Date: 9/2/25 6:30 pm From: Anne McCormack <mccormack491...> Subject: WGNSS birding this week 9/4 and 9/6
On *Thursday*, Sept. 4, we will meet at 8:00 in the parking lot across from the Visitor Center <https://maps.app.goo.gl/UVGtb9dBQj1TcTCy6> in Forest Park. We'll meet in the *southeast corner* of that lot, then walk toward the statue of Franz Sigel and take the path to Deer Lake. Map of Forest Park <https://www.forestparkmap.org/>, map of statues in Forest Park <https://www.forestparkstatues.org/map>. See the attached screenshot. Bring lunch if you wish.
Both days are expected to be resort weather, but as always, be prepared for some St. Louis-style changes. Water and bug spray, of course. -- Anne McCormack Our Christmas Bird Count Website <https://sites.google.com/view/weldon-spring-cbc/home>
Date: 9/1/25 5:09 am From: Lottie Bushmann <lottie.bushmann...> Subject: Re: Bonnie Heidy death
I’m so sad to hear this. Bonnie was one of the first birding friends I made
in ASM. She was always so kind and just so fun! Such a hearty laugh. And
she was an excellent birder. The world won’t be quite the same.
Lottie Bushmann
Columbia, MO
On Sun, Aug 31, 2025 at 10:21 PM DAVID HENNESS <
<000003d8f4b761d1-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> So sorry to hear this. She was a great lady.
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Aug 30, 2025, at 9:02 AM, Edge Wade <1edgewade...> wrote:
>
>
>
> With sadness among fond memories, I share word from Eric Wood that his
> mother, Bonnie Heidy, died yesterday.
>
> Bonnie was my friend for 59 years, a member of ASM/MBS, and a birding
> buddy for many Columbians on adventures around Missouri and beyond. Services
> will be held, but the date has not been set.
> Edge Wade
> Columbia, MO
> <1edgewade...>
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://po.missouri.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options <https://po.missouri.edu/SCRIPTS/wa.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> > / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Fall Meeting: September 19-21. Springfield Hilton Garden Inn
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://po.missouri.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options <https://po.missouri.edu/SCRIPTS/wa.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> > / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Fall Meeting: September 19-21. Springfield Hilton Garden Inn
>
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/30/25 7:51 am From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Magnolia Warbler
This morning we had two little birds rapidly move through our oak treeline.
One posed for photos while hunting for insects amongst the leaves, initially in a small black cherry tree, then later, a winterberry bush. It appeared to have a flower in its beak, but the winterberry is well past blooming. Not sure what it was.
Photos can be viewed at:
flickr.com/photos/dgetman/sets
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/30/25 7:30 am From: Diane Bricmont <colaptes.auratus...> Subject: St. Charles County - Buff-breasted Sandpiper and more
The BBSA reported yesterday by Dave Haenni continues on Barwise Road, along with a Black-bellied Plover. Lots of exposed mud. Killdeer are providing backup vocals.
Diane Bricmont STLCO
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/30/25 7:14 am From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: Re: Not a Sighting- Fall Nature Festival in Rolla
This is a really great event. Go if you can! And, take the opportunity to
bird the trails.
Edge Wade
Columbia, MO
<1edgewade...>
On Sat, Aug 23, 2025 at 12:17 PM John and Linda Frederick <
<frederickjohnandlinda...> wrote:
> On Saturday, September 13, Ozark Rivers Audubon along with Meramec Hills
> Master Naturalists are presenting our Fall Nature Festival at Audubon
> Trails Nature Center, 550 Meriweather Ct, in Rolla starting at 8 am.
>
> We will have native plant vendors, hummingbird banding, many exhibitors,
> bird, plant, mushroom, and photography walks, activities for kids, and food
> trucks!
>
> Check out our webpage:
> https://fallfestival.monature.org/ >
> And it is free!
>
> Linda Frederick
> Rolla, MO
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://po.missouri.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options <https://po.missouri.edu/SCRIPTS/wa.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> > / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Fall Meeting: September 19-21. Springfield Hilton Garden Inn
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/30/25 7:02 am From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: Bonnie Heidy death
With sadness among fond memories, I share word from Eric Wood that his mother, Bonnie Heidy, died yesterday.
Bonnie was my friend for 59 years, a member of ASM/MBS, and a birding buddy for many Columbians on adventures around Missouri and beyond. Services will be held, but the date has not been set. Edge Wade Columbia, MO <1edgewade...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/26/25 6:20 pm From: Anne McCormack <mccormack491...> Subject: WGNSS birding this week Aug. 28 & 30
On *Thursday*, Aug. 28, we will meet at 8:00 in the Gaddy Bird Garden in Tower Grove Park <https://maps.app.goo.gl/h7Uuuzyng1NVsL4v6>, in the northwest corner of the park. Best parking is on Magnolia Ave., just east of Kingshighway. We'll try a few favorite spots in the park, where there have been some recent reports of warblers. Bring lunch if you wish.
Both days are expected to be resort weather, but as always, be prepared for some St. Louis-style changes. Water and bug spray, of course. -- Anne McCormack Our Christmas Bird Count Website <https://sites.google.com/view/weldon-spring-cbc/home>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
The great thing about being home is getting surprises while there.
Hello MoB-sters,
I work at a large table in the main kitchen/ living area of my home. I have 10 large windows to get lots of light in. Feeders appropriate to the season hang easily visible from my "normal" seating position.
Currently, I have 3-4 hummingbird feeders being monitored. At least two pairs of binoculars are an arm's length away as are two video cameras.
Today, however, from the other side, a small grey and brown bird with a whitish eyeline appeared and foraged among the foxtails, lead plant and tall composites only a few feet away from the windows closest to me. A long tail with white barred margins at the distal end, wagged sideways. I grabbed the binos to confirm the Bewick's Wren.
This is only my second record of Bewick's in Callaway co. in the past 8 years. Previously, (35 years ago) they used to breed in the barns and sheds which I found in the northern portion of the county, but the one spot was sold and the old tractors and other junk cleaned up. Never saw them there again!
As fall migration has begun to show daily signs here, I am guessing this is a bird that is at least wandering. Chris Barrigar feels 'his' birds migrate in Cole county. Perhaps there is a second small population remaining in Callaway county too. Or they could be remnant along the river hills into Montgomery and Warren counties.
Anyway, it was really fun to have this visitor. The highlight of my day.
Tim Barksdale Mokane, MO
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/24/25 11:11 am From: Marge Lumpe <margelumpe...> Subject: Sunday morning at Hi Lonesome
It was a particularly beautiful morning at Hi Lonesome today! Sixty-two degrees!! The birds were not abundant, but I was happy to hear a couple of Sedge Wrens and five Henslow's Sparrows. The Henslow's have clearly not begun their migration south. The complete list--though short--is on ebird. It is always nice to see the Loggerhead Shrike along Cemetery Road just a bit before Lumpee Ave. A pair nested nearby this year. An unusual sighting was a Green Heron along Lumpee Ave near the little stream.
Happy Birding Marge Lumpe Benton County
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/23/25 10:17 am From: John and Linda Frederick <frederickjohnandlinda...> Subject: Not a Sighting- Fall Nature Festival in Rolla
On Saturday, September 13, Ozark Rivers Audubon along with Meramec Hills Master Naturalists are presenting our Fall Nature Festival at Audubon Trails Nature Center, 550 Meriweather Ct, in Rolla starting at 8 am.
We will have native plant vendors, hummingbird banding, many exhibitors, bird, plant, mushroom, and photography walks, activities for kids, and food trucks!
Heartfelt thanks to Edge and Jean for their thoughtful Bluebird article on whether group birding travel is right for you. They pose many good questions one should ask oneself before attempting this kind of travel.
A must read before you sign up for such a trip!Maureen Thomas-MurphySt Louis
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/19/25 5:06 pm From: Anne McCormack <mccormack491...> Subject: WGNSS birding this week Aug. 21 & 23
On *Thursday*, Aug. 21, we will meet at 8:00 in the Gaddy Bird Garden in Tower Grove Park <https://maps.app.goo.gl/h7Uuuzyng1NVsL4v6>, in the northwest corner of the park. Best parking is on Magnolia Ave., just east of Kingshighway. We'll try a few favorite spots in the garden where we've seen some early fall migrants in previous years--including warblers. Depending on the birds, we may also visit Forest Park Hatchery <https://maps.app.goo.gl/ufS77kckHnkpTVudA>. Bring lunch if you wish.
On *Saturday*, Aug. 23, we will meet at Teal Pond, just west of the Audubon Center at Riverlands <https://maps.app.goo.gl/7v1GmYk8HthAT2Li8>on Wise Rd. After checking our favorite spots along Riverlands Way, we'll go on to Confluence Rd. for herons, kites, and rarities like Upland Sandpiper. (I can dream, can't I?)
