Remember there are 5 Challenge categories for all levels of birding:
*
Fledgling: youth(s) + mentor
*
Backyard Birder: bird only in your yard
*
Dabbler: bird anywhere, small number of eBird lists to submit
*
Big Day on May 9: record as many bird species as you can in the 24 hours of May 9
*
Competitive Coot: record as many bird species as you can during the full Challenge
All category registrants or teams will be entered into a prize drawing, so any team can win prizes if they submit their eBird Trip Report for their registered category or categories!
Important dates:
Registration open: April 1-30
Missouri Birding Challenge: May 1-22, 2026
eBird Trip Report for your categories due: May 25
Let's go birding! (This is not an April Fool's!)
Sarah
Sarah Kendrick
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Columbia, MO 65203
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
This afternoon at Shirley Seabaugh's house I watched for a couple of minutes a warbler hopping from branch to branch in oaks. This bird had none of the markings of a yellow rump. It had an overall yellowish wash and faint eye ring which leads me to think this was an orange crowned. I know that orange crowns can overwinter in Mississippi. This was in Jefferson City. Also had good looks there at a brown creeper.
Jane Frazier
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/31/26 11:14 am From: Jack Corrigan <mbs_jackc...> Subject: Missouri Birding Society Website
The MBS website is experiencing technical issues with its security certificate and certain web browsers. I don't have any timeline yet as to when it will be corrected. The website content is still accessible. Just click on the ADVANCED button in the lower left of the error dialog box and follow the instructions. You should only have to do this once and then your browser will bring up the website as usual with the security warning in red in the url. Those users taking care of memberships or Spring Meeting registrations, personal information is not maintained on the MBS website and is all handled through PayPal.
Once the website issues are corrected I will post an update.
-- Jack Corrigan KCMO (Clay County) Webmaster, Missouri Birding Society
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/31/26 6:46 am From: Kendrick, Sarah W <00000600c8f5f4a2-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] A Warbler Review--Get Ready!
Hahaha I should probably check my MOBIRDS emails more frequently, eh Edge? ;)
________________________________
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> on behalf of Edge Wade <1edgewade...>
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2026 12:04 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] A Warbler Review--Get Ready!
This email has been received from outside of DOI - Use caution before clicking on links, opening attachments, or responding.
I just read an excellent article by Matt Seek in the April issue of The Conservationist.
"Warblers from A to Y" (page 10) is a great way to prime the brains of birders eagerly anticipating the arrival of 30 species in Missouri--some to nest, some just passing through.
If you are a "multi-seasoned" birder or about to take your first tentative step toward experiencing warbler neck, you'll find some solid information about seeking, identifying, and appreciating warblers this spring.
I hope you got your missing e-mail issue figured out. I had suspected I was missing e-mails also and after reading your comments I gave more thought to what may be the cause. I use Thunderbird and first checked my spam folder, but didn't find any there. I then wondered if it might be a preferences setting on the listserv website, but that wasn't it either. In my case I have a Gmail address which means, in addition to my local junk mail filter, I have access to a spam filter on the Gmail webmail site. When I checked the Spam folder there I found many MOBIRDS-L and other e-mails that were flagged as spam. To get the e-mails to bypass Gmail's spam filter I created a filter of my own to always send those e-mails to me and not to spam. Unfortunately, I think that is the only way to bypass Gmail's spam filter completely.
I see you have a wustl.edu domain at the end of your e-mail address so I checked - and indeed WashU (as do most large organizations) provides a webmail interface to their staff and employees.
Hope this helps anyone with missing e-mails.
Joe Alburty Kansas City
On 3/26/2026 12:40 PM, Schneider, Daniel wrote: > > Hey folks~ > > I didn’t experience the previous issues with missing emails from MBS like > others had been experiencing a while back, but I realized things were > seemingly slow on the list-serv for this time of year... I just checked it on > the website and it turns out I never got the email about meeting registration > as well as a bunch of other recent messages (but oddly enough I have gotten > the Bluebird issues)and they have not been going to spam folder either... Not > sure how to fix it on my end (I am using Outlook) but hopefully a lot of other > members aren’t missing the information about the meeting registration. Just a > heads up if you are not seeing the sign-up numbers you are used to, people > might not be getting the emails in their inbox. Hopefully it is just a “me” > problem. > > FYI! > > Luke Schneider > > Eureka MO > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum* > Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / > Subscription options > <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.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 Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, > Chesterfield, MO > -- Joe
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Hey birders! I encourage everyone to read Matt Seek’s entertaining and
educational article “Warblers - From A to Y” in the newest MDC Missouri
Conservationist magazine. It is so good and a really fun read! Check it out
online here
https://mdc.mo.gov/magazines/missouri-conservationist/2026-04/warblers-y or
check your mailbox for your copy!
