John Besser | Columbia Audubon Society

POSTPONED Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area 25th Anniversary Open House

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Due to unfavorable weather forecast and concerns about coronavirus safety, this event is being postponed. Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, one of the region’s premier bird-watching and conservation areas, will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year with an open house on March 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (read about the history of Eagle

UPDATED Self-guided Wild Haven wildflower walk

Update (4/12): Roxie has updated the wildflower signs. Wildflowers that are at their prime time include bluebells, false rue anemones, and spring beauties. Several others are in bloom as well. The originally planned field trip has been canceled and is being revised as a self-guided walk. Beginning March 29 and continuing through April, you are

REVISED Timberdoodle trek

Time: dusk

The Timberdoodle trek field trip, which has traditionally been well-attended, has been canceled as a formal scheduled field trip given the ongoing recommendation to avoid all non-essential gatherings. Woodcocks are present in many local natural areas and can be found and enjoyed without gathering a group in a single time and place. Sunday’s forecast with

Field trip: Birding without binoculars at Stephens Lake Park

2:30 p.m. to ~4:00 p.m.

Birds can be enjoyed with the naked eye, and doing so can challenge birders of all skill levels to become keener observers of various species’ characteristics. On this trip, we’ll walk a loop at Columbia’s Stephens Lake Park to practice observing, listening to, and identifying common winter birds using just our own senses. All skill

Join St. Louis Audubon at Clarence Cannon NWR

7:30 a.m.

Carpool will leave at 6:00 a.m. from Moser's (900 N Keene St., Columbia)

NOTE: The destination for this event has changed from Riverlands to Clarence Cannon NWR due to a rescheduling by St. Louis Audubon. See updated listing below; this may be updated again if more changes are announced. St. Louis Audubon will be leading an all-day birding trip from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to Clarence Cannon

Field Trip: Great Backyard Feeder Crawl

8:00 a.m.

As part of the 2020 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), CAS will lead its annual Feeder Crawl on Saturday, February 15th. Starting at Songbird Station at 8 a.m, we’ll “crawl” to various backyard bird feeders in and around the Columbia area and count birds for at least 15 minutes at each backyard, then submit each

Field Trip: First Day hike at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

2:30–4:30 p.m.

NOTE: DNR requests pre-registration for this hike; visit the official listing and follow the registration link. Celebrate the New Year with the Columbia Audubon Society by joining an afternoon birding hike at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park on January 1st, 2020. We’ll walk the Grassland Trail from 2:30–4:30 p.m., exploring the mixed grassland, shrub, and

Field trip: Bradford Farm

2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Join trip leader Brad Jacobs to walk the grounds at MU’s Bradford Research Center, looking for a variety of sparrows (including LeConte’s) along with Western and Eastern Meadowlarks, Lapland Longspurs, Northern Harriers, Merlins, Rough-Legged Hawks, and other raptors. As twilight approaches, we’ll specifically look for Short-eared Owls. We will be walking slowly most of the

Field trip: Black Friday Birding at Songbird Station and 3M Wetland

2:00 pm social hour, 3:00–5:00 walk

Some people search for bargains after Thanksgiving; we’ll look for birds! First, there will be a social hour at Songbird Station (a generous sponsor of CAS) from 2:00–3:00 pm at 2010 Chapel Plaza Court, Suite C in Columbia. Come enjoy coffee, donuts, and conversation while selecting your winter bird seed and exploring a variety of

Field Trip: Rocky Fork Lakes CA

1:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Join us for this Sunday afternoon trip to Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area to look for Red Crossbills, Red-Breasted Nuthatches, and fall sparrows along the main southeastern trail, especially in piney areas. We’ll also visit the northern shore to look for waterfowl, grebes, and gulls. Meeting place: No carpool, meet at the southern parking lot

Field trip: Prairie Garden Trust

9:00 a.m.

Meet at the AC commuter lot for 8:15 a.m. departure

Come explore the prairies, forests, wetlands, and creek bottoms at Prairie Garden Trust, a beautiful landscape that is actively managed to encourage native biodiversity and beauty. Visits here are always rewarded with interesting birds, plants, insects, and landscapes. We’ll carpool to the site to participate in their regular 9:00 a.m. “Second Saturday” stroll. PGT is

Field trip: Columbia Audubon Nature Sanctuary

8:30 a.m.

Meet at the CANS parking lot at 8:30 a.m. for a 1.5 mile hike. We’ll tour the prairie restoration area to identify plants and then head out for a birding hike through the woodlands and grasslands. Wear long pants since seed ticks will still be active. Contact trip leader Allison Vaughn with any questions.

Field Trip: Tim Ernst Presentation at Runge Nature Center

Noon

Carpool from AC commuter lot at 11:15 a.m.

