WILLIAMSBURG, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Conservation will hold a Birding and Habitat Walk 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Prairie Fork Conservation Area near Williamsburg.

During the free event, participants will learn about birds and their habitats such as prairies, woodlands and forests. Experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri River Bird Observatory will guide the 1.5-mile walk.

Different songbirds require a variety of habitat types, says Brian Schweiss, MU Extension sustainable forestry specialist. The tour will emphasize the critical needs to manage habitats to combat declining songbird populations.

North America has lost 3 billion birds or 29% of the bird population since 1970, according to a 2019 article in the journal Science. Loss of habitat is a major contributor to the decreased numbers, and conservation is key to slowing the decline and sustaining a thriving bird population, says Schweiss.

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.

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 https://bit.ly/birdingandhabitat. If you have questions, contact Billy McCaslin at 573-456-3444 or mccaslinw@missouri.edu.

Photo

https://extension.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_media/wysiwyg/News/photos/20250506-indigo-bunting-1.jpg
The indigo bunting is one of the songbirds that might be spotted during a June 14 Birding and Habitat Walk at Prairie Fork Conservation Area near Williamsburg, Mo. Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation.