Fall is for the birds
A Blue Jay is seen perched on a branch at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.
Typically, the first and second weeks of October are peak times for bird watchers in our area.
According to the American Birding Association, Kansas has 467 species of birds, Missouri 405, Oklahoma 450, Colorado 470, Nebraska 446, and Iowa 415.
Kansas is one of the top birding states in the nation. It offers fascinating possibilities for both amateur and professional bird watchers as well as a mecca of diverse habitats joining the eastern hardwood forest to tallgrass prairies.
Missouri is home to the Great Missouri Birding Trail. The trail is divided into regions: Kansas City, St. Louis, Southwest, Southeast and Northeast. Both Kansas City and St. Louis have designated metro birding trails within the city limits.
If you go to greatmissouribirdingtrail.com you will have access to a Google map, site descriptions, driving directions and information on things to do in surrounding areas.
If you are a beginning bird watcher, the best way to start is to put bird feeders in your backyard.
An important factor in attracting the birds you want will be what type of food you fill your feeder with.
The best overall birdseed is black oil sunflower seed. More species of birds eat sunflower seeds than any other seed on the market.
Other good feeds are cracked corn, safflower, white millet, milo, and fruit. Nyler seed is great for finches.
Don’t forget suet, it is a magnet for Red-bellied Woodpeckers.
Unsalted in-the-shell peanuts are the favorite of blue jays. To attract birds such as cardinals, doves and sparrows, spread seed on the ground.
Whether you’re an expert or just a beginner, here are ten pieces of advice to help you make the most out of your birding adventures.
Plan your outing: Many of the stops on the Great Missouri Birding Trail (GMBT) are in close proximity to each other, so birders can visit multiple areas in one outing.
Know your gear: Be familiar with your optics and field guide or birding app.
Dress for success: Be aware of the weather and the terrain when planning your clothing and footwear.
Be a good listener: This is a critical component in locating and identifying birds.
Practice, practice, practice: Put a bird feeder and small water feature in your backyard and try to identify the birds that visit.
Take time to observe: When birding, learn to stop, look, and listen.
Get involved: We cannot over-emphasize the need to network.
Use online resources: Your smartphone, tablet, or computer are great tools to enhance your birding skills.
Have fun!: Birding is fun and, like any new experience, it takes time and commitment.
Respect nature: As a birder, instill an ethic of conservation.