Many CAS members will enjoy the event described below. We’ll organize a carpool down to MDC’s Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City and do a bit of birding afterward. The carpool will leave the AC commuter lot at 11:15 a.m. (bring a lunch or eat early) to arrive on time for the noon start. The

Field Trip: Rock Bridge State Park

8:00 a.m.

Enjoy a fall morning of birding in the woods at Rock Bridge State Park. We’ll meet at the Devil’s Icebox parking lot at 8:00 a.m. and check the nearby area, then walk trails in search of interesting finds. Expect to finish by 10:30 a.m. Contact trip leader Edge Wade with any questions.

Field Trip: Binder Lake, Jefferson City

9:00 a.m.

This is a joint trip with the River Bluffs Audubon Society (RBAS) to look for waterfowl and other birds on and around Jefferson City’s Binder Lake. We’ll carpool from the AC commuter lot at 8:20 a.m. If you want to come separately, meet at the Binder Tackle Shop on the north side of the lake

Field Trip: Get Re-acquainted with Wild Haven Nature Area

9:00 a.m. to noon

Meet at the Moser's parking lot at 900 Keene St. for 8:45 a.m. departure

Wild Haven is Columbia Audubon’s oldest and largest nature area. It consists of over 100 acres of open oak woodlands and riparian forest along a one-mile section of upper Hinkson Creek, about 10 miles from downtown Columbia. This trip should be near the peak of fall bird migration. We will also inspect some of the

Field trip: Third annual Big Sit at Eagle Bluffs

6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Come join us at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area to enjoy a day of birding as part of Columbia Audubon’s third annual Big Sit (following the 2018 and 2017 editions). You can stop in and join the fun at any time between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. CAS will be providing a canopy for some relief

Field trip: 3M Wetland, Columbia

5:30 p.m.

Join us for a weekday evening walk along the 3M Wetland Trail in southwest Columbia. This flat gravel loop off the main MKT trail circles a restored wetland area with a variety of interesting habitats. We’ll meet at the Forum Nature Area parking lot at 5:30 pm. and walk the MKT trail up to

Field trip: Beginning birder’s walk at Garth Nature Area, Columbia

4:30 p.m.

Join us at Garth Nature Area on the north side of Columbia for this beginner-friendly walk. We’ll walk level gravel trails to explore the area’s mix of trees, wetlands, and open ground within the Bear Creek floodplain, practicing our listening and looking skills with whatever birds we find. We will meet at the parking lot

Field Trip: Hawk Watch Happy Hour

4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

This “field trip” is timed to coincide with the peak southbound migration of Broad-winged Hawks, sometimes seen in groups numbering in the hundreds or even thousands as they pass through Missouri (see this recent Chat story for details). Our region lacks clear topographic features that would concentrate their movements, so we’ll take a different approach:

Field trip: Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area

5:00 p.m.

Carpool from Katy Trail lot at McBaine departs at 4:45 p.m.

Eagle Bluffs has recently reopened after its long closure due to the severe flooding this summer and damage to various parts of the conservation area’s infrastructure, some of which is still being repaired. New area manager Brady Lichtenberg has graciously offered to meet us on-site after normal working hours to talk about the summer’s events

Field Trip to Three Creeks CA

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Meet at the AC Commuter Parking Lot

The field trip to Eagle Bluffs has been cancelled due to Flooding but weather permitting we can walk at Three Creeks Saturday morning. We’ll carpool from the AC Commuter Parking Lot at 9 a.m. The lot is on the southeast corner of the AC exit off Hwy 63 on Lenoir St. If you’re not joining

Field Trip to Prairie Garden Trust

8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Carpool will leave Moser's (900 N. Keene St.) at 8:00 a.m.

We will explore the savanna area overlooking forests, walk along Hillers Creek, explore the native prairies that are sustained by prescribed burns and walk along the lotus ponds. If meeting at PGT be there by 8:40 AM. For directions or to learn more about PGT please visit their website at http://prairiegardentrust.org/ Leader: Eric Wood Contact

Nature Walk along Grindstone Creek

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy some fresh air and exercise while learning how streams and their diverse riparian communities benefit Columbia’s residents and visitors, including migratory birds. John Besser (CAS’s president), Lynne Hooper (Boone County’s urban hydrologist), and Dave Dittmer (a forester with Columbia Parks and Recreation) will lead this walk along Grindstone Creek. Registration is not necessary. Dress

Field Trip to Schnabel Woods Natural Area

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Meet at the McBaine Traihead, Katy Trail State Park at 8 a.m. Schnabel Woods NA is owned by the University of Missouri and contains 80 acres of old growth forest. Walk on the Katy Trail for approximately 1.5 miles from the McBaine Trailhead to an access point into Schnabel Woods NA. Will need to cross

Twilight Timberdoodle Trek

6:30 p.m.

The Carpool will leave Moser's on Rangeline St at 6:30 p.m.