Both days are expected to be resort weather, but as always, be prepared for some St. Louis-style changes. Water and bug spray, of course. -- Anne McCormack Our Christmas Bird Count Website <https://sites.google.com/view/weldon-spring-cbc/home>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/19/25 4:39 pm From: Lisa Saffell <lesfstl...> Subject: Re: MBS Fall Meeting Registration is open!
The Link worked and populated the group rate automatically. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
> On Aug 19, 2025, at 8:55 AM, Michael O'Keefe <000003b2bc28d40d-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>
> Registration is now open for the 2025 Fall Meeting of the Missouri Birding Society in Springfield, Missouri on the weekend of September 19-21, 2025.
>
> The weekend will begin with a welcome social on Friday night, featuring a presentation on Fall Sparrow identification by Kendell Loyd of the Missouri Bird Records Committee. He will share tips on finding and identifying the tricky birds, and put into practice his techniques during a field trip to Bois D'Arc CA on Saturday & Sunday mornings. Other field trips will take us into nearby lakes, woodlands, fields and beyond.
>
> We will gather each night at the Springfield Hilton Garden Inn (Map <https://tinyurl.com/FallMeeting2025>) at 4155 S. Nature Center Way where we have a block of rooms with our group rate (in effect beginning September 18.) To book your rooms please call 1-417-875-8800 or use this link <https://group.hiltongardeninn.com/cb3j9e>. Specify the Missouri Birding Society group rate. Deadline is Friday, September 12.
>
> The HGI is located near the Springfield Conservation Nature Center and Lake Springfield, where you can spend Friday afternoon before activities begin at 4:30 in the hotel lobby.
>
> Saturday night will feature a banquet with the keynote address from Don Ficken, founder of DarkSky Missouri and Lights Out Heartland. He will help us understand the ecological toll of light pollution, specifically what it means for migratory birds and other nocturnal life.
>
> We look forward to seeing you there!
>
> Michael O'Keefe
> President
>
>
> The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
> Archives <https://po.missouri.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription options <https://po.missouri.edu/SCRIPTS/wa.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org/> / Email the list owners <mailto:<mobirds-l-request...> >
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> > MBS Fall Meeting: September 19-21. Springfield Hilton Garden Inn
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/19/25 7:09 am From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: MBS Fall Meeting Activities and Registration
On the MBS webpage at https://mobirds.org/ see the description of MBS fall
meeting activities by clicking on the blue box “UPCOMING MBS Fall Meeting –
Springfield”. To register, click on the blue “Register” box to complete
your registration or go to https://mobirds.org/MBS/Registration.aspx?id=2050 .
And you can help support MBS activities by donating an item or two for the
silent auction. We have a good selection of books for this meeting’s
auction, so other items (not necessarily bird-related) will be especially
welcome. Contact Edge Wade if you have something to donate.
See you there!
Edge Wade
<1edgewade...>
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/19/25 6:55 am From: Michael O'Keefe <000003b2bc28d40d-dmarc-request...> Subject: MBS Fall Meeting Registration is open!
Registration is now open for the 2025 Fall Meeting of the Missouri Birding Society in Springfield, Missouri on the weekend of September 19-21, 2025.
The weekend will begin with a welcome social on Friday night, featuring a presentation on Fall Sparrow identification by Kendell Loyd of the Missouri Bird Records Committee. He will share tips on finding and identifying the tricky birds, and put into practice his techniques during a field trip to Bois D'Arc CA on Saturday & Sunday mornings. Other field trips will take us into nearby lakes, woodlands, fields and beyond.
We will gather each night at the Springfield Hilton Garden Inn (Map https://tinyurl.com/FallMeeting2025) at 4155 S. Nature Center Way where we have a block of rooms with our group rate (in effect beginning September 18.) To book your rooms please call 1-417-875-8800 or use this link https://group.hiltongardeninn.com/cb3j9e . Specify the Missouri Birding Society group rate. Deadline is Friday, September 12.
The HGI is located near the Springfield Conservation Nature Center and Lake Springfield, where you can spend Friday afternoon before activities begin at 4:30 in the hotel lobby.
Saturday night will feature a banquet with the keynote address from Don Ficken, founder of DarkSky Missouri and Lights Out Heartland. He will help us understand the ecological toll of light pollution, specifically what it means for migratory birds and other nocturnal life.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Michael O'Keefe President
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
When I walk by our back windows I usually glance out, and sometimes stop, to see what’s going on.
