Get Outside

Ways to connect with nature.

• Band of Blue Brothers - Blue jays are flying in flocks this time of year. This band of blue usually contains 10 to 30 birds.
• St. Louis Region: Deer — Venison Cooking Tuesday, Oct. 17 • 6–9 p.m. Jay Henges Shooting Range 1100 Antire Road, High Ridge, MO 63049 Registration required; email henges.range@mdc.mo.gov with the full name and phone number of participant by Oct. 16. Do you want to learn how to prepare and cook deer meat? Then join us for an evening of venison cooking that everyone will enjoy. We will discuss the supplies and equipment needed as well as provide several recipes you can take with you.
• Duck, Duck, Duck - Its peak time for ducks! Look for green-winged teals, American widgeons, pintails, and gadwalls at lakes and rivers near you.
• The Sky is Falling - The Orionid meteor shower peaks on Oct. 21. Head outside and catch a glimpse of nature’s fireworks.
• Busy Beaver - Beavers are busy during the day, gathering food for the winter. Be vigilant! You may catch them hard at work.
• Ozark Region: Night Senses - Saturday, Oct. 28 • 7–9 p.m. Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery 483 Hatchery Road, Branson, MO 65616 Registration required; call 417-334-4865 by Oct. 26. This is our annual family-friendly Halloweennight hike. Come join us to learn how ouramazing wildlife use their senses at night. Youwill visit five different stations, which will includesound, sight, taste, hearing, and touch. The shorthike will end at the Conservation Center for snacks.

Natural Events to See This Month

Here’s what’s going on in the natural world.

• Dark-eyed juncos arrive from
• Canada Hellbender breeding is at its peak
• Striped skunks are fattening for winter
• Bullfrogs begin hibernation
• Lady beetles congregate on the sunny side of houses

Discover Nature Through Fall Color Adventures

Travel most anywhere in Missouri to see a variety of trees that show off a fantastic array of color in the fall. Find fall color through drives along rivers, on back roads, hikes or float trips under a colorful forest canopy. Conservation areas and state parks are also great places to see fall color. Get MDC fall color updates at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor