Date: 6/29/26 8:19 am From: Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Today Show Story on Birding
The link worked for me. Good story. I repeat, however, that Merlin in the
hands of a novice is as effective/accurate as a hammer in the hands of a
five-year old. Merlin is a wonderful tool, but it is not perfect.
Merlin cannot always distinguish the sounds coming from a good imitator
(like a European Starling) from the "real McCoy" for example.
Merlin may indicate it is picking up the vocalizations of a Northern
Mockingbird when it really is detecting part of a Northern Cardinal's
repertoire.
Lately, my Merlin has been indicating Tree Swallow when there are
definitely no swallows present. I haven't figured out what is triggering
that--maybe an insect?
And beware of other mis-indications--When I pish, Merlin often indicates it
is detecting a Bewick's Wren. It took several outings for me to figure
that out. Always be aware of habitat and range. Remember, in Missouri if
you hear hoofbeats, expect to see a horse, not a zebra.
Sometimes Merlin bounces back and forth between two species. Especially
here in Missouri, Merlin cannot always distinguish Carolina and
Black-capped Chickadee--often indicating both when listening to a single
bird. Knowing the expected range/occurrence of each should be your guide.
And, Merlin cannot always distinguish between an American Robin and a
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (which sounds like a robin who's had voice lessons).
The bottom line is sorta trust, but always verify!
Edge Wade
Columbia, MO
<1edgewade...>
On Mon, Jun 29, 2026 at 9:58 AM Mike Grant <
<000006656412c20d-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Date: 6/29/26 8:14 am From: Ethan Duke <00000a0f6b5a0f94-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: No Sightings: Today Show Story on Birding
Very cool! and encouraging.
Ethan Duke
Saline County, MO
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> on behalf of Mike Grant <000006656412c20d-dmarc-request...>
Date: Monday, June 29, 2026 at 9:58 AM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...> <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: Today Show Story on Birding
Date: 6/28/26 7:28 pm From: Jane Frazier <000006e778e2ffac-dmarc-request...> Subject: NO MO sighting, AK birds
Shirley Seabaugh and I made a trip to Anchorage and Valdez, Alaska last week, Birds seen, Glaucous winged Gulls, possible Slaty Backed gulls, Glaucous gull, Black Billed Magpies, Ravens, Fox Sparrow, Short Billed Gulls, Black Legged Kittiwakes, Arctic Terns, Marbled Murrelets, flying Loon, flying Scoters, Pelagic Cormorants, Horned and Tufted Puffins, Violet Green Swallows, good looks Orange Crowned warbler, Bald Eagles. Part of the trip was an all day Boat ride which leaves from Valdez over Prince William Sound. Ample wildlife on the trip including whales. My most fun bird was watching an arctic tern who kept coming back to a railing to rest at the harbor. If you are thinking of going to this area of AK I would be glad to answer anything I can. Anchorage is reachable from St. Louis in one day. Smaller airlines can take you to more remote areas. Our plane to Valdez was a nine seater.
Jane Frazier Jefferson City
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/27/26 2:06 pm From: Jean L <0000067a456a8961-dmarc-request...> Subject: Sedalia prairies
Marge Lumpe's post was the trigger to make a summer visit to the prairies south of Sedalia.
The prairie flowers, particularly at Hi-Lonesome, were well worth the visit - all the rain has brought a burst of color to the landscape. Wonderful to see the variety of blooming flowers.
And the birds cooperated. We had 3 Upland Sandpipers at the corner of Lumpee and Hi-Lonesome roads - flying, circling, perching - real show-offs which caused us to watch and listen for at least 15 minutes. We also had 3 Loggerhead Shrike; Grasshopper, Field and Henslows sparrows; Blue Grosbeak, ST Flycatchers, swallows, quail, too numerous to count Dickcissels, and other expected species.
In all, we visited Hi-Lonesome, Mora, Morton Family, Paintbrush and Friendly prairies. Drove back through Jeff City for great views of a singing, perched Painted Bunting.
Jean Leonatti Boone county <jaleonatti...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/27/26 11:09 am From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Great Crested Flycatcher leaves the nest box - hurrah!
I’ve been monitoring this nest box for 2 weeks now, every 1-2 days. There were originally 5 eggs and then at least 4 fledglings. But when I checked again, there was only 1 left. I suspect a snake got them. I estimated the Lone Survivor would fledge on or about tomorrow June 28.
Today, for the 1st time, the nestling was sitting at the nest box hole, calling for food.
It would occasionally flap its wings, making me think it was close to leaving the nest. Well it did. It just suddenly flew out and up into the nearby trees.
Hurrah!
As I’ve been monitoring this nest box, I’ve seen and heard an Indigo Bunting, but could never get any photos. Well today it was very cooperative, spending time in the tree line, as well as the nearby prairie field, providing great photo opportunities. I especially like the one where it’s perched on a Common Milkweed plant.
Photos can be viewed at: flickr.com/photos/dgetman/sets
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/23/26 2:09 pm From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: House Wren Nestbox Survey
Well I just completed a survey of our 22 House Wren nestboxes, which are spread around the edge of treelines on our 5.4 acres.
In the past, I’ve used Bird House Gourds with a 1 1/8 inch hole. But you can’t really monitor them and you can’t reuse them. I originally started this to keep them away from our bluebird houses, which generally has worked.
This year I used small 8 inch tall nest boxes with a 1 1/8 inch hole made from untreated cedar fencing planks and followed Cornell’s nest box plan. Most are attached to a fork in a tree branch They worked very well and were readily accepted by the wrens.
I’ve never really been able to tell how many wrens are nesting in our yard. This is the 1st year to do so.
HERE’S A SUMMARY:
- 8 successful nests, including 1 in a bluebird house, 1 in a flicker nest box and 1 in a carolina wren nest box. That’s a lot of new House Wrens!
- 5 new nests, ongoing with eggs
- 9 with a mouse nest
- 1 not used
- 1 unknown
All completed nests and those with mouse nests, were cleaned and are now available for a 2nd brood attempt (16 boxes)!
CHANGES FOR NEXT YEAR:
1) Because of the number occupied by mice, I’m going to switch to poles with a baffle for most, if not all, houses.
2) I’m going to try some more Carolina Wren houses. We have 2 attached to our house that have never been utilized by any kind of wren and this year I put one in the back where a Carolina Wren had been calling. A House Wren has now claimed it for its 2nd brood.
This past winter we had at least 1 Carolina Wren calling around the yard and this summer I’ve heard several calling in different parts of the yard, including on our patio. I had wondered if House Wrens and Carolina Wrens would co-exist and it appears so. The Carolina Wren house is similar in size, but has a 2.5 x 5 inch slot instead of a hole.
I’ll be curious how many 2nd broods of House Wrens occur this year.
We’ve had various nest boxes for 14 years now. If you want to observe and learn about birds, put up a nest box and regularly monitor it!
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/22/26 5:54 pm From: Marge Lumpe <00000666a6289070-dmarc-request...> Subject: Hi Lonesome on Monday morning
It was a very pleasant sixty-three degree morning at Hi Lonesome this morning. I was out of town yesterday so I couldn't do my usual Sunday morning report. It was pretty birdy this morning, and it was a pleasure to be out there. The highlight of the morning was definitely the Upland Sandpiper--three of them!! All the usual suspects were also out there; the Dickcissel took the prize for the most of any one species. It was a first of the season for me to see and hear a Blue Grosbeak. Other more unusual birds were: Northern Bobwhite (5), Brown Thrasher; Grasshopper sparrow, 2; Henslow's sparrow 7; Gray catbird; Yellow-breasted Chat. For those of you who have been waiting to see the Upland Sandpiper, I was out there about 8:45. Of course, there is no guarantee. They did just seem to be active at that time, flying around, perching, doing their sort of purring call. Happy Birding!
Marge Lumpe Benton County
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
The Brown Booby did not appear ill or injured in any of the reported
sightings. It was seen feeding several times. This is a bird of saltwater
habitat. Its best chance for survival is to wend its way southward to the
gulf, from whence it was most probably blown in turbulent weather.
Edge Wade
<1edgewade...>
On Mon, Jun 22, 2026 at 4:30 PM Carla_Kevin Hogan <
<000006902ce90b64-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Date: 6/22/26 5:42 am From: Steve Griffaw <00000849e277aa79-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: KcC Brown Booby 09/21 no
After I posted this I saw on Ebird someone posting they saw it ten minutes
after I left. I went back and looked again from 10:30-11:00 and still did
not see it. Also besides that one one post in Ebird no other postings were
made on Sunday. A few people I talked to on my second visit also had not
seen it. A couple from Nebraska had come down for it Sunday morning but
also no luck. My impression was during its stay for the 9 days or so it
stayed near the pond. One lady said once it perched on top of a Purple
Martin house irritating the Martin residients. So on my second pass around
the pond I looked at anything it could stand on and no luck. Also checked
the smaller pond on the north side.
I suspect it has moved on, hopefully heading back home or at least to a
larger lake with more fish. If you are on Ebird watch for any postings.
Sunday was the first day besides that one there was not a steady stream of
entries.
Good luck,
Steve Griffaw
<sgg.bluesfan...>
Jefferson City MO
On Mon, Jun 22, 2026 at 6:47 AM Kyle J Yoder <kylejyoder...> wrote:
> Can anyone speak to its presence/absence today / last night? I departed
> last night to see it, and am currently two hours away, camped at Dark
> Hollow Natural area for a missing bar chart :). A blue winged warbler just
> sang me good morning from 15 feet, which was lovely but no brown booby!
>
>
> Phone: (712) 303 - 1730
>
> On Jun 21, 2026, at 9:28 AM, sgg.bluesfan <
> <00000849e277aa79-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my Galaxy
> In KC for an event this afternoon and stopped by the spot with the Brown
> Booby and not found. I had seen it last Saturday but without my camera,
> so was hoping for some better pictures.
>
> Did two laps around the pond checking the pond, edges, and nearby
> structures. 4-5 others i talked with also had no luck.
>
> A Great Blue Heron came in from the south so maybe still around, but all
> I have seen it was always around the lake. I gave it an hour.
>
> Thanks,
> Steve Griffaw
> <Sgg.bluesfan...>
> Jefferson City MO
>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/21/26 3:15 pm From: Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> Subject: Little Blue Heron Eagle Bluffs
There is an adult little blue heron standing with great blue Heron in the ditch just to the south of the short road into the cul-de-sac At the west end of pool 14. They called us closest to pool 10/11. Edge Wade Boone County <1edgewade...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/21/26 7:28 am From: sgg.bluesfan <00000849e277aa79-dmarc-request...> Subject: KcC Brown Booby 09/21 no
Sent from my GalaxyIn KC for an event this afternoon and stopped by the spot with the Brown Booby and not found. I had seen it last Saturday but without my camera, so was hoping for some better pictures. Did two laps around the pond checking the pond, edges, and nearby structures. 4-5 others i talked with also had no luck.A Great Blue Heron came in from the south so maybe still around, but all I have seen it was always around the lake. I gave it an hour.Thanks,Steve Griffaw <Sgg.bluesfan...> Jefferson City MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/20/26 11:04 am From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: GCFC Nest Box Predation
I’ve been monitoring our Great Crested Flycatcher (GCFC) nest box and getting photos of the parents bringing in various insects. Both parents are bringing food at about 15 minute intervals. I’m able to quietly sit under a nearby tree line. The parents seem undisturbed when I’m there and go about their business.
There were originally 5 eggs. About 5 days ago when I checked, there were at least 4 very young nestlings crowded together.
Yesterday I decided to check the box again to see how the nestling were progressing. To my huge disappointment, there is now only a single nestling!
I suspect a snake was responsible. In looking into snake predation, I found that they recommend an 8 inch diameter baffle to prevent the snake from being able to wrap around a smaller baffle.. They also specifically mention that GCFCs seem susceptible to snake predation. Interestingly, most GCFCs line their nest with a snake skin, as mine did - go figure.
My baffles are only 4 inches in diameter. I guess next year I’ll switch to 8 inch baffles - it’s not possible to do so this year without a significant disturbance to the nest box.
Hopefully the lone survivor will make it to fledging.
Photos of the parents bringing in food can be viewed at: flickr.com/photos/dgetman/sets.
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/15/26 3:21 pm From: Paul Roisen <0000077cee02babf-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Brown Booby more
Edge and all: I notched a Brown Booby several year ago in Nebraska, my 2nd
Birding Home behind Iowa. It was making itself at home in the structure of
a road/bridge over the dam where it was found. Unfortunately I have never
see a variation of the Brown Booby in Iowa.
Thanks for posting this cool information.
*Paul O. Roisen*
*Sioux City, IA 51106 **Woodbury County, IA*
*Mobile 712-301-2817 **<roisenp1950...> <roisenp1950...>*
On Mon, Jun 15, 2026 at 5:11 PM Edge Wade <
<00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Date: 6/15/26 3:08 pm From: Chris Corben <000009a5358106b5-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Brown Booby more
As I understand it, the paler head only applies to males of Cocos. The
eye seems pale which might be an argument against Cocos. But it might be
a bit more complex since this is a young bird. It would also seem a good
idea to bear in mind that Brown Booby was split into 3 by Howell and
Zufelt, and you never know what might happen in future! But I assume if
not Cocos then the Atlantic form would be the most likely.
Right now there is a Cocos attracting a lot of people in Australia,
where it will presumably be the first documented occurrence!
Date: 6/15/26 1:42 pm From: David Becher <000006f0d3a9537c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Brown Booby more
Looking at the pictures, it would have to be Brown Booby. Cocos Booby would show a head paler than the body.
David Becher
Saint Louis
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> On Behalf Of Monacell, Peter L.
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2026 2:56 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: Re: Brown Booby more
Assumed, yes, though the MBRC will ultimately need to make the best determination available based on current expertise and scholarship. It’s great that the bird has been so extensively photographed! What a treat to see it—
CAUTION!: This email originated from outside of Columbia College.
II just spoke With Pete Monacell, who is viewing the Bird now. There has been no specific discussion, but it is assumed it is an Atlantic Bird therefore Brown booby not Coco.
On Mon, Jun 15, 2026 at 1:04 PM Chris Corben <cjcorben...><mailto:<cjcorben...>> wrote:
Has there been any discussion of which species it is? Or subsepcies, for that matter.
Date: 6/15/26 12:55 pm From: Monacell, Peter L. <0000078632dd2087-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Brown Booby more
Assumed, yes, though the MBRC will ultimately need to make the best determination available based on current expertise and scholarship. It’s great that the bird has been so extensively photographed! What a treat to see it—
Pete
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 15, 2026, at 2:15 PM, Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> wrote:
CAUTION!: This email originated from outside of Columbia College.
II just spoke With Pete Monacell, who is viewing the Bird now. There has been no specific discussion, but it is assumed it is an Atlantic Bird therefore Brown booby not Coco.
On Mon, Jun 15, 2026 at 1:04 PM Chris Corben <cjcorben...><mailto:<cjcorben...>> wrote:
Has there been any discussion of which species it is? Or subsepcies, for that matter.
Date: 6/15/26 12:15 pm From: Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Brown Booby more
II just spoke With Pete Monacell, who is viewing the Bird now. There has
been no specific discussion, but it is assumed it is an Atlantic Bird
therefore Brown booby not Coco.
On Mon, Jun 15, 2026 at 1:04 PM Chris Corben <cjcorben...> wrote:
> Has there been any discussion of which species it is? Or subsepcies, for
> that matter.
>
> Cheers, Chris.
>
>
> On 6/15/2026 11:31 AM, Edge Wade wrote:
>
> II just spoke with the security guard for Kaufman. He said Bird has been
> here for at least a week because he noted him last Monday and it could have
> been here before last Monday. The rounded point directly in front of the
> heart sculpture is his favorite spot. He returns to it and is found their
> most often.
> Edge Wade
> <1edgewade...>
> ------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription
> options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS
> Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mobirds-l-request...>
>
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>
>
> --
> Chris Corben
> BatSense1400 Forum Blvd.
> Ste 7A #342
> Columbia, MO 65203 <https://www.google.com/maps/search/1400+Forum+Blvd.%0D%0ASte+7A+%23342%0D%0AColumbia,+MO+65203?entry=gmail&source=g> >
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/15/26 11:04 am From: Chris Corben <000009a5358106b5-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Brown Booby more
Has there been any discussion of which species it is? Or subsepcies, for
that matter.
Cheers, Chris.
On 6/15/2026 11:31 AM, Edge Wade wrote:
> II just spoke with the security guard for Kaufman. He said Bird has
> been here for at least a week because he noted him last Monday and it
> could have been here before last Monday. The rounded point directly in
> front of the heart sculpture is his favorite spot. He returns to it
> and is found their most often.
> Edge Wade
> <1edgewade...>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum*
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> > / Subscription options
> <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> > / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org> / Email the list owners
> <mailto:<mobirds-l-request...> >
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >
> MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>
--
Chris Corben
BatSense
1400 Forum Blvd.
Ste 7A #342
Columbia, MO 65203
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/15/26 9:32 am From: Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> Subject: Brown Booby more
II just spoke with the security guard for Kaufman. He said Bird has been here for at least a week because he noted him last Monday and it could have been here before last Monday. The rounded point directly in front of the heart sculpture is his favorite spot. He returns to it and is found their most often. Edge Wade <1edgewade...>
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/15/26 9:17 am From: Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> Subject: Brown Booby, Anita B. Gorman Center, K.C.
The brown booby and almost adult is still present on the pond at the B Gorman center in Kansas City currently, it is sitting on the side of the pond near the big heart shaped sculpture. Edge Wade 1edgewade @gmail.com
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/14/26 11:27 am From: Kirk Suedmeyer <00000537a8cbbe82-dmarc-request...> Subject: As the crow flies, the heron walks!