Meet at Moser’s Foods parking lot on Rangeline Street at 6:30 p.m. The goal for this evening field trip is to hear and see (hopefully!) the twilight mating ritual of the American Woodcock (A.K.A. Timberdoodle). Please bring a flashlight. Leader: Eric Wood Contact Info: ewood802@yahoo.com or 573-673-0215

Field Trip to High Ridge Trail – Rock Bridge Memorial SP

8:00 a.m.

Louise Flenner will be leading the walk looking for birds on High Ridge Trail. The trail climbs to a hilltop and follows a ridge before descending to follow Clear Creek. The ridge has scenic views of the park and native grasslands. We will meet at the parking lot on Rock Quarry Road near the intersection

Field Trip to Sinkhole Trail – Rock Bridge Memorial SP

8:00 a.m.

Meet at the Devil’s Icebox Parking lot for a walk with Allison Vaughn along the Sinkhole Trail. The trail follows an old road past the historic site of Rockbridge Mills. The trial continues up a forested valley to the top of a ridge where we will find old fields and sinkholes. Two concrete silos stand

Great Backyard Feeder Crawl

8:00 a.m.

Carpool will leave from Songbird Station, 2010 Chapel Plaza Court #C, Columbia, MO

This Feeder Crawl will start at Songbird Station at 8 a.m. From there we’ll ‘crawl’ to various backyard bird feeders in and around the Columbia area and count birds for at least 15 minutes at each backyard, then submit each checklist to eBird. The trip will last about 3 hours and return to Songbird Station

Field Trip to Clarence Cannon NWR

7:00 a.m.

The carpool will leave from Moser’s on Keene St. at 7:00 a.m.

We will join the St Louis Audubon Society group at the Visitor Center at Clarence Cannon NWR at 9:00 a.m. The SLAS trip will last all day and the CAS group will plan to return to Columbia no later than 6 p.m. We can plan for a car to return earlier if people are so inclined. Contact

Field Trip to Davisdale CA

The Carpool wili leave Moser's on Keene St at 9 a.m.

We’ll explore an extensive trail system mostly on foot over moderate to hilly terrain. We’ll grab lunch in Rocheport at about noon before we head back to Columbia. Leader: John Besser Contact Info: jbesser1@gmail.com

Rock Bridge Memorial SP – First Day Hike

10:00 AM

Bird Watching on the Karst Trail Hike the gently rolling terrain of the Karst Trail through woodlands and grassland while observing birds with the assistance of experienced Columbia Audubon Society members (moderate, 1.75 miles). This event is free. Reservations are required because space is limited. When you call 573-449-7400, you will be given driving directions

Field Trip to Bradford Farm

Carpool departs AC commuter parking lot at 7:30 a.m.

Participants can either (1) rendezvous at AC commuter lot at 7:30 a.m. to caravan and bird our way through South Farm on the way to Bradford, or (2) meet at the Bradford conference center parking lot and start birding by 9:00 a.m. We’ll try to leave Bradford by noon. We will bird Bradford by car and

Field Trip to Bluestem Knoll Savanna

Carpool departs from the AC commuter parking lot at 7:30 a.m.

Expect sparrows, bluebirds, hawks, other wintering species. This is a burn unit that is very shrubby right now, so shrub-loving birds will dominate. Lunch at Shawnee Bluff Winery at Bagnell Dam on the way back to Columbia. Should be back by 3:00 p.m. Leader: Allison Vaughn Contact Info: allisonjv@yahoo.com

Field Trip to Longbranch Lake and Thomas Hill Reservoir

Carpool departs from Moser's at 6:30 a.m. - 4840 Range Line St, Columbia, MO 65202

We leave Moser’s at 6:30 a.m. and return by 4:00 p.m. Mostly driving and stopping at viewpoints looking for gulls, grebes, loons, waterfowl, and a possible Northern Shrike. With a possible easy trail walk. Bring: Binoculars, and spotting scope and FRS radio if you have one. Leader: Brad Jacobs Contact Info: robertbjacobs@gmail.com

Field Trip to Grassland Trail – Rock Bridge Memorial SP

8:00 a.m.

Meet at the Grassland Trail parking lot on E Rock Bridge Lane. This area was burned in 2017 and hosts a great display of prairie grasslands teeming with prairie plant seeds and lots of sparrows and raptors. The trail passes by natural sinkhole ponds that sometimes harbor wetland birds. A section of the trail traverses’ woodlands

The Big Sit

5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Come join us at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area to enjoy a day of birding as part of Columbia Audubon’s second annual Big Sit (following last year’s inaugural event). You can stop in and join the fun at any time between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. CAS will be providing a canopy for some relief from

Field Trip to Columbia Wilderness Sanctuary

8:00 a.m.

