Discover Nature Notes

Evergreen trees provide fresh scents and color to Missouri's winter landscape.  Discover the story behind their place in holiday culture in this week's Discover Nature Note.

The Christmas goose is a holiday tradition in some Missouri homes.  Learn more about these giants of the flyways in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Experience one of nature's largest flash mobs as snow geese winter by the thousands. Discover more about them and experience what its like to be in their midst in this week's Discover Nature Notes.

People have been stealing kisses under its branches for years, but in nature, mistletoe is the real thief. This parasite plant steals nutrients from trees. It also provides food and homes for birds and mammals. Discover where you can find it naturally in Missouri, in this week's Discover Nature Note.

You can help birds by joining Audubon's annual Christmas Bird Count. These take place across the state and are part of the largest citizen-science effort in the United States. Learn more about this important project and how birds are doing in this week's Discover Nature Notes blog.

Wild turkeys are birds simmered in American tradition. Learn how they were restored, hunting tips, and how to prepare them from field to table in this week's Discover Nature Note.

There are many myths about snakes. Some were imported from Europe and others grew as settlers got to know North American snakes.  Separate fact from fiction and overcome your fears with this week's Discover Nature Note.

How would a bird find its way back to your backyard after wintering thousands of miles away?  Check out the navigation hacks that birds use for their international travels in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Why healthy deer matter how you can help: Missouri's white-tailed deer are valued for outdoor recreation, jobs and tourism. The work of keeping our deer herd healthy today is as important as the early work to restore them. Learn more about deer health, CWD, and mandatory testing in this week's Discover Nature Note.

With names like robber and assassin, big eyes, and hairy features, some critters just give folks the creeps. Learn more about them and their contributions to the circle of life in the Halloween version of Discover Nature Notes.