Bird watching in the winter has its perks even if it isn’t prime time for following our feathered friends. While most of our spring and summertime regulars have fled for warmer weather, we do get the opportunity to see a few who find our cold clime just fine. The biggest advantages are the lack ofContinue reading “Birds of prey will be back at Powder Valley for program”
Tag Archives: wildlife
CWD meeting at Festus VFW canceled
Due to the inclement weather and unsafe travel conditions, the chronic wasting disease meeting scheduled for this evening at 6 p.m. at the Festus VFW has been canceled. The state Department of Conservation encourages interested parties to attend similar meetings Thursday, Jan. 9 in Perry County at 6 p.m. at the Perry County Center, andContinue reading “CWD meeting at Festus VFW canceled”
If winter weather doesn’t wipe it out, meeting will provide CWD answers for public at Festus VFW
Maybe I’m obsessed with chronic wasting disease. This column marks the fourth time I’ve written about it in the past four months, but on the other hand, it is the first time this year. While there are people who are quick with theories attempting to discount the deadly deer disease, I am more aligned withContinue reading “If winter weather doesn’t wipe it out, meeting will provide CWD answers for public at Festus VFW”
CWD surveillance statistics show slow continuous expansion
The number of deer that test positive for chronic wasting disease in Missouri continues to climb at a slow and steady pace. That bad news is positive from the perspective that it could be worse. Eleven new cases have been documented this fall in the same small area of Jefferson County where the disease hasContinue reading “CWD surveillance statistics show slow continuous expansion”
Deer harvest totals down due to several accumulating factors
There are nearly as many theories on the significant drop in deer harvest numbers this fall as there are hunters who tagged deer. And most of that speculation probably comes from guys like me who didn’t have success in the November portion of firearms season. Without including the conspiracy stories, there are plenty of logicalContinue reading “Deer harvest totals down due to several accumulating factors”
Christmas Bird Count seeks volunteers to carry on 125-year tradition
The Thanksgiving Day celebrations are barely behind us, and we are already full speed ahead toward Christmas. One holiday tradition celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, and it continues to grow and add new participants each year. The Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was initiated in 1900 by a bird fan who suggestedContinue reading “Christmas Bird Count seeks volunteers to carry on 125-year tradition”
Different traditional Thanksgiving feast comes a week early
As people who enjoy the outdoors, we have much to be thankful for. The beauty and bounty of nature can sustain us physically and spiritually. Spending time in the fresh air is restorative, and the nutritional value of wild game exceeds almost anything you can buy in the store. It also can be really tasty.Continue reading “Different traditional Thanksgiving feast comes a week early”
Joachim Loop Trail in Herculaneum welcomes all walkers
A cool autumn afternoon with the forest of trees near their peak for fall colors may have been the best possible day to explore the Joachim Loop Trail at William C. Haggard Park in Herculaneum. But multiple times on the walk, I thought the path could be nearly perfect any time of the year. ForContinue reading “Joachim Loop Trail in Herculaneum welcomes all walkers”
Support for native plants and species comes to Powder Valley
When I noticed that Doug Tallamy was the guest speaker for an upcoming program at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, his name sounded familiar. I quickly recognized that he was the author of a great book I read recently that offered a simple plan for conservation. My excitement was tempered when I realized he wasn’tContinue reading “Support for native plants and species comes to Powder Valley”
Woolly worms and persimmons are not good weather predictors
Everyone likes talking about the weather. It’s nice to have topics most of us can agree about, and these days those things can seem rare. Any time of the year, the fallibility of the professional meteorologists can provide common ground, but for all their other idiosyncrasies, their accuracy is actually pretty good. Despite the earnedContinue reading “Woolly worms and persimmons are not good weather predictors”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 