Sarah
Columbia
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
I experienced the same issue while on a different computer. I was able to
get around it and do what I needed to do. I tried again now on my phone
after seeing you has the same issue.
I clicked Advanced and got this message:
"This server could not prove that it is mobirds.org; its security
certificate expired 6 days ago. This may be caused by a misconfiguration or
an attacker intercepting your connection. Your computer's clock is
currently set to Monday, March 30, 2026. Does that look right? If not, you
should correct your system's clock and then refresh this page."
Ryan Steffens
Benton County
On Mon, Mar 30, 2026, 2:29 PM Kathleen Anderson <
<00000493e9e2f3f6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> When I try to open the Missouri Birding Society website to read
> information on the Spring Meeting, I get a warning that the website is not
> private.
> Does anyone else get this warning? I don't think I can proceed.
> Kathleen Anderson
> Columbia
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.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 Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Kathleen,
After Ann Johnson's death, there is a change, but despite the message, the
website is secure. You can proceed. The site is safe, and any payments
(as for Spring Meeting), although done on the website, are processed by
PayPal, so are fully secure.
Edge Wade
Columbia
<1edgewade...>
On Mon, Mar 30, 2026 at 2:29 PM Kathleen Anderson <
<00000493e9e2f3f6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> When I try to open the Missouri Birding Society website to read
> information on the Spring Meeting, I get a warning that the website is not
> private.
> Does anyone else get this warning? I don't think I can proceed.
> Kathleen Anderson
> Columbia
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.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 Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
When I try to open the Missouri Birding Society website to read information on the Spring Meeting, I get a warning that the website is not private.
Does anyone else get this warning? I don't think I can proceed.
Kathleen Anderson
Columbia
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/30/26 10:04 am From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: A Warbler Review--Get Ready!
I just read an excellent article by Matt Seek in the April issue of *The Conservationist.* "Warblers from A to Y" (page 10) is a great way to prime the brains of birders eagerly anticipating the arrival of 30 species in Missouri--some to nest, some just passing through.
If you are a "multi-seasoned" birder or about to take your first tentative step toward experiencing warbler neck, you'll find some solid information about seeking, identifying, and appreciating warblers this spring.
Edge Wade Columbia <1edgewade...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/29/26 10:56 am From: Marge Lumpe <margelumpe...> Subject: Sunday at Hi Lonesome
As far as birds go, today was almost a bust. It was perhaps because of the considerable windiness. I heard 3 Eastern Meadowlarks; saw one Wild Turkey running across a field close to Lumpee Avenue; and saw one flying Swallow, species unknown. It was a good looking day except for the wind. The fields that were burned in the Fall are looking like spring is definitely here even though not fully developed.
Happy Birding!
Marge Lumpe Benton County
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/29/26 8:38 am From: Jean L <jaleonatti...> Subject: Shorebirds-Eagle Bluffs CA
Shorebirds are beginning to arrive at EBCA. This morning there were appr. 150 concentrated in the east end of pool 11 - pecs, both yellowlegs, snipe, killdeer. Park at end of 2nd loop road and walk along levee for best viewing. Shorebirds also dotted along distribution channel and many dabbling ducks remain.
Jean Leonatti Boone county <jaleonatti...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Congrats! and thanks for reporting.
edge wade
Columbia
<1edgewade...>
On Sat, Mar 28, 2026 at 10:13 PM JERRY WILLIAMS <jmwilliams01982...>
wrote:
> Margie & I saw the Burrowing Owl this evening (Saturday, 3/28). Margie
> spotted the bird on the gate at 6:35 pm while we were west bound on Dade
> County 162. We watched for about 30 minutes, then drove past the owl,
> which stayed in place, and went down to England Pond. After birding the
> pond for a bit, we turned around and headed east on 162. The owl was still
> there, just moved south ten yards or so and was perched on the north/south
> barb wire fence. That was at 7:35 pm.
>
> Jerry Williams
> Republic, Greene County, MO.
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.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 Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/28/26 8:13 pm From: JERRY WILLIAMS <jmwilliams01982...> Subject: Burrowing Owl 3/28
Margie & I saw the Burrowing Owl this evening (Saturday, 3/28). Margie spotted the bird on the gate at 6:35 pm while we were west bound on Dade County 162. We watched for about 30 minutes, then drove past the owl, which stayed in place, and went down to England Pond. After birding the pond for a bit, we turned around and headed east on 162. The owl was still there, just moved south ten yards or so and was perched on the north/south barb wire fence. That was at 7:35 pm.
