Missouri Department of Conservation brings birders together.

One of the greatest benefits of nature is that it surrounds us and, in many cases, can be enjoyed for little to no cost. In Jefferson City and the surrounding Mid-Missouri region, residents enjoy nature in both rural and urban settings. While rural communities see wildlife more frequently, urban communities still experience their fair share of the natural world. In both communities, there are frequent wildlife visitors, such as squirrels, rabbits, and birds. Bird watching, or birding, continues to gain popularity. This hobby can be enjoyed anywhere, and there are many tools to help novice birders get started.

Most birders begin with only a pair of binoculars and a bird identification field guide. Choosing which binoculars are best for you depends on personal preferences, such as price and magnification strength. Many birders prefer 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars, where the first number indicates the magnification level and the second refers to the diameter of the objective lens. Size 42 objective lenses capture more light and work better in low-light situations. The price point for binoculars varies, with cheap binoculars starting at around $25. From there, the quality and brand specifics of the binoculars can raise the price by hundreds of dollars. However, for those looking to start birdwatching, a cheap pair of binoculars will suffice.

After securing binoculars, you will want to find a field identification guide. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has a free online field guide to help you identify the birds you might see in Missouri. This field guide can be found at short.mdc.mo.gov/o4r. Additional birding books and apps are available for purchase. A list of some of the most recommended options can be found at mdc.mo.gov.

Once you have the tools to begin birdwatching, your next goal should be learning to identify key features of a bird, including its size, shape, wing shape, bill characteristics, tail shape, tail movement, and species behavior. Knowing which species are more common in certain habitats can help you identify what birds are present. Some birds are more common during specific times of year, so be aware of the season. The more practiced you become in birding, the easier it will become to identify the birds that you spot.

While birds can be found nearly anywhere in Missouri, MDC and many of its partners have done the work of determining the best birding locations in the state. These locations are a part of the Missouri Birding Trail, which helps new and experienced birders find the best birding locations in the state. It includes an interactive map and educational content about birding, habitats for birds, and how you can help conserve our feathered friends. The Missouri Birding Trail interactive map identifies locations based on whether they are owned by the government or any other groups, and it allows you to search for birdwatching locations near you. This map can be found at short.mdc.mo.gov/o4V. MDC also holds various birding events around the state and recently held the Missouri Birding Challenge for those interested in the hobby. Find a full list of upcoming MDC events here.

The next time you find yourself outdoors, take a moment to look around. Try to spot as many birds as you can, and see if you are able to find identification markers that will allow you to identify them in a fi eld guide. If you can do that, then you can enjoy the world of birding!