News

Note from the President

Mon. Dec. 1, 2025

Greetings all! It appears that winter has arrived a bit early with this cold blast coming on the heels of Thanksgiving. I spent some time this past week reflecting over all I am grateful for in my life. My birding community is near the top of the list. I find that birding helps ground me

Christmas Bird Count and Chili Supper on Dec. 20

Mon. Dec. 1, 2025

With all our section leaders in place for this year, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a go! Thankfully, birding is a safe, outdoor activity and we have plenty of birders in Columbia that plan to do just that. We will send out our teams on Saturday Dec. 20th. Please contact your section leader if

CAS Eternal

Mon. Dec. 1, 2025

CAS lost three longtime leaders and members in recent months. These three powerhouses were not only exceptional birders but incredible leaders who guided the organization to be a strong force in Columbia. Bonnie Heidy served as a Board Secretary and a longtime Board of Director. Her son, Eric Woods, ias an exceptional legacy of Bonnie’s

CoMoGives Campaign Begins

Mon. Dec. 1, 2025

Columbia Audubon Society is participating in the 2025 CoMoGives fundraising campaign for the 11th year. This annual fundraising drive for local non-profit organizations begins Monday, December 1st and ends on Wednesday, December 31st. CAS has been very fortunate to have members and friends who support our mission… “to preserve the natural world and its ecosystems, focusing on

Winter Finch Forecast 2025-2026

Mon. Dec. 1, 2025

Keep your eyes open this winter for northern visitors to your feeders. Scientists are predicting large numbers of finches will be on the move. They call these southerly movements “irruptions” and we are due for one this year. Perhaps you’ve noticed some Pine Siskins or Red-breasted Nuthatches at your feeder already this fall? Read this

Field Trip to Stephen’s Lake Park!

Mon. Dec. 1, 2025

Eleven birders joined field trip leader Ben West for a pleasantly warm afternoon birding around Stephens Lake Park on Sunday, November 16.  Most of the attendees saw about 20 species of good variety for the season.  Highlights included a Sharp-shinned Hawk high overhead, and a Northern Mockingbird at a short distance on a fence.

Statement on Bike Trail at Gans Creek Recreation Area

Mon. Dec. 1, 2025

The Parks and Recreation Department has designed a network of bike paths at Gans Creek Recreation Area. One is in an ecologically sensitive area next to Gans Creek and Rock Bridge Memorial State Park’s Gans Creek Wild Area, a designated area that does not allow bicycles. CAS and the Sierra Club have hopes that Parks

Background on a Growing Issue at Gans Creek Recreational Area

Wed. Oct. 1, 2025

Gans Creek Recreation Area Fact Sheet Gans Creek Recreation Area shares a common border with Gans Creek Wild Area within Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. These public lands together form an important, core natural habitat that has been recognized by national and statewide organizations.  No other City Park land is so ecologically important based on

Note from the President

Tue. Apr. 1, 2025

Spring has finally sprung!  I love seeing the daffodils and crocuses, along with all the buds on the trees. Bird activity has certainly picked up, and the migrants are continuing to drop in. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for another migratory season of confusing and exhilarating bird song. Every year it takes

Article with CAS Representing on the Big Business of Birding

Mon. Mar. 3, 2025

Here’s a nice article several CAS members contributed to last year on the economic impact of birding: https://www.missouribusinessalert.com/industries/booming-birding-business-spurs-spending-encourages-conservation-in-missouri/article_921f6230-e8c8-11ef-a458-3314da13ea2f.html