Jerry Williams Republic, Greene County, MO.
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/28/26 5:23 am From: KELLY ORMESHER <kbormesher...> Subject: Burrowing Owl
Hello again,
To add to my previous email, the owl is very skittish as there is quite a bit of agricultural traffic this morning. Good luck to those who chase the bird!
Date: 3/28/26 5:02 am From: KELLY ORMESHER <kbormesher...> Subject: Burrowing Owl
Good morning fellow birders,
The burrowing owl is continuing this morning and was first seen at 6:39 AM. Actively foraging on both sides of the road. You will want to give this bird plenty of space.
Three of us got good looks at the bird, but pictures were difficult in the light.
Date: 3/26/26 5:48 pm From: Bill Eddleman <eddlemanw48...> Subject: Re: Ann Johnson left a legacy all Missouri birders should know of
So sorry to hear this. Ann always responded to web site questions and
requests in fine style and promptly. Those of us who were Presidents of the
organization were well aware that she was doing us a big favor, and we were
very appreciative. Rest in Peace to a great friend of Missouri birders.
——Bill Eddleman, Cape Girardeau
On Thu, Mar 26, 2026 at 7:33 PM Dianne & Steve Kinder <
<0000041e4c13219a-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> I feel fortunate to have known ANN, and lucky to have done a SE Arizona
> Birding Trip with her. I also was privileged to tag along as she searched
> for "Good Bugs" , as she called Dragonflies, in AZ. That was another one of
> her passions, and became one of mine after that.
> Mostly though I remember her laugh and great sense of humor!
>
> Steve Kinder
> Chillicothe
>
> On Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 09:26:43 AM CDT, Edge Wade <
> <1edgewade...> wrote:
>
>
> All,
> Ann Johnson died March 23.
>
> Many of you didn't know Ann "aj", but you all benefited from her work.
> Ann designed and implemented the ASM, now MBS website. She tweaked and
> updated it, added features, and educated webmasters and befuddled frequent
> users who requested new website features or help with use.
>
> And she did so promptly and with humor, without criticism of ineptitude.
> Over, and over and over.
>
> Ann developed the CACHE/SPARKS data online input for MDC and MO State
> Parks bird occurrence that was hosted on the ASM website. *That major
> effort was* *the first statewide bird occurrence database--and it
> predated eBird! *
> Then, when we finally convinced the folks at Cornell that the C/S data
> could be transferred into eBird, Ann, with minimal help from me, identified
> and connected all C/S contributors to the sites, converted entries to eBird
> format, and transferred the data into the eBird dataset.
> This effort put Missouri among the top states for eBird data.
>
> And she didn't stop there. She got the privately developed Birding
> Hotspots website connected to the MBS website, and with Kevin Wehner and
> me, served as editor, as she did for her home state, Iowa.
>
> She was a long-term solid presence in the Iowa Ornithologists Union (IOU),
> serving in many roles.
>
> Ann's contributions to birding include website design and support for
> several state organizations and other NGOs such as the Missouri River Bird
> Observatory.
>
> Feeling much at sea, mourning a friend and mentor,
> Edge Wade
> Columbia
> <1edgewade...>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.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 Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.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 Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/26/26 5:33 pm From: Dianne & Steve Kinder <0000041e4c13219a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Ann Johnson left a legacy all Missouri birders should know of
I feel fortunate to have known ANN, and lucky to have done a SE Arizona Birding Trip with her. I also was privileged to tag along as she searched for "Good Bugs" , as she called Dragonflies, in AZ. That was another one of her passions, and became one of mine after that. Mostly though I remember her laugh and great sense of humor!
Steve KinderChillicothe
On Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 09:26:43 AM CDT, Edge Wade <1edgewade...> wrote:
All,Ann Johnson died March 23.
Many of you didn't know Ann "aj", but you all benefited from her work.Ann designed and implemented the ASM, now MBS website. She tweaked and updated it, added features, and educated webmasters and befuddled frequent users who requested new website features or help with use.
And she did so promptly and with humor, without criticism of ineptitude. Over, and over and over.
Ann developed the CACHE/SPARKS data online input for MDC and MO State Parks bird occurrence that was hosted on the ASM website. That major effort was the first statewide bird occurrence database--and it predated eBird! Then, when we finally convinced the folks at Cornell that the C/S data could be transferred into eBird, Ann, with minimal help from me, identified and connected all C/S contributors to the sites, converted entries to eBird format, and transferred the data into the eBird dataset.This effort put Missouri among the top states for eBird data.
And she didn't stop there. She got the privately developed Birding Hotspots website connected to the MBS website, and with Kevin Wehner and me, served as editor, as she did for her home state, Iowa.