The old adage- how far to _________. “ About X miles as the crow flies” means the straight line to getting there as a crow flies straight. Maybe, but not always 😊. Well I witnessed a different version this morning;
We have multiple Great blue herons on the lake. This morning I watched one walk along a shoreline, but instead of walking the margin along the small peninsula, the bird walked a straight line through the mowed area straight across the base of the peninsula to the opposite shoreline and start stalking. The walk was about 30 yards. Not sure if it had done this before. It wasn’t tall enough to see the opposite shoreline, but could see the water. Maybe it hadn’t had as much success hunting the peninsula (others have), or more success along that shoreline, or other unknown factors but certainly efficiency- definitely a shortcut!
Kirk (Lees Summit)
PS- one of the hundred or so people to see the immature Brown Booby yesterday! 😊
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/14/26 10:38 am From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Great Crested Flycatcher Nestbox-starting to feed young
I spent some time this morning watching the Great Crested Flycatcher nest box, where I had previously observed 5 eggs on June 4th, but had not looked inside since. So I don’t know if 5 eggs is the final number or when they may have finished laying eggs. The Cornell site reports that 4-8 eggs is normal and that incubating is normally for 13-15 days and then fledging in another 13-15 days.
Today I was able to quietly sit tucked under a shady area under a nearby tree line, which did not seem to bother the parents. They went about their business feeding the young.
They are clearly just beginning to feed their young, but not real frequently. So I’m assuming they have only recently hatched. If the young are now just being fed, 14 days ago would have been May 31. So they would have been done laying 5 eggs then or a little earlier. That being the case, my best estimate would be for the young to fledge sometime around June 25-28.
While watching, I saw them bring in several different insects and was able to get some photos of 3 of them; a small white moth, a small green grasshopper-like insect and some sort of black winged insect.
Interestingly, the parents don’t seem to be carefully guarding the nest, as two different birds briefly perched atop the box, but did not go inside, and were not chased away by the parents; a female Brown-headed Cowbird and a Blue Jay. I found the female Cowbird interesting. When I had previously looked at the 5 eggs, all looked the same and did not appear to include a cowbird egg, but one could have been laid in there later, or not. Maybe the female cowbird atop the box meant nothing.
Date: 6/13/26 3:39 pm From: Mary Nemecek <0000033e56bb8a8d-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Bubbler Data near Smithville Lake and Construction Suggestions....
With excellent advice from Margy and LIsa, I put a bubbler in last fall. I haven't added up my species list yet, but I had at least 7 species of warblers this spring at the bubbler- 3 of which I've never seen in my yard before. The hummingbird visits it every morning.
While maybe not the least expensive basin, I used the Aquascape 30 basin. It was so easy. Dig the hole. Put the basin in. Add the pump. Put the rocks on top. Run the tubing through the bubbler rock and turn it on. A local landscape service, that sells rocks, drilled the bubbler rock and the rest of the rocks came from waste dirt piles in the subdivision developement down the road.
I have a solar powered Ring camera on it.
I can't recommend having moving water enough. It has been so much fun.
Much appreciation to Lisa and Margy for being so generous with all their time and knowledge. Thanks to Terry for starting this thread. If you are thinking about putting in a bubbler- just do it :)
Mary NemecekKCMO(In the time its taken me to type this- 2 Robins and a BlueJay visited the bubbler)
"One planet, one experiment." -Edward O. Wilson
On Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 04:39:30 PM CDT, Margy Terpstra <0000049583b18162-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Hi Terry,
What fun you’ve had! I know that special feeling of discovering new species that stop in to drink or splash. Our bubbler has been in since the fall of 2000, nearly 26 years now. OMG, really? We’ve been able to document 127 species so far, including 35 warblers that have visited the bubbler.
I see Abigail just sent our link to the Gateway Gardener video of building a pondless bubbler for Robert’s yard. Thanks, Abigail!!
Here is a page from my blog with links to take you to all of the Bubbler ideas we’ve had, maintenance, too:
https://hummerhavenunltd.com/blog/2019/6/bubbler-maintenance-6-27-19
Thanks for some solar inspiration, Terry (and Mike)!
Good birding and bubbling, all!
Margy <Terpstraladybirdterp...>
On Jun 13, 2026, at 1:37 PM, Terry Miller <000009a0b0d4f681-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Greetings fellow birders,
I am making this post as I believe many of you, afterreading it, will be interested in setting up your own bubbler?
Last Spring (2025), my good friend and colleague Mike Niles wantedto put up a solar bubbler along a tree line in the field behind my house. I readily agreed and my property bordersSmithville Lake in Clinton Co., MO. Being solar, it was only having water flowfor 3-5 hours a day if it wasn’t overly cloudy. We have it operating from early Spring until October but occasionally itwas not operating for various reasons. We set a game camera up to take short 30 second videos. And we havehundreds of videos!
To date we have videos of 41 species of birds…and a fewsquirrels and raccoons. I will list themafter comments by Mike Niles on some aspects of our bubbler set-up:
Bubbler/Bath is an old utility sink (donated and I built a 2x 4 frame to hold it up) with a metal wire “shelf” over the opening. Then added a bathing dish, a solar pump (keep under 120 gph, only want a trickle of water –DEPENDS on how high you are pumping the water up) and rocks. The gurglingoccurs especially as the water overflows the bathing dish/pan into the sink below. I like the “utility sink” because it has aplug for EASY water changing every 2-3 weeks! (If you have access toelectricity, a non-solar pump would be great because the solar pump is onlyrunning about 3 – 4 hours per day)
I have uploaded 10 videos to Flickr and, if you just want tolook at a 3-4, I would suggest the ones titled:
I hope you enjoyed this post and are encouraged to set upyour own bubbler!