On our patio, about 20 ft from the door, I have a 15-20 inch water bath on a table.
About an hour ago, I glanced outside and, to my surprise, there was a Cooper’s Hawk, with wings spread and tail flared, about 2 ft from the bath. I’m not sure if it was going for a bird at the bath or just landing to sample the water. It didn’t land and immediately turned and flew into the nearby tree line. I backed well away from the door, grabbed my camera and waited to see if it would come to the bath - no luck!
I still have the image of that closeup view of the wings spread and tail flared - wow, really cool!
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/15/25 7:36 am From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: No Sightings-Oregon Trip
We just returned from 10 days in Oregon, flying into Portland, then doing a big loop of the state with 2 days in the Bend area, a day at Crater Lake National Park, three days in the Klamath Falls area including several National Wildlife Refuges in northern California (Lower Klamath and Tule Lake NWR, Butte Valley National Grasslands). We originally had then planned on a couple days in the wineries of the Willamette Valley, but with temperatures then above 100 in that valley, we instead headed for the central coast area traveling from Florence to Tillamook, before heading back to Portland.
Oregon may not be on your list of places to visit to bird, but it’s quite a gem. We didn’t spend any time along the southwest or northwest coast or the Cascade River area.
Overall, the scenery, with several snow-capped mountains (Hood, Jefferson, Three Sisters, Shasta) and beautiful rivers (Deschuttes, Rogue and Willamette) and many lakes, was awesome. The weather was sunny with temperatures in the 80s east of the mountains and 70s along the coast. Klamath Falls is a town of 21,000 and claims >300 sunny days each year. There are 7 NWRs, as well as a variety of other birding sites, within an hour or two, many just 30 minutes away.
We later learned that if you just want to visit the Klamath Falls area, you can fly into either Medford (1 hr drive) or Redmond (2.5 hr drive to Klamath Falls) and just north of Bend. Both flights are a connecting flight through Denver. From Bend, Crater Lake NP is on the way to Klamath Falls. Crater Lake NP was not crowded at all and its Rim Road can easily be covered in a casual half a day. It’s Rim Road often opens in late June, due to a normal 43 feet of snow! There are several very good birding trail booklets about the Klamath Falls area and the regional NWRs, as well as one covering the entire Coast. Oregon also has a well-established state-wide birding trail online and very helpful travel guides and newsletters you can sign up for online.
Birding highlights included:
- multiple Osprey throughout our travels
- lots of Western Grebes at Upper Klamath Lake near Putnams Point
- Eared Grebes still in breeding plumage, many with young, at Tule Lake
- California Quail observed several times
- a cooperative Sora feeding in the reeds along Agency Lake in the northern section of Upper Klamath Lake. The short trail to Agency Lake was very birdy.
- lots of White-faced Ibis flying around at both Lower Klamath Lake and Tule Lake
- a Golden Eagle (our first with excellent views) and a Prairie Falcon at Butte Valley National Grasslands. We were hoping for a Swainson Hawk, but no luck, but we did see a Mountain Bluebird and many Red Tail Hawks.
- a huge roost of Black-crowned Night Herons at Meiss Lake. We initially thought there were 3 in a group of small trees, but then discovered dozens were present
- although we saw some shorebirds, we were surprised they weren’t more plentiful, especially along the coast. It might have been a little early. There were quite a few at Lower Klamath Lake and Meiss Lake.
Photos can be viewed at: flickr.com/photos/dgetman/sets
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/13/25 5:31 pm From: Monacell, Peter L. <plmonacell...> Subject: Buff-breasted Sandpipers, SelecTurf, North Jefferson City, Callaway Co
At least six Buffies with at least eight Pectoral Sandpipers and a couple hundred Killdeer waaaaaaaay back in the southeasternmost field, bluff (east/south) side of US-63, SelecTurf.
Good birding everyone,
Pete
Pete Monacell,
Jefferson City
Sent from my iPhone
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/12/25 5:52 pm From: Anne McCormack <mccormack491...> Subject: WGNSS birding this week
Thursday we will meet at 8:00 AM at Teal Pond at Riverlands
<https://maps.app.goo.gl/6Yb3UmSReZ2z9ik77>. We'll bird our way through to
Confluence Rd. in hopes of seeing a Swallow-tailed Kite. 🤞
As always, be prepared for the weather, bring water and tick protection.
Bring lunch if you wish. If you know someone who would like this info but
didn't receive my email, please forward it, and let me know so I can add
them to the distribution list. 🐦
Date: 8/9/25 6:05 am From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: Re: What Merlin has just called a Wild Turkey.
