Habitats along water courses contain a wide diversity of bird life and rivers and streams are bodies of water which are constantly changing and bound with mature and hollow trees, which provide excellent nesting sites. There are a number of different bird species found specifically in Missouri and in the following article we will explore a few of the more common ones you can find. For someone that enjoys bird watching, finding birds nesting along the Missouri Rivers can be a majestic sight to behold and will provide hours of entertainment.
Whether hiking, biking or walking along the edge of a river in Missouri, there is no limit to the types of birds a person will see. The majestic American Bald Eagle is one of the most commonly observed birds of prey nesting along the river and Missouri has some of the best chances for eagle watching in all of North America. There are nearly a hundred pairs of bald eagles nesting in the state and these can be observed everywhere from the Great River Road in Alton, to the Black River and near bluffs and creeks.
While there is more than 800 different species of birds located in North America, over 400 have been identified in Missouri alone. The reason for the abundance of birds is due to the wide open spaces and diversity of the habitat, with its pure streams, clean lakes and rivers, the waterways provide the perfect home for a multitude of migratory and indigenous birds. Bird watching or Birding as it’s called in some circles is a very favored pastime by many people and in the state of Missouri, a person will not run out of new and exciting types to observe.
Along with eagles, the Missouri Rivers also provide a unique array of birds which a person can view while camping and canoeing. The state is home to 43 species of ducks, geese and swans and these birds are found everywhere from parks to woods to lakes and streams. Such species of waterfowl which are found include the Black-bellied Whistling duck, Fulvous Whistling duck, mute and trumpet swans, tundra swan, Harlequin duck, Smew, Surf Scoter, and Snow, Canadian and Cackling geese species.
Whether it is wintertime or springtime, the lakes and rivers of Missouri provide someone with ample opportunity to observe come beautiful wildlife and a diverse array of birds to enjoy. The best way to take advantage of viewing the majestic birds of prey or other types of birds found nesting along Missouri Rivers is to do some preliminary research and find out the best times to witness them in nature. Come prepared with a bird watching or bird field guide, a pair of binoculars and an open mind and you can spend the day viewing some of the finest specimens of bird life to be found anywhere in the country.