Note: This is not the Columbia Audubon Sanctuary, see below for directions. Leader: Edge Wade, edgew@mchsi.com We will bird for about 2 hours along a wide mowed paths through the 37 acre sanctuary in the Hinkson Creek valley. Expect a good variety of woodland birds. This is an opportunity to get acquainted with the Columbia

Field Trip to Rock Bridge Mem. State Park

8:00 am

This trip is especially for beginner birders. Everyone welcome – experienced birders please come and share the fun. We will bird the parking lot and walk trails. We’ll be done by 11:00 a.m. Anyone is free to leave before that.

Field Trip to Binder Lake

9 a.m. until noon

We’ll carpool from the AC Commuter Parking Lot at 8:20 a.m. The lot is on the southeast corner of the AC exit off Hwy 63 on Lenoir St.

If you’re not joining the carpool, meet at the tackle shop on the north side of the lake at 9:00 a.m. where we will join with RBAS. After the trip we’ll have lunch near Binder Lake at Dudley’s Café. (Note: Dudley’s Café only takes cash)

Field Trip to Rocky Fork Lakes CA

8:00 a.m.

Carpool departs from Moser's (4840 Rangeline St.) at 7:50 a.m.

Join us on this trip to Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area, where we will explore this reclaimed coal mining area. There are several small lakes and one big lake that could have waterfowl this time of year. There are also several pine stands that sometimes have Red-breasted Nuthatches, Pine Siskins or even Crossbills. The trip

Field Trip to Little Dixie Lake and Tucker Prairie

7:30 am

The Carpool will leave from the Moser's on Keene Street at 7:30 AM.

We will leave from the Moser’s on Keene Street at 730 AM and carpool to Little Dixie. We’ll stop at the west-side parking lot on Highway J, at the main parking lot at the dam and at the east side parking lot and see which areas look promising. We will let the birds decide where we spend our time. (If

Field Trip to Rock Bridge Memorial SP

8:00 am to 11:00 am

Field Trip to Eagle Bluffs CA

8:00 am

Carpool meets at the Katy Trail parking lot in McBaine at 8 a.m.

This is a joint field trip with MoBCI. We will meet at the Katy Trail parking lot in McBaine at 8:00 a.m. where we will carpool thru Eagle Bluffs stopping to look and set up scopes if we see something at a distance. Bring: Binoculars, and spotting scope and FRS radio if you have one.

Field Trip to Hinkson Creek Nature Preserve and Big Sky Nature Preserve

8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Meet at Capon Park parking lot to visit the Hinkson Creek Nature Preserve then carpool to Big Sky Nature Preserve.

This will be short bird surveys at both sights (about 1 ½ hours each) starting with Hinkson Creek across the road from Capon Park then Big Sky Preserve down by Easley. Hinkson Creek Nature Preserve is located between 2 bends of the Hinkson Creek near downtown Columbia, it includes floodplain forest, upland woodland, and meadow. The site connects with city recreational land,

Field Trip to Rock Bridge Memorial SP

8:00 am

This field trip is open to all. Beginners are especially encouraged. We will be looking for spring migrants and emphasis will be on everyone seeing and learning how to identify what we find. We will begin by birding the Devil’s Icebox parking lot, then move out along trails at a slow birding pace. End time

Field Trip to Prairie Garden Trust

7:00 a.m.

Carpool from Moser’s Foods, 900 N. Keene St. Columbia, MO. The carpool leaves at 7:00 a.m. and will return to Moser’s parking lot by about 1:30 p.m.

We will explore the savanna area overlooking miles of forests, walk along Hillers Creek, explore the native prairies that are sustained by prescribed burns and walk along the lotus ponds. If meeting at PGT be there by 7:40 AM. For directions or to learn more about PGT please visit their website at http://prairiegardentrust.org/

Field Trip to Bradford Farm

7:00 a.m.

We will meet at the Bradford Farm Visitor’s Center parking lot at 7 a.m. from which John Besser is leading a 3 hour Bird Watching Walk before the Native Plant Day Sale. We hope to find Smith’s Longspurs, Le Conte’s Sparrows, and other grassland specialists. We will be walking in the fields so wear comfortable

Return of the Twilight Timberdoodle Trek

5:30 p.m.

Meet at Rocky Fork Lakes CA parking lot at 5:30 p.m. finished by 7:00 p.m. The goal for this evening field trip is to hear and see (hopefully!) the twilight mating ritual of the American Woodcock (AKA Timberdoodle). Please bring a flashlight. Here’s a description of the Timberdoodle’s mating behavior from http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Woodcock/id : “American Woodcock spend most

Field Trip to Gans Creek Recreation Area

8:00 am

We’ll meet at the Gans Creek Recreation Area parking lot and go on a rambling hike. There is small brush cover, trees, a nicely secluded pond that has had ducks and migrants. We’ll check for the return of Great Blue Herons to the rookeries. By recent count the upper nests have decreased by half and the

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