She was a long-term solid presence in the Iowa Ornithologists Union (IOU), serving in many roles.
Ann's contributions to birding include website design and support for several state organizations and other NGOs such as the Missouri River Bird Observatory.
Feeling much at sea, mourning a friend and mentor,Edge <WadeColumbia1edgewade...>
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/26/26 10:40 am From: Schneider, Daniel <00000496ddbe8980-dmarc-request...> Subject: Missing MBS emails
Hey folks~
I didn’t experience the previous issues with missing emails from MBS like others had been experiencing a while back, but I realized things were seemingly slow on the list-serv for this time of year... I just checked it on the website and it turns out I never got the email about meeting registration as well as a bunch of other recent messages (but oddly enough I have gotten the Bluebird issues)and they have not been going to spam folder either... Not sure how to fix it on my end (I am using Outlook) but hopefully a lot of other members aren’t missing the information about the meeting registration. Just a heads up if you are not seeing the sign-up numbers you are used to, people might not be getting the emails in their inbox. Hopefully it is just a “me” problem.
FYI!
Luke Schneider
Eureka MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/26/26 7:26 am From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: Ann Johnson left a legacy all Missouri birders should know of
All, Ann Johnson died March 23.
Many of you didn't know Ann "aj", but you all benefited from her work. Ann designed and implemented the ASM, now MBS website. She tweaked and updated it, added features, and educated webmasters and befuddled frequent users who requested new website features or help with use.
And she did so promptly and with humor, without criticism of ineptitude. Over, and over and over.
Ann developed the CACHE/SPARKS data online input for MDC and MO State Parks bird occurrence that was hosted on the ASM website. *That major effort was* *the first statewide bird occurrence database--and it predated eBird! * Then, when we finally convinced the folks at Cornell that the C/S data could be transferred into eBird, Ann, with minimal help from me, identified and connected all C/S contributors to the sites, converted entries to eBird format, and transferred the data into the eBird dataset. This effort put Missouri among the top states for eBird data.
And she didn't stop there. She got the privately developed Birding Hotspots website connected to the MBS website, and with Kevin Wehner and me, served as editor, as she did for her home state, Iowa.
She was a long-term solid presence in the Iowa Ornithologists Union (IOU), serving in many roles.
Ann's contributions to birding include website design and support for several state organizations and other NGOs such as the Missouri River Bird Observatory.
Feeling much at sea, mourning a friend and mentor, Edge Wade Columbia <1edgewade...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/26/26 7:15 am From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Nest box update
Well it’s that time of the year for cavity nesters.
We have one pair of bluebirds that had a fully built nest on March 8th, which is very early here. But they have yet to lay any eggs. I’ve been seeing another pair in the yard, but they haven’t settled on a box yet.
A pair of tree swallows arrived on Mar 20th, which is normal. They’re still checking out nestboxes. Usually 6-8 arrive a little later.
But the most interesting box is the Screech Owl one visible from our patio. This box has an interesting history. For the last 3 years, an Eastern Screech Owl has roosted there during the winter, which I’ve occassionally seen at the nestbox hole and found owl pellets in the box. In addition, a pair of Great Crested Flycatchers have successfully nested there during the summer.
A couple weeks ago I saw a Northern Flicker looking out from the hole, which was unusual.
Unfortunately, as is normal, the starlings have recently arrived and started to claim any box with larger entrance holes, including this one. I have to trap the starlings or they’ll just claim every box.
This morning, a Northern Flicker was checking out the box, went inside, but then got chased away by a starling. These invasive starlings are a real menace. Besides being persistent and aggressive, their numbers just overwhelm our native species.
Hopefully the flickers will prevail. We’ve had them nest just one year in another box, but they roost in them every winter.
With the wild swings in temperature, 80sF yesterday and today, but a predicted hard freeze of 23F Friday night, the plants are taking a beating. Not sure how that will impact the early pollinators and fruit production.
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/26/26 6:30 am From: Timothy Barksdale <timothy.barksdale...> Subject: ANN JOHNSON FLOWN
Dear Friends,
I spoke with Ann on the 18th for about 15 minutes; she seemed more tired than usual.
She was beginning to plan her "retirement" and a move to the Phoenix area with her son.
Ann always seemed to be part "Elvish" because of her wonderful sense of humor. We often had coffee at various locations in the Des Moines area as I passed through on my way to the north or on my way back. Long birding stories and discussions of one rarity or another were always a part of the visit. Plans for future endeavors too.
Besides the fact that she was a good solidly skilled birder, I always admired her ability to take on a new task. She was not a youngster when she decided to learn coding to develop websites. Then she decided to form her own "server farm" last year. !! Wow. That is both- bold and courageous.
