by Lottie Bushmann

These Columbia Audubon Society field trips are co-sponsored with the Missouri Birding Society (MBS, formerly Audubon Society of Missouri) as events in the MBS 2-week Spring Meeting activities taking place around the state.

MBS, founded in 1901, is the independent statewide organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of birds and other wildlife; to education and appreciation of the natural world; and to effective wildlife and habitat conservation practices.

Many members of local Audubon chapters are also members of MBS as a means of meeting birders from other parts of the state, learning more about birds, and supporting services like Mobirds-L (the listserv), and conservation partnerships.

See the MBS website at https://mobirds.org/ASM/ on or after April 12 for additional information and to register as a participant for these field trips. Field trip and Zoom session registrations will not be activated until April 12.  Scroll down the home page to see the information and register.

You do not have to be a member of CAS or MBS to go on the field trips or view the Zoom presentations for the MBS Spring Meeting.

All trips will require birders to wear masks and to socially distance as much as possible.

Saturday, May 1, 8:00-12:00

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Devil’s Icebox Parking lot

We will meet at the parking lot and divide into smaller groups and head out on various trails including: High Ridge Trail, Spring Brook Trail, the boardwalk, Sinkhole trail, Shooting Star and Karst Trail.  We’ll bird until we’re ready to head back to the parking lot. We encourage folks to bring a bag chair and a sack lunch and share their birding stories when back at the lot.

Tuesday, May 4   8:00-12:00

Birding at CANS—Columbia Audubon Nature Sanctuary

We’ll walk and enjoy this special nature area right in the middle of Columbia. In addition to our resident birds, we’ll be on the lookout for migrating warblers. John Besser and Lottie Bushmann will lead.  We’ll meet at the parking lot at 3607 Bray Ave. There are no restrooms available at this site. The walking is light to moderate–some paved trails and some natural trails.

Tuesday, May 11    8:00 – 12:00

Birding at 3M Wetlands

We’ll meet at the Forum Nature Area parking lot and walk to 3M. It is approximately 2 miles of walking on level trails. There should be lots to see and beginners are encouraged to attend.  Lottie Bushmann will lead.  In addition to our resident species, we’ll be on the lookout for migrating warblers and vireos. Restrooms are available at the parking lot. Wear shoes that may get wet (up to 2-3”).

Saturday, May 15   8:00-12:00

3M Wetland Bird Walk especially for beginners!

We’ll meet at the Forum Nature Area parking lot and walk to 3M. It is approximately 2 miles of walking on level trails. There should be lots to see and beginners are encouraged to attend.  Edge Wade and Lottie Bushmann will lead.  In addition to our resident species, we’ll be on the lookout for migrating warblers and vireos. Restrooms are available at the parking lot. Wear shoes that may get wet (up to 2-3”).