WILLIAMSBURG, Mo. – Birds provide a gateway and a fun opportunity to get outdoors and learn about our natural world, says Bob Pierce, University of Missouri Extension fisheries and wildlife specialist. You can learn about birds and their habitats during a free guided walk 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Prairie Fork Conservation Area near Williamsburg. The Birding and Habitat Walk is hosted by MU Extension and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Prairie Fork, which is owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation, has hundreds of acres of restored natural communities, including prairies, woodlands and forest. The area hosts numerous songbirds, including prairie warbler, yellow-billed cuckoo, indigo bunting, orioles and red-headed woodpeckers, Pierce says.

The number of birdwatchers in the United States is 96 million, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While that number is growing, bird populations are falling: Since 1970, North America has lost 3 billion birds, or 29% of the native bird population, according to a 2019 Journal of Science article.

Loss of habitat is a major contributor to the decreased numbers, says Brian Schweiss, MU Extension sustainable forestry specialist. Landowners and others can play a critical role in slowing the decline and sustaining a thriving bird population through conservation measures in the woods they own.

During the event, participants will learn about bird habitats such as prairies, woodlands and forests and what they can do to assist bird populations. Experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri River Bird Observatory will guide the 1.5-mile walk.

The tour will emphasize the critical needs for managing habitats to combat declining songbird populations, Schweiss says.

Local ornithology and habitat experts will help identify birds and the diverse plants needed to maintain populations. Habitat specialists also will discuss management practices for songbirds and how to apply them.

This event will require some moderate walking. Schweiss encourages participants to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on a dirt trail and to bring drinking water, insect repellent and binoculars.

The event is free, but registration is required. For more details and to register, go to bit.ly/birdingandhabitat. If you have questions, contact Billy McCaslin at 636-456-3444 or mccaslinw@missouri.edu.