a.m.) Round trip walking distance of about 3 miles on the level Katy Trail, plus (optional) up to 1 mile round trip of more rugged hiking in Schnabel Woods. We expect to finish no later than noon.
Contact trip leaders Eric & Joanna Reuter with questions, cherthollow@gmail.com or 573-474-0989 (in advance of the trip).
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 | 7:00 a.m.
The Missouri Conservation Corps, a local nonprofit, has been working hard on Kiwanis Park ecosystem restoration, including removing bush honeysuckle and planting native trees and shrubs.
What birds make use of this improved habitat? The Columbia Audubon Society has been asked to help find out!
On Wednesday May 8, near the peak of spring songbird migration, we’ll explore the park while listening to and looking for birds.
All skill levels welcome. If you’d like to borrow binoculars, please be in touch, as a few loaner pairs can be made available if needed.
Meet at the Talbert Thurston shelter, located west of Maplewood Drive. We’ll start at 7 a.m. and bird until about 9 a.m.
Please refer to the listing on the Columbia Audubon Society website (https://www.columbia-audubon.org/kiwanis-park-may-2024/) for official updates on trip status.
Led by John Besser, jbesser1@gmail.com
Sunday, May 19, 2024 | 3:00-7:00 PM
Date/time of your choice
Have you taken the time to examine mosses close up? And to think about the relationships between mosses and birds? We’re excited to announce a new, self-guided moss walk at Wild Haven Nature Area that encourages you to do just that!
The trail guide is formatted to be easily read on a mobile device (with the goal of saving paper; please don’t print it).
Download the guide here.
The total length of the hike is under a mile, but it’s easy for time to fly when examining mosses, so plan for at least a couple of hours at Wild Haven. Conditions in winter and early spring are ideal for looking at mosses; sunlight bathes the forest floor, ticks aren’t especially active, and neotropical migrants aren’t yet distracting. But the trail can be completed at any time of year.
We suggest that you bring:
—A hand lens or magnifying glass. This will help you appreciate the miniature world of mosses.
—A spray bottle with water (but no chemical residues). Use to rehydrate mosses when conditions are dry; watch the leaves swell with water in front of your eyes.
—A water bottle for yourself, plus snacks, standard hiking gear, and binoculars for the birds.
No bathrooms or potable water are available at Wild Haven.
Louise Flenner developed this trail to share her knowledge and enthusiasm about mosses and their importance to birds. Thanks, Louise!
Please direct questions and comments to:
Louise Flenner (lflenner@hotmail.com), developer of the moss trail
John Besser (jbesser1@gmail.com), Nature Area chair
David Neely (dustandwood@gmail.com), volunteer manager of Wild Haven Nature Area