Many birding groups will have to find new wings because of her departure. I'm sure others can expand on her many points as a birding mentor and fine person.
Her spirit is with the Eskimo Curlews and Ivory-bills now and I will miss our coffee's and her friendship very much!
Tim Barksdale Choteau, MT Mokane, MO
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/25/26 5:13 pm From: Tommy Goodwin <tommy.j.goodwin.jr...> Subject: Missouri Statewide Discord Server - Now Live
Happy spring MOBsters,
I'm writing to share a new option for communicating about birds in Missouri.
Discord is a website and app similar to the old school forums where there
are separate channels for different topics. The platform has become widely
used for group messaging, video/voice calling, archiving, photo sharing,
and networking. We developed a birding Discord server for the St. Louis
Circle back in 2020 and it has slowly evolved over time. It was always the
intention to expand the server for the state, which was delayed due to the
effectiveness of existing communications (e.g. MOBirds-L, Facebook groups,
local Group Me chats, etc.). In the last few months, I have gotten several
requests to expand Discord for the state, so it was time to expand
statewide in hopes of avoiding further fragmentation. This is not meant to
take away from the other groups, but enhance communication options and
accessibility; please consider crossposting to MOBirds still for the
benefit for those birders who are still hesitant to try this server.
I would like to officially welcome statewide birders to this Discord
server, which is reformatted to accommodate statewide discussions. This
server is broken down into several categories including statewide and
regions of the state (e.g. St. Louis Circle, Columbia, Cape Girardeau,
Kansas City, etc.), so birders can have statewide conversations or regional
conversations. There are different chat threads for rare birds and general
conversation, and eBird rare bird alerts are integrated in a channel. Not
sure what counties are part of which region? There is a colored map in the
server for regions as well.
If you join the server, you will be automatically given an “unverified”
role. To become verified and see the contents of the server, you will need
to follow a short verification process including reading the rules and
guidelines (detailed in that channel). Upon completion, you will
immediately see all the content. If you have any issues getting set up,
please contact me and I will help fix the issues.
I think the biggest concern with this influx of members is that
notification settings may not be optimized upon account creation. You can
mute (i.e., stop receiving notifications for) any channel (or the entire
server). I recommend muting most channels for new users to limit your
notifications. Directions for this and other helpful tricks are located
in the #how-to-use-discord channel that all members (including unverified)
can view.
I have created a permanent (I hope) link to join the the Missouri Birders
Discord server below:
If there are any concerns, comments, or questions, please reach out to me.
Text will get the quickest response if you have my number (also listed in
the MBS member directory), but I will also respond to emails.
Get out there and bird and share your excitement!
*Tommy J. Goodwin*
St. Charles, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/24/26 8:52 pm From: David Becher <davidbecher...> Subject: FW: WGNSSS Birding 3/26 and 3/28
WGNSS BIrding
On Thursday, we will meet at 8 am at 370 Lakeside Park in St. Charles. The current intention is to go up Route 79.
To reach the park from I-270 take I-370 west until you see the sign for the park exit. Head into the park and go left. We will meet in the parking area to the right of the main pavilion.
On Saturday, we will meet at 8 am at the Busch Greenway Duckett Creek Trailhead in Weldon Springs. (see map at lower center)
[cid:<image001.png...>]
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/23/26 8:24 am From: Mike Grant <mikecurlew...> Subject: Jay and Carolyn Henges Wetland Education & Conservation Center (Restricted Access)
All,
Many of us in the St. Louis area have seen news reports about this new area in north St. Charles County. Last week representatives from SLAS, WGNSS and MBS met with the managing director.
A former private duck club, then owned by Ducks Unlimited, now owned by Great Rivers Habitat Alliance (GRHA). About 800 acres, over half in conservation easements and prohibited from development. GRHA has an agreement with MDC that permits limited duck hunting to specific groups, (youth, new hunters, disabled veterans, etc.). GRHA is working with St. Charles Co. Parks to open the area up, during non-hunting times, for walking and birding and such. They are hoping to have the agreement signed within a couple of months. At this time, there is NO public access!
After the agreement, there will be work required to create trails, post no trespassing signs to protect a couple of privately held parcels within the property, etc.. There is talk of building two observations towers that would look over the impoundments.
With the help of Ryan Douglas, a new hotspot has been created in eBird, "Jay and Carolyn Henges Wetland Education & Conservation Center (Restricted Access)". Ryan has suggested that the name be shortened by dropping the first names of the benefactors so expect a name change sometime. Once access is opened to the general public the Restricted Access will be dropped from the name. If you did manage to bird up there, please move your checklists to the new hotspot name.
This area will be really good for waterfowl and they report that 10's of thousands of ducks were there a month ago. They have new wells with pumps so that they can manage the water levels.
Date: 3/22/26 6:37 pm From: Mike Grant <mikecurlew...> Subject: MBS 2026 Spring Meeting Announcement
Registration is live for the 2026 Spring Meeting of the Missouri Birding Society, taking place May 1-3 in St. Louis (Chesterfield)! Visit www.mobirds.org <http://www.mobirds.org>
The weekend schedule is full of field trips to a wide variety of hot spots in the area, and on Saturday evening you can sit back and travel the globe with Noah Strycker, author of "Birding Without Borders: An Obsession, A Quest, and the Biggest Year in the World" and "Birds of the Photo Ark" (with Joel Sartore), among other titles. Noah is an associate editor of Birding Magazine, and author of numerous papers and articles on birds.
The meeting will be based at the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis in Chesterfield, which provides easy access to highways leading to the field trips. MBS has a group rate for the Drury, and there are several hotels in the area nearby. As migration coincides with graduation season, we encourage you to make your travel arrangements to St. Louis on the weekend of May 1-3.
One change this year is that there is not a communal dinner on Saturday evening. There are over 40 restaurants within 4 miles of the hotel that will permit people to choose the type and price level of the dinner that they want. Please find some friends (new or old) and go to dinner!
See the Meeting link on the MBS website for more details - happy birding!
Mike Grant
Chesterfield, MO
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/21/26 6:43 am From: Jean Ellen Whatley <jeanellenwhatley...> Subject: Can you ID this bird?
Struck a window here at Missouri Botanical Garden. About the size of a wren. Notched tail. Long, narrow pointed beak.
It appears to okay physically.
I moved it over to a safe place.
What should I do?
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/21/26 6:39 am From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: Re: Stunned bird at MOBOT
Jean,
Many stunned birds will recover. One method is to put them in a dark
space--a paper bag or a small box. When you hear rustling, the bird is
recovering. Take it outside and let them fly off.
edge
On Sat, Mar 21, 2026 at 8:33 AM Jean Ellen Whatley <
<jeanellenwhatley...> wrote:
Date: 3/20/26 1:22 pm From: Rad Widmer <radwidmer...> Subject: SLAS Mar 21 field trip location change
Hello mobirders,
The location for tomorrow's field trip has changed from Clarence Cannon NWR to B K Leach. Conditions are better at Leach right now. Meet at 8 AM at the first parking lot on the left as you enter the area on Highway M. Map <https://maps.app.goo.gl/BWXKzupUL63z7BJa8>
Good spring birding!
Rad
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/19/26 6:56 pm From: Jane Frazier <janefraz2828...> Subject: MS birds MO note
Shirley Seabaugh and I had a walk in a park in Oxford Missisdippi Sunday with the highlight being an eastern towhee spotted by Shirley. Chipping Sparrows abounded. A short trip to the big Sardis Lake yielded ospreys, Forster's terns, white pelicans, bonapartes gulls, red breasted mergansers, a close look at pine warbler and a close look at a brown headed nuthatch. If you're in the bootheel, you are about three hours away. Oxford had been very hard hit with an ice storm while we had our snow a month ago. Trees were still down everywhere with many with lost limbs or now stumps. But wisteria was beginning to bloom and others. A note though, camping may be closed for now at Sardis due to the storm. My observation of Binder Lake, Cole County, MO after many trips is that this winter the GoldenEye were faithful. On numerous occasions several were there, more times than I can recall from any other year. That is truly a spectacular duck.
Happy Spring Birding, Jane Frazier Jefferson City
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/18/26 8:36 am From: Rad Widmer <radwidmer...> Subject: Upcoming STL Audubon field trips
Hello mo-birders,
SLAS has two more March field trips.
- This Saturday, Mar 21: Clarence Cannon NWR. Meet at 8 AM at the HQ parking lot. - Next Saturday, Mar 28: Busch CA: Meet at 8 AM at the HQ parking lot.
Date: 3/17/26 2:58 pm From: Mike Grant <mikecurlew...> Subject: MBS Spring Meeting Lodging
Greetings MOBIRDers,
Although registration for the Spring Meeting isn't open yet, the block of hotel rooms at the Drury is available to reserve and rooms need to be reserved before the end of March. Please see the MBS website Event section for details.
If the Drury is not to your liking, there are hotels from Hyatt (next door), Hilton and Marriott close by in Chesterfield.
Mike Grant
Chesterfield, MO
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/16/26 2:46 pm From: Patty Berry <pberry343...> Subject: Re: MBS meeting St. Louis
If you still need help Friday evening my husband Steve and I can help
though we are not sure we are current members.
Patty Berry
<Pberry343...>
314-369-4039
On Mon, Mar 16, 2026 at 3:41 PM Carol Thompson <cthompson871...>
wrote:
> I am still looking for a few more volunteers to cover the registration
> table on Friday . Registration will run 4 to 7 so we want to have multiple
> shifts. This is a great way to meet people or to renew with friends you
> don't see a lot. Also could use another 1 or 2 volunteers for the silent
> auction. This entails laying everything out on Friday, adding anything
> that folks add to the auction and then helping with checkout on Saturday
> evening. So not too onerous. We currently have boatloads of books with a
> few other things as well. Donations don't even have to be bird related.
> Jewelry always goes over well.
>
> Carol Thompson
>
> Foristell, MO
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.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 Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/16/26 1:41 pm From: Carol Thompson <cthompson871...> Subject: MBS meeting St. Louis
I am still looking for a few more volunteers to cover the registration table on Friday . Registration will run 4 to 7 so we want to have multiple shifts. This is a great way to meet people or to renew with friends you don't see a lot. Also could use another 1 or 2 volunteers for the silent auction. This entails laying everything out on Friday, adding anything that folks add to the auction and then helping with checkout on Saturday evening. So not too onerous. We currently have boatloads of books with a few other things as well. Donations don't even have to be bird related. Jewelry always goes over well.
Carol Thompson
Foristell, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/16/26 10:22 am From: Tom Nagel <thjnagel...> Subject: Passing of Jack Hilsabeck
Jack Hilsabeck passed away this past week. He taught science at North Andrew High School in Rosendale north of Saint Joseph for 35 years. After retiring, he moved to Saint Joseph.
He banded birds for over fifty years. He once showed me a tabulation sheet for his 1971 banding season that included 11 loggerhead shrikes.
He taught ornithology and bird identification courses to Missouri Western State University Biology students. He ran a bird banding station on the campus for over 15 years, teaching students how to record measurements and data about the birds during the process. On October 9th, 2015, he and his students banded a Townsend's warbler, the only record of this species in Missouri.
He participated in the Wings Over Weston birding festival at Weston Bend State Park for many years. He gave numerous presentations about birds and birding to many organizations in the local community.
To see the picture that accompanied the article, download the magazine from the link on the left side of the webpage and go to the last page of the magazine.
He was a friend and mentor to many in the local birding community including me. His wealth of knowledge about birds and nature in general, warm sense of humor, easy going nature and friendship will be greatly missed.
Tom Nagel Saint Joseph
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/15/26 6:03 pm From: Edge Wade <1edgewade...> Subject: BRRRR in Columbia, but FOS Birds came in
Snow, a thirty degree drop in temperature and wind gusts well above 30 mph. The best four letter word that comes to mind is YUCK!
That said, two other four letter things come to mind: FISP and CHSP. The FOS Field Sparrow showed near the brush pile, chowing down on seeds on the ground along with White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos and House Sparrows. Then later, a Chipping Sparrow popped onto the small platform feeder at the window and fed off and on there and at the suet until dark. I have no doubt it is one that summers here and knew well that food was waiting on that feeder.
Spring(?) in Missouri is never boring.
Edge Wade Columbia <1edgewade...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/10/26 6:44 pm From: David Becher <davidbecher...> Subject: WGNSS Birding 3/12 and 3/14
WGNSS Birding
On Thursday, we will meet at Busch Wildlife Area in St. Charles County at 8 am at the HQ.
From Highway 40 go east on Highway 94 to Route D and turn right after entering the area.
On Saturday, we will meet at 8 am at Horseshoe Lake State Park in Illinois. We will meet on the causeway near the HQ.
Take I-70 east to Illinois Rt 111. Go north Rt to the park and left at the lake.
David Becher
Saint Louis
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/8/26 5:01 pm From: Marge Lumpe <margelumpe...> Subject: Hi Lonesome on Sunday
It was a gorgeous morning at Hi Lonesome today, but the number of birds was still pretty low. A few reliable Eastern Meadowlarks were there and occasionally vocal, four Killdeer, two on each side of the prairie, two American Kestrels, two Eastern Bluebirds, one Bald Eagle and one Northern Harrier. The burn areas are showing some shades of green. I heard lots of frogs. I think they were Western Chorus Frogs and Cricket Frogs. Spring is so lovely!!!
Marge Lumpe Benton County
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Thank you, Kendell. It's been 25 years since the Barrow's Goldeneye at
Riverlands drew a crowd of birders that resulted in a 10-year old spotting
the Smew.
Keep your eyes out for something that spectacular. Barksdale often said,
"If there is one rare bird around, there are probably 10 more."
Bodacious birding to all!
Edge Wade
Columbia, MO
<1edgewade...>
On Sun, Mar 8, 2026 at 4:50 PM Kendell Loyd <kloyd.birds...> wrote:
> Directions are posted publically in many places, including the comments in
> my eBird list. The link to the eBird list is below:
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S307329719 >
>
>
> On Sun, Mar 8, 2026 at 4:38 PM Chad Gardner <
> <000005c8fc51edde-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>> It is on the South lagoon of the old Tyson's plant, as of 3 p.m. it was
>> there. You can see it from the road using a good scope. Beautiful BAGO
>> drake, no sign of hybridization, amazing lifer for me on my birthday!
>>
>> On Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 03:48:13 PM CDT, Edge Wade <
>> <1edgewade...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Coordinates for Barrow's Goldeneye are
>>
>> 36°33'08.4"N 94°29'34.7"W
>> This is off N. Cliffside Dr. near Shadow Lake on the Elk River, as I look
>> at google map.
>>
>> Perhaps those privileged with more specific information will deign to
>> share it with others.
>>
>> Edge Wade
>> Columbia, MO
>> <1edgewade...>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
>> options
>> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.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 Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
>> Chesterfield, MO
>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
>> options
>> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.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 Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
>> Chesterfield, MO
>>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.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 Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
On Sun, Mar 8, 2026 at 4:38 PM Chad Gardner <
<000005c8fc51edde-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> It is on the South lagoon of the old Tyson's plant, as of 3 p.m. it was
> there. You can see it from the road using a good scope. Beautiful BAGO
> drake, no sign of hybridization, amazing lifer for me on my birthday!
>
> On Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 03:48:13 PM CDT, Edge Wade <
> <1edgewade...> wrote:
>
>
> Coordinates for Barrow's Goldeneye are
>
> 36°33'08.4"N 94°29'34.7"W
> This is off N. Cliffside Dr. near Shadow Lake on the Elk River, as I look
> at google map.
>
> Perhaps those privileged with more specific information will deign to
> share it with others.
>
> Edge Wade
> Columbia, MO
> <1edgewade...>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.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 Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.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 Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/8/26 2:38 pm From: Chad Gardner <000005c8fc51edde-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Barrow's Goldeneye addtional information
It is on the South lagoon of the old Tyson's plant, as of 3 p.m. it was there. You can see it from the road using a good scope. Beautiful BAGO drake, no sign of hybridization, amazing lifer for me on my birthday!
On Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 03:48:13 PM CDT, Edge Wade <1edgewade...> wrote:
Coordinates for Barrow's Goldeneye are
36°33'08.4"N 94°29'34.7"W
This is off N. Cliffside Dr. near Shadow Lake on the Elk River, as I look at google map.
Perhaps those privileged with more specific information will deign to share it with others.
Edge WadeColumbia, <MO1edgewade...>
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel, Chesterfield, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Happy birthday, Chad!
And a heartfelt thank you for sharing the details with Missouri birders who
aren't on Facebook or members of an elite group.
Edge Wade
Columbia, MO
<1edgewade...>
On Sun, Mar 8, 2026 at 4:28 PM Chad Gardner <cagce88...> wrote:
> It is on the South lagoon of the old Tyson's plant, as of 3 p.m. it was
> there. You can see it from the road using a good scope. Beautiful BAGO
> drake, no sign of hybridization, amazing lifer for me on my birthday!
>
> On Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 03:48:13 PM CDT, Edge Wade <
> <1edgewade...> wrote:
>
>
> Coordinates for Barrow's Goldeneye are
>
> 36°33'08.4"N 94°29'34.7"W
> This is off N. Cliffside Dr. near Shadow Lake on the Elk River, as I look
> at google map.
>
> Perhaps those privileged with more specific information will deign to
> share it with others.
>
> Edge Wade
> Columbia, MO
> <1edgewade...>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.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 Spring Meeting: 125th Anniversary - May 1-3, 2026, Drury Plaza Hotel,
> Chesterfield, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 3/3/26 3:23 pm From: David Becher <davidbecher...> Subject: WGNSS BIrding 3/5 and 3/7
WGNSS Birding
On Thursday, we will meet at Teal Pond at Riverlands at 8 am.
On Saturday, we will meet at Creve Coeur Lake at the Tremayne Shelter at Sailboat Cove at 8 am.
Note that there is a chance of showers predicted particularly for Saturday.
The WGNSS/Audubon Winter Party has been rescheduled for Sunday the 8th from 4:30 to about six. If conditions are good, I may try a little late evening birding afterwards.
David Becher
Saitn Louis
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