Merlin's usefulness will improve as more good recordings are submitted and
more snippets of those recordings are entered into the program. Meanwhile,
we will occasionally be amused, often perplexed, and new users will
continue to need to be alerted and gently taught not to trust it 100%.
eBird reviewers should be thanked now and then for their volunteer time and
efforts at keeping the database as accurate as possible.
That said, I still don't understand this eBird message for a Florida
checklist:
*List-building checklist. This checklist has been flagged as a personal
list-building checklist. eBird requires a specific date and location to be
used in public output. This checklist and its observations do not appear in
public eBird outputs.*
The item in question is a Yellow-faced Grassquit, seen by at least two
boatloads of people (including 13 Missourians off the *Yankee Freedom*,
with the date and location given in the checklist, entered as a historical
record. If anyone can explain why this record is unacceptable for the
public record, please respond.
Edge Wade
Columbia, MO
<1edgewade...>
On Fri, Aug 8, 2025 at 10:08 PM Terry Miller <millert832...> wrote:
> And two days ago, I had a hen turkey calling loudly only 40 yards away,
> albeit a variation of their normal kelping, ...and Merlin never picked up
> on it at all. No identification suggested even if wrong...
>
> Handy tool...sometimes...maybe...I guess? 😉 😁
>
> Terry L. Miller
> Plattsburg, MO
> <millert832...>
>
> www.millerstaxidermy.net
>
> Follow me on Instagram: terryl.miller
>
> "Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely his
> eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have
> been made." Romans 1:20
>
> "The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of
> wonder." G.K. Chesterton
>
> On Sun, Aug 3, 2025, 4:48 PM Edge Wade <1edgewade...> wrote:
>
>> I am at Knob Noster State Park. There is a pickle ball court here. Merlin
>> on detecting the sound of the paddle hitting the ball lit up with wild
>> turkey. And indeed the sound to me sounds like the same pitch as the
>> beginning part of a turkey call. One more thing to be aware of with
>> Merlin.
>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
>> Archives <https://po.missouri.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
>> options <https://po.missouri.edu/SCRIPTS/wa.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> >> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
>> <mobirds-l-request...>
>>
>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >>
>> MBS Fall Meeting: September 19-21. Springfield Hilton Garden Inn
>>
>
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/8/25 8:14 pm From: Terry Miller <millert832...> Subject: Re: What Merlin has just called a Wild Turkey.
And two days ago, I had a hen turkey calling loudly only 40 yards away,
albeit a variation of their normal kelping, ...and Merlin never picked up
on it at all. No identification suggested even if wrong...
Handy tool...sometimes...maybe...I guess? 😉 😁
Terry L. Miller
Plattsburg, MO
<millert832...>
www.millerstaxidermy.net
Follow me on Instagram: terryl.miller
"Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely his
eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have
been made." Romans 1:20
"The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of
wonder." G.K. Chesterton
On Sun, Aug 3, 2025, 4:48 PM Edge Wade <1edgewade...> wrote:
> I am at Knob Noster State Park. There is a pickle ball court here. Merlin
> on detecting the sound of the paddle hitting the ball lit up with wild
> turkey. And indeed the sound to me sounds like the same pitch as the
> beginning part of a turkey call. One more thing to be aware of with
> Merlin.
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://po.missouri.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options <https://po.missouri.edu/SCRIPTS/wa.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> > / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Fall Meeting: September 19-21. Springfield Hilton Garden Inn
>
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/7/25 7:55 am From: Diane Bricmont <colaptes.auratus...> Subject: New Madrid County- Roseate Spoonbill
Spoonie continues at the Hayti welcome center on Interstate 55 in a pool with Great Egrets, Black-necked Stilts and Killdeer. Highway noise is providing backup vocals.
Diane Bricmont STL CO
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/7/25 5:15 am From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: Places to bird in the 2nd week of August
Tomorrow, Friday, August 8, begins the second week of the month.
These are some sites at which no one has ever submitted an eBird checklist. Your birding visit would add to our knowledge of bird occurrence at them.
Babler SP, St. Louis Co. This is the only blank week left! St. Francois SP, St. Francois Co. This is the only blank here! St. Joe SP. St. Francois Co. Bilby Ranch Lake CA, Nodaway Co. Dark Hollow NA, Sullivan Co. Shoemaker CA, Adair Co.
