Get Outside

Bird-O’-Feeder

Wondering what to do with those carved pumpkins after Halloween? Don’t just pitch them. Turn them into bird feeders. Put a few inches of birdseed along the bottom. Enlarge the openings to make it easier for the birds to eat. Then enjoy the many different birds (and probably a few squirrels) that will feast at your jack-o’-lantern turned bird-o’-feeder.

How Trilling

Listen for the trill of field crickets. These nocturnal insects are common and can be found in grassy areas and in the woods. Their distinctive chirping signifies calm autumn evenings to us. They make excellent fish bait.

Kansas City Region

Youth Waterfowl Clinic and Hunt

Sunday, Oct. 13 • 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Duck Horn Lodge 13633 NE County Road 14243, Urich, MO 64788 Registration required. Call 888-283-0364 or register online at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZMS by Oct. 6.For more information, call 660-885-6981. Ages 11–15 Activities will include wing shooting, duck calling, and hunting strategies.  Clinic participants will be invited to waterfowl hunt sometime during the youth or regular duck season.

Elk, Fall Colors, and Driving Tours

Fall colors are at their peak this time of year in Missouri. MDC has driving tours where you can not only bask in the colors of fall, but catch a glimpse of elk and so much more. Plan your tour at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZcT.

Southeast Region

Fall Festival

Saturday, Oct. 19 • 4–8 p.m. Cape Girardeau Riverfront Park Water Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 No registration required. Call 573-290-5218 for information. All ages.

Come out for a cornucopia of fun at the Fall Festival. We’ll celebrate the bounty that Missouri has to offer in the fall both through human and wild animal eyes. Taste a few fall treats, enjoy a campfire, try out crafts and games, or join us for a hike. There’s so much to do at our festival.

Hen Hunt

Head out to the woods on a hen hunt. No, not the feathered kind. During this hunt, you’ll be looking for hen of the woods, an edible mushroom. It grows in a large cluster at the base of oak trees or stumps. It often comes back to the same tree year after year. For more information on Missouri mushrooms, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/ZNf.

Find more events in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events

Discover Nature with the Natural Events Calendar

Our ever-popular calendar keeps you in touch
with the year’s seasonal changes. Each month
offers a reminder of the state’s natural treasures.
Daily notes keep you posted on what’s blooming
or nesting and myriad other natural phenomena.

10 x 14 inches when folded, 20 x 14 inches when open for full display $9

Get your copy today at mdcnatureshop.com or call 877-521-8632.

Natural Events to See This Month

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

• Downy gentians bloom on prairies
• Bullfrogs begin hibernating
• Early wintering sparrows arrive