The List of 41 Species alphabetically:
1. American Goldfinch2. American Robin3. Baltimore Oriole4. Black-capped Chickadee5. Blue Grosbeak6. Bluejay7. Brown-headed Cowbird8. Brown Thrasher9. Canada Warbler10. Cedar Waxwing11. Chipping Sparrow12. Dark-eyed Junco13. Eastern Bluebird14. Eastern Phoebe 15. Eastern Screech Owl16. Eastern Towhee17. European Starling18. Gray Catbird19. Harris’s Sparrow 20. House Finch21. House Sparrow22. Indigo Bunting23. Nashville Warbler24. Northern Cardinal25. Northern Flicker26. Orange-crowned Warbler27. Palm Warbler28. Purple Finch29. Red-winged Blackbird30. Ruby-throated Hummingbird31. Rose-breasted Grosbeak32. Song Sparrow33. Summer Tanager34. Swainson’s Thrush35. Tufted Titmouse36. Red-eyed Vireo37. White-crowned Sparrow38. White-throated Sparrow39. Wilson’s Warbler40. Northern Yellow Warbler41. Yellow-rumped Warbler
Terry L. MillerPlattsburg, <MOmillert832...>
www.millerstaxidermy.net
Follow me on Instagram: terryl.miller
"Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made." Romans 1:20
"The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder." G.K. Chesterton
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/13/26 2:39 pm From: Margy Terpstra <0000049583b18162-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Bubbler Data near Smithville Lake and Construction Suggestions....
Hi Terry,
What fun you’ve had! I know that special feeling of discovering new species that stop in to drink or splash. Our bubbler has been in since the fall of 2000, nearly 26 years now. OMG, really? We’ve been able to document 127 species so far, including 35 warblers that have visited the bubbler.
I see Abigail just sent our link to the Gateway Gardener video of building a pondless bubbler for Robert’s yard. Thanks, Abigail!!
Here is a page from my blog with links to take you to all of the Bubbler ideas we’ve had, maintenance, too:
Thanks for some solar inspiration, Terry (and Mike)!
Good birding and bubbling, all!
Margy Terpstra
<ladybirdterp...>
> On Jun 13, 2026, at 1:37 PM, Terry Miller <000009a0b0d4f681-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Greetings fellow birders,
>
> I am making this post as I believe many of you, after reading it, will be interested in setting up your own bubbler?
>
> Last Spring (2025), my good friend and colleague Mike Niles wanted to put up a solar bubbler along a tree line in the field behind my house. I readily agreed and my property borders Smithville Lake in Clinton Co., MO. Being solar, it was only having water flow for 3-5 hours a day if it wasn’t overly cloudy. We have it operating from early Spring until October but occasionally it was not operating for various reasons. We set a game camera up to take short 30 second videos. And we have hundreds of videos!
>
> To date we have videos of 41 species of birds…and a few squirrels and raccoons. I will list them after comments by Mike Niles on some aspects of our bubbler set-up:
>
> Bubbler/Bath is an old utility sink (donated and I built a 2 x 4 frame to hold it up) with a metal wire “shelf” over the opening. Then added a bathing dish, a solar pump (keep under 120 gph, only want a trickle of water – DEPENDS on how high you are pumping the water up) and rocks. The gurgling occurs especially as the water overflows the bathing dish/pan into the sink below. I like the “utility sink” because it has a plug for EASY water changing every 2-3 weeks! (If you have access to electricity, a non-solar pump would be great because the solar pump is only running about 3 – 4 hours per day)
>
> I have uploaded 10 videos to Flickr and, if you just want to look at a 3-4, I would suggest the ones titled:
>
> Indigo bunting, Nashville Warbler, Swainson’s Thrush
>
> Rose-breasted Grosbeak
>
> Wilson’s Warbler taking bath with Am. Goldfinch
>
> *Eastern Phoebe – one of our favorites as we have at least 15 videos of them diving at the water to bathe!
>
> Here is the link to the videos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/190967906@N08/ >
> I hope you enjoyed this post and are encouraged to set up your own bubbler!
>
> The List of 41 Species alphabetically:
>
> 1. American Goldfinch
> 2. American Robin
> 3. Baltimore Oriole
> 4. Black-capped Chickadee
> 5. Blue Grosbeak
> 6. Bluejay
> 7. Brown-headed Cowbird
> 8. Brown Thrasher
> 9. Canada Warbler
> 10. Cedar Waxwing
> 11. Chipping Sparrow
> 12. Dark-eyed Junco
> 13. Eastern Bluebird
> 14. Eastern Phoebe
> 15. Eastern Screech Owl
> 16. Eastern Towhee
> 17. European Starling
> 18. Gray Catbird
> 19. Harris’s Sparrow
> 20. House Finch
> 21. House Sparrow
> 22. Indigo Bunting
> 23. Nashville Warbler
> 24. Northern Cardinal
> 25. Northern Flicker
> 26. Orange-crowned Warbler
> 27. Palm Warbler
> 28. Purple Finch
> 29. Red-winged Blackbird
> 30. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
> 31. Rose-breasted Grosbeak
> 32. Song Sparrow
> 33. Summer Tanager
> 34. Swainson’s Thrush
> 35. Tufted Titmouse
> 36. Red-eyed Vireo
> 37. White-crowned Sparrow
> 38. White-throated Sparrow
> 39. Wilson’s Warbler
> 40. Northern Yellow Warbler
> 41. Yellow-rumped Warbler
>
> Terry L. Miller
> Plattsburg, MO
> <millert832...> <mailto:<millert832...> >
> www.millerstaxidermy.net <http://www.millerstaxidermy.net/> >
> Follow me on Instagram: terryl.miller
>
> "Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made." Romans 1:20
>
> "The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder." G.K. Chesterton
>
> The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription options <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org/> / Email the list owners <mailto:<mobirds-l-request...> >
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> > MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/13/26 2:28 pm From: Abigail Lambert <000009a17188b696-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Bubbler Data near Smithville Lake and Construction Suggestions....
FYI. Not sure I can send on listserve but here is Link to Video about building bubbler, highlighting Margy Terpstra's bubbler. Additional option/idea.
hqdefault.jpg
How to Create a Bubbler Water Featureyoutu.be
Abigail Lambert Brentwood, MO.