I was a bit surprised but happy to see a Worm-eating warbler living up to its name in the Walnut tree off the deck. The Parulas are also there daily. I walked Grand Gulf State Park on Saturday and found a Kentucky Warbler still feeding young, which seems late, but they didn't ask my opinion. I don't think it could have fit another caterpillar in its beak if it tried!
-
Cindy Bridges Couch Mo Oregon County <cjontheriver...>
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/6/25 6:37 pm From: Leon Book <leonbook...> Subject: Swallow-tailed kite!
After two reliable reports of the presence of a swallow-tailed kite (STKI) at Apple Creek CA in extreme northern Cape Girardeau County, I decided to chase as it would be a MO Lifer and, it turns out, a Cape County lifer as well. Experienced birders Allen Gathman and Mark Haas provided directions: stop at the first parking lot on the road down to the boat ramp and look for the trail head off to the east (right). It leads over the steep hill to the east wetland where they had seen the STKI this morning (wed, Aug 6). After seeing several Mississippi kites (MIKIs), I glimpsed the black and white kite flying in front of the tree line on the east side of the nearly dry wetland basin, then again soaring over the tree line on the "back" side. No photo opps! Then it joined the MIKIs soaring over the wetland basin proper, and I managed a few photos to confirm the ID.
The wetland basin itself held a large mixed flock of long-legged waders, including several "calico" little blue herons (LBHEs) molting from juvenile to adult plumage. The woods around the parking lot and on the climb and descent of the large hill also yielded several woodland species, including yellow-billed cuckoos (YBCUs).
Be advised: it's a fairly rigorous climb and descent, but the trail/service road is decent. Still, rubber boots are recommended as there were muddy patches despite the recent lack of rain and scorching temperatures. The mosquitoes were also very intense and HUNGRY! They ate right through the repellent I had sprayed on my pants and long-sleeve shirt. I neglected to put any repellant on my hands and suffered the consequences.
Readers can find the eBird checklist here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265529970 Good birding, everybody!
Leon BookCape Girardeau County
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 8/6/25 9:19 am From: Allen Gathman <agathman...> Subject: Swallow-tailed Kite at Apple Creek Conservation Area
Yesterday "Ted G." reported a Swallow-tailed Kite at Apple Creek Conservation Area in north Cape Girardeau County. Mark Haas and I made a trip there this morning to see if we could relocate it. We drove in on the road that leads to the boat ramp. First we spent a little time at the boat ramp parking lot, where we found a mixed flock of vireos, warblers, buntings, and one early Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (assuming Josh agrees with our description, lacking a photo).
Then we went back 1/4 mile and parked at the camping area. From there, we walked the (recently mowed) trail that leads east of the road up and over a steep hill, and eventually to a shallow pond/mud flat right next to Apple Creek -- about 1/2 mile walk.
There we found a lot of Little Blue Herons and a few Great Egrets, but nothing in the air. Mark suggested we wait and see if, as the breeze picked up, some soaring birds might appear. We agreed we could stand around for an hour or so. Two minutes later we saw several Mississippi Kites over the tree line, and among them was one kite with a wide-splayed forked tail. We watched the Swallow-tailed Kite for about 15 minutes, getting occasional glimpses of its black and white underside when the light hit it just right.
-Allen Gathman Pocahontas, MO
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Date: 8/4/25 4:21 pm From: Steve Garr <steve...> Subject: Crawford County - Purple Martins staging for migration + Cedar Waxwings
Purple Martins staging in Cuba Missouri. Sunday night (8/3/25) at the corner of Hwy 19 and Oak Hill Avenue (Just before the I44 connection) in the trees at Jack In The Box. Soaring above the trees and clinging to the branches were Purple Martins, Starlings and Cedar Waxwings along with multiple other species. We counted over 300 Purple Martins and 300 Starlings along with 75 Cedar Waxwings. Driving by at 8:15 pm we noticed large flocks of birds above the parking lot and in the trees so we turned around and parked at the Jack in the Box Restaurant. More detailed info on e-bird along with a couple of pics. Pics and info also here on our Facebook page. The Purple Martins may continue to gather here nightly as they stage on their next journey south. On a non-Missouri note: We plan to see Purple Martins staging later this month in Nashville, TN where 100,000 to 300,000 Purple Martins stage in downtown Nashville before they head to New Orleans and then to Brazil.Steve <Garrsteve...> in Crawford county
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Looking for a roommate for a trip to Jamaica, Nov 10-16. My other birding companion from Colorado had to drop out recently so there is an opening. Contact me offline if interested.
