Missouri Young Birders Club

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Fall Family Birding Trip
Saturday, October 3rd from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Location: Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, Katy Trail, McBaine Trailhead Parking Lot

09/25/2026

Happening TOMORROW!!

08/27/2026

🪶 August’s Bird of the Month: Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
Ever wondered where the Ruddy Turnstone got its name? The “turnstone” part is pretty literal! These small shorebirds use their slightly upturned bills to flip over rocks, shells, and seaweed in search of insects, mollusks, and small crustaceans. And “ruddy”? That refers to the rich chestnut coloring on their wings and back. ❤️🤎
Ruddy Turnstones are true long-distance travelers. They breed in the High Arctic of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia, then migrate thousands of miles to winter along coastlines around the world. They’re found on nearly every coastline on Earth except Antarctica!
Missouri may seem a long way from the ocean, but Ruddy Turnstones pass through our state during migration. Southbound birds are typically seen in August and September, making now a great time to keep an eye out along mudflats, shorelines, and other suitable stopover habitat.
This year, Ruddy Turnstones have already been observed at:
📍 Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
📍 Four Rivers Conservation Area
📍 Schell-Osage Conservation Area
📍 Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Despite being widespread and still relatively common, Ruddy Turnstones—and shorebirds worldwide—face growing pressure from habitat loss, coastal development, human disturbance, and climate change.
Protecting Arctic breeding grounds, wetland stopover sites, and shorelines helps ensure these remarkable migrants continue their incredible journeys for generations to come. 🌎🐦
Have you spotted a Ruddy Turnstone in Missouri this year? Let us know where!

07/06/2026

Modern Dinosaurs Program
Thursday, July 9th at 5 p.m.
Location: Marshall Public Library, 214 N Lafayette Ave, Marshall, MO

05/22/2026

🖤🤍 May Bird of the Month: Black-and-white Warbler 🤍🖤
One of Missouri’s most eye-catching spring migrants has returned! The Black-and-white Warbler may be small, but its bold striped plumage and unique behavior make it stand out in the forest. Unlike most warblers, this species creeps along tree trunks and branches much like a nuthatch, searching bark for insects hidden in crevices.
These striking songbirds help keep forests healthy by feeding on beetles, weevils, and other insects, but they also face growing challenges. Habitat fragmentation, pesticide use, and artificial nighttime lighting during migration all impact their survival.
You can help Black-and-white Warblers and other migratory birds by:
🌿 Reducing or eliminating pesticide use
💡 Turning off unnecessary outdoor lights during migration
🌳 Protecting and supporting healthy forest habitats
Keep an eye (and ear!) out for these “living barcodes” in Missouri’s woodlands this spring!

05/18/2026

05/15/2026

Bird Watching at Smithville Lake
Saturday, May 16th from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Location: Smithville Lake Nature Center, 18001 Collins Rd, Smithville, MO

04/19/2026

🌸🐦 April Bird of the Month: the Purple Martin (Progne subis) 🐦🌸

Meet North America’s largest swallow—and one of the most captivating aerial acrobats in the bird world!

With their glossy, iridescent purple-blue feathers (males) and softer gray tones (females and young), Purple Martins are almost always on the move—gliding, swooping, and chasing flying insects high above fields, wetlands, towns, and parks.

✨ Fun fact: They drink on the wing by skimming the surface of water!

🏠 In the eastern U.S., they now rely almost entirely on human-provided birdhouses and gourds, nesting in social colonies close to people.

🌎 By late summer, they gather in huge flocks before migrating all the way to the Amazon Basin.

Here in Missouri, they’re one of the earliest spring arrivals—sometimes showing up as early as late February—making their return a true sign that spring is on the way.

💙 While still relatively stable, Purple Martins face challenges from invasive nest competitors like European Starlings and House Sparrows, making community-supported nesting sites more important than ever.

Have you seen your first Purple Martin of the season yet? 👀🐦