On Jun 13, 2026, at 3:47 PM, Lisa Saffell <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Excellent Terry! Birders who don’t have a moving water source and a trail camera don’t have any idea what they are missing! :) Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
On Jun 13, 2026, at 1:37 PM, Terry Miller <000009a0b0d4f681-dmarc-request...> wrote: Greetings fellow birders,
I am making this post as I believe many of you, after reading it, will be interested in setting up your own bubbler?
Last Spring (2025), my good friend and colleague Mike Niles wanted to put up a solar bubbler along a tree line in the field behind my house. I readily agreed and my property borders Smithville Lake in Clinton Co., MO. Being solar, it was only having water flow for 3-5 hours a day if it wasn’t overly cloudy. We have it operating from early Spring until October but occasionally it was not operating for various reasons. We set a game camera up to take short 30 second videos. And we have hundreds of videos!
To date we have videos of 41 species of birds…and a few squirrels and raccoons. I will list them after comments by Mike Niles on some aspects of our bubbler set-up:
Bubbler/Bath is an old utility sink (donated and I built a 2 x 4 frame to hold it up) with a metal wire “shelf” over the opening. Then added a bathing dish, a solar pump (keep under 120 gph, only want a trickle of water – DEPENDS on how high you are pumping the water up) and rocks. The gurgling occurs especially as the water overflows the bathing dish/pan into the sink below. I like the “utility sink” because it has a plug for EASY water changing every 2-3 weeks! (If you have access to electricity, a non-solar pump would be great because the solar pump is only running about 3 – 4 hours per day)
I have uploaded 10 videos to Flickr and, if you just want to look at a 3-4, I would suggest the ones titled:
I hope you enjoyed this post and are encouraged to set up your own bubbler!
The List of 41 Species alphabetically:
1. American Goldfinch2. American Robin3. Baltimore Oriole4. Black-capped Chickadee5. Blue Grosbeak6. Bluejay7. Brown-headed Cowbird8. Brown Thrasher9. Canada Warbler10. Cedar Waxwing11. Chipping Sparrow12. Dark-eyed Junco13. Eastern Bluebird14. Eastern Phoebe 15. Eastern Screech Owl16. Eastern Towhee17. European Starling18. Gray Catbird19. Harris’s Sparrow 20. House Finch21. House Sparrow22. Indigo Bunting23. Nashville Warbler24. Northern Cardinal25. Northern Flicker26. Orange-crowned Warbler27. Palm Warbler28. Purple Finch29. Red-winged Blackbird30. Ruby-throated Hummingbird31. Rose-breasted Grosbeak32. Song Sparrow33. Summer Tanager34. Swainson’s Thrush35. Tufted Titmouse36. Red-eyed Vireo37. White-crowned Sparrow38. White-throated Sparrow39. Wilson’s Warbler40. Northern Yellow Warbler41. Yellow-rumped Warbler Terry L. MillerPlattsburg, <MOmillert832...> www.millerstaxidermy.net Follow me on Instagram: terryl.miller "Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made." Romans 1:20 "The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder." G.K. Chesterton
Date: 6/13/26 1:47 pm From: Lisa Saffell <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Bubbler Data near Smithville Lake and Construction Suggestions....
Excellent Terry! Birders who don’t have a moving water source and a trail camera don’t have any idea what they are missing! :)
Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
> On Jun 13, 2026, at 1:37 PM, Terry Miller <000009a0b0d4f681-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Greetings fellow birders,
>
> I am making this post as I believe many of you, after reading it, will be interested in setting up your own bubbler?
>
> Last Spring (2025), my good friend and colleague Mike Niles wanted to put up a solar bubbler along a tree line in the field behind my house. I readily agreed and my property borders Smithville Lake in Clinton Co., MO. Being solar, it was only having water flow for 3-5 hours a day if it wasn’t overly cloudy. We have it operating from early Spring until October but occasionally it was not operating for various reasons. We set a game camera up to take short 30 second videos. And we have hundreds of videos!
>
> To date we have videos of 41 species of birds…and a few squirrels and raccoons. I will list them after comments by Mike Niles on some aspects of our bubbler set-up:
>
> Bubbler/Bath is an old utility sink (donated and I built a 2 x 4 frame to hold it up) with a metal wire “shelf” over the opening. Then added a bathing dish, a solar pump (keep under 120 gph, only want a trickle of water – DEPENDS on how high you are pumping the water up) and rocks. The gurgling occurs especially as the water overflows the bathing dish/pan into the sink below. I like the “utility sink” because it has a plug for EASY water changing every 2-3 weeks! (If you have access to electricity, a non-solar pump would be great because the solar pump is only running about 3 – 4 hours per day)
>
> I have uploaded 10 videos to Flickr and, if you just want to look at a 3-4, I would suggest the ones titled:
>
> Indigo bunting, Nashville Warbler, Swainson’s Thrush
>
> Rose-breasted Grosbeak
>
> Wilson’s Warbler taking bath with Am. Goldfinch
>
> *Eastern Phoebe – one of our favorites as we have at least 15 videos of them diving at the water to bathe!
>
> Here is the link to the videos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/190967906@N08/ >
> I hope you enjoyed this post and are encouraged to set up your own bubbler!
>
> The List of 41 Species alphabetically:
>
> 1. American Goldfinch
> 2. American Robin
> 3. Baltimore Oriole
> 4. Black-capped Chickadee
> 5. Blue Grosbeak
> 6. Bluejay
> 7. Brown-headed Cowbird
> 8. Brown Thrasher
> 9. Canada Warbler
> 10. Cedar Waxwing
> 11. Chipping Sparrow
> 12. Dark-eyed Junco
> 13. Eastern Bluebird
> 14. Eastern Phoebe
> 15. Eastern Screech Owl
> 16. Eastern Towhee
> 17. European Starling
> 18. Gray Catbird
> 19. Harris’s Sparrow
> 20. House Finch
> 21. House Sparrow
> 22. Indigo Bunting
> 23. Nashville Warbler
> 24. Northern Cardinal
> 25. Northern Flicker
> 26. Orange-crowned Warbler
> 27. Palm Warbler
> 28. Purple Finch
> 29. Red-winged Blackbird
> 30. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
> 31. Rose-breasted Grosbeak
> 32. Song Sparrow
> 33. Summer Tanager
> 34. Swainson’s Thrush
> 35. Tufted Titmouse
> 36. Red-eyed Vireo
> 37. White-crowned Sparrow
> 38. White-throated Sparrow
> 39. Wilson’s Warbler
> 40. Northern Yellow Warbler
> 41. Yellow-rumped Warbler
>
> Terry L. Miller
> Plattsburg, MO
> <millert832...> <mailto:<millert832...> >
> www.millerstaxidermy.net <http://www.millerstaxidermy.net/> >
> Follow me on Instagram: terryl.miller
>
> "Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made." Romans 1:20
>
> "The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder." G.K. Chesterton
>
> The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription options <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org/> / Email the list owners <mailto:<mobirds-l-request...> >
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> > MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/13/26 11:38 am From: Terry Miller <000009a0b0d4f681-dmarc-request...> Subject: Bubbler Data near Smithville Lake and Construction Suggestions....
Greetings fellow birders,
I am making this post as I believe many of you, after reading it, will be
interested in setting up your own bubbler?
Last Spring (2025), my good friend and colleague Mike Niles wanted to put
up a solar bubbler along a tree line in the field behind my house. I
readily agreed and my property borders Smithville Lake in Clinton Co., MO.
Being solar, it was only having water flow for 3-5 hours a day if it wasn’t
overly cloudy. We have it operating from early Spring until October but
occasionally it was not operating for various reasons. We set a game
camera up to take short 30 second videos. And we have hundreds of videos!
To date we have videos of 41 species of birds…and a few squirrels and
raccoons. I will list them after comments by Mike Niles on some aspects of
our bubbler set-up:
Bubbler/Bath is an old utility sink (donated and I built a 2 x 4 frame to
hold it up) with a metal wire “shelf” over the opening. Then added a
bathing dish, a solar pump (keep under 120 gph, only want a trickle of
water – DEPENDS on how high you are pumping the water up) and rocks. The
gurgling occurs especially as the water overflows the bathing dish/pan into
the sink below. I like the “utility sink” because it has a plug for EASY
water changing every 2-3 weeks! (If you have access to electricity, a
non-solar pump would be great because the solar pump is only running about
3 – 4 hours per day)
I have uploaded 10 videos to Flickr and, if you just want to look at a 3-4,
I would suggest the ones titled:
I hope you enjoyed this post and are encouraged to set up your own bubbler!
*The List of 41 Species alphabetically*:
1. American Goldfinch
2. American Robin
3. Baltimore Oriole
4. Black-capped Chickadee
5. Blue Grosbeak
6. Bluejay
7. Brown-headed Cowbird
8. Brown Thrasher
9. Canada Warbler
10. Cedar Waxwing
11. Chipping Sparrow
12. Dark-eyed Junco
13. Eastern Bluebird
14. Eastern Phoebe
15. Eastern Screech Owl
16. Eastern Towhee
17. European Starling
18. Gray Catbird
19. Harris’s Sparrow
20. House Finch
21. House Sparrow
22. Indigo Bunting
23. Nashville Warbler
24. Northern Cardinal
25. Northern Flicker
26. Orange-crowned Warbler
27. Palm Warbler
28. Purple Finch
29. Red-winged Blackbird
30. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
31. Rose-breasted Grosbeak
32. Song Sparrow
33. Summer Tanager
34. Swainson’s Thrush
35. Tufted Titmouse
36. Red-eyed Vireo
37. White-crowned Sparrow
38. White-throated Sparrow
39. Wilson’s Warbler
40. Northern Yellow Warbler
41. Yellow-rumped Warbler
Terry L. Miller
Plattsburg, MO
<millert832...>
www.millerstaxidermy.net
Follow me on Instagram: terryl.miller
"Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely his
eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have
been made." Romans 1:20
"The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of
wonder." G.K. Chesterton
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/13/26 11:04 am From: Daniel Getman <000003a484abda6a-dmarc-request...> Subject: House Wrens bringing insects to nest box
We have approx 20-25 House Wren nesttboxes spread around the tree lines on our 5.4 acres. We do this to provide cavity nesting opportunities for them and hopefully keep them out of our bluebird houses, which are more out in the open fields. The House Wrens provide constant entertainment with their enthusiasticcalling.
We used to use bird house gourds, but because they are not easily cleaned out, you can only use them once. For the last couple years, we’ve been using small cedar nestboxes, which are easily cleaned out. House Wrens can raise 2-3 broods each year.
This nestbox is about 25 ft from our back patio, which allows us to easily watch their nesting activity. This morning, this pair was regularly bringing a variety of nsects to the nestlings and constantly calling to each other. It might be their way of keeping in touch with each other.
Photos can be found at: flickr.com/photos/dgetman/sets
Busy little birds!
Dan Getman, Kirksville, northeast MO
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/13/26 6:10 am From: Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> Subject: 20th Anniversary Missouri Bluebird Society Conference
20th Anniversary Missouri Bluebird Society Conference, July 17 – 19
Spillman Event Center, 308 Broadway St., Jamesport, MO*. Registration
deadline July 3*
The Missouri Bluebird Society’s annual conference will be held in
Jamesport, hosted by Ivan Ray and Anna May Miller and family. See
https://missouribluebird.wordpress.com/ for details and to register for
this very special conference with informative presentations discussing
Eastern Bluebirds, American Kestrels, Prothonotary Warblers, Eurasian Tree
Sparrows and Purple Martins. The weekend includes a silent auction, and
definitely not your typical conference food. A Sunday morning field trip
will be led by Terry McNeely.
Edge Wade
MBS Conservation Partnership Coordinator
<1edgewade...>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/11/26 10:46 am From: Lisa Saffell <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Year-Round Feeding. - Kevin Hogan. (alert- long reply!)
Thank you! I forgot to mention that my back yard and 75% of my front and side yard is all native plants so my birds have a variety to choose from and I really enjoy all of the other birds that come to my yard based on the activity. Yesterday, a Gray Cat bird and today an immature Brown Thrasher!
Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
> On Jun 11, 2026, at 12:40 PM, Steve Garr <steve...> wrote:
>
> Good morning Kevin and all,
> Regina Garr here this time, weighing in with Steve's permission (smile).
> It is always great to see folks care about how their actions may affect the birds they attract to their space!
> This is a subject we have spent many decades considering and have had the opportunity to get a great deal of input from a wide variety of sources.
> One of the most detailed studies I recall was conducted by Kaytee Products in the 80s (manufacturer of both Wild Bird and Cage Bird blends as well as other foods--they have changed hands since that time). The study was conducted in cooperation with independent researchers. The sample of banded backyard birds in their study showed that on average the birds visited 5-6 food sources (both natural and provided) within a 5 mile radius every day. They summarized that in nature birds never know when a particular food source might dry up or go away (a hatch of insects for instance), so they keep multiple sites in their daily schedule. Since that time there have been many similar studies conducted and you can probably investigate and find info on several. I just use this one as an example for space here --so please do not look at this study as ONE instance. And please do not email me asking about sample size and methodology (another smile)--I recall it all to be adequate and accepted by researchers that know more than me. Some studies which have shown dependency by birds on a food source, ultimately turned out to be mostly scavengers in places like massive garbage dumps in other countries (not really relevant to our backyard birds).
> Our backyard birds can certainly make us feel like we are the only game in town! They look in the window or stand on feeders "looking" for their food. "My" birds have surely guilted me into setting down my morning cup of coffee to hurry out and give them their mealworms and jelly so they would stop looking at me.
> There are wildlife studies that have shown mammals to have far greater fidelity to food sources than our backyard birds.
> This is why squirrels, raccoons, and bears can be so persistent at feeding stations. My guess is we humans would be at the top of the list of creatures that can become dependent on one particular meal ticket and then forget how to get food anywhere else!
> While we are on the bird food subject-- I have been in corporate meetings when I worked for animal food vendors where they introduced a new wild bird food that was nutritionally "complete and balanced" for back yard birds. The sales force in the room were always thrilled and motivated, but the animal nutritionists and R & D folks mostly rolled their eyes. They knew "complete and balanced" is very important for birds kept in cages--not really important for wild birds.
> Bottom line: Please keep feeders clean (not "laboratory clean"--just clean), and certainly don't feed food stuffs that would be harmful to birds. Cornell and other entities have good info on these topics. AND ENJOY the birds we are blessed to see!! Most of them are stressed during nesting season and a little extra food provided is a good thing for them and fun for us.
> But no need to worry about balancing their diet or making them dependent on us.
> Sorry for the length! (Steve will never let me write again).
> Regina Garr
> Cole County
> Jefferson City
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 10:50:17 AM CDT, Lisa Saffell <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
>
> I’m selfish, I do it more for me. I can’t imagine my morning coffee without all the activity in my yard. Although I must say, the Grackles, House Sparrows, and Starlings are making it less delightful! I’m still waiting on the Bluejay babies.
>
>
> “A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” — Maya Angelou
>
> Lisa Saffell, St. Louis
> @instagram.com/lisasaffell
> @instagram.com/stl_birder
>
>> On Jun 11, 2026, at 10:31 AM, Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Kevin, et al.,
>> I'm no expert on this issue, but when I notice the newly fledged Downy Woodpeckers spending a long time on the suet feeder, I take it down to encourage them (and their parents) to go for other sources. I put suet back up mid-to late summer.
>>
>> Edge Wade
>> Columbia, MO
>> <1edgewade...> <mailto:<1edgewade...> >> On Thu, Jun 11, 2026 at 10:25 AM Carla_Kevin Hogan <000006902ce90b64-dmarc-request...> <mailto:<000006902ce90b64-dmarc-request...>> wrote:
>> Hello all, What is the consensus on feeding backyard birds year-round? Does it negatively affect the parental teaching of food sources outside the backyard feeding area? All comments are welcome and appreciated. Kevin Hogan.
>>
>> The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription options <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org/> / Email the list owners <mailto:<mobirds-l-request...> >>
>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >> MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>>
>>
>> The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
>> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription options <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org/> / Email the list owners <mailto:<mobirds-l-request...> >>
>> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> >> MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>>
>
>
> The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
> Archives <https://lists.umsystem.edu/scripts/wa-UMS.exe?A0=MOBIRDS-L> / Subscription options <https://lists.umsystem.edu/SCRIPTS/wa-UMS.exe/wa?SUBED1=mobirds-l&A=1> / MBS Website <http://mobirds.org/> / Email the list owners <mailto:<mobirds-l-request...> >
> ABA Birding Code of Ethics <http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html> > MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
>
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/11/26 10:40 am From: Steve Garr <0000098f997b30c5-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Year-Round Feeding. - Kevin Hogan. (alert- long reply!)
Good morning Kevin and all,Regina Garr here this time, weighing in with Steve's permission (smile). It is always great to see folks care about how their actions may affect the birds they attract to their space!This is a subject we have spent many decades considering and have had the opportunity to get a great deal of input from a wide variety of sources. One of the most detailed studies I recall was conducted by Kaytee Products in the 80s (manufacturer of both Wild Bird and Cage Bird blends as well as other foods--they have changed hands since that time). The study was conducted in cooperation with independent researchers. The sample of banded backyard birds in their study showed that on average the birds visited 5-6 food sources (both natural and provided) within a 5 mile radius every day. They summarized that in nature birds never know when a particular food source might dry up or go away (a hatch of insects for instance), so they keep multiple sites in their daily schedule. Since that time there have been many similar studies conducted and you can probably investigate and find info on several. I just use this one as an example for space here --so please do not look at this study as ONE instance. And please do not email me asking about sample size and methodology (another smile)--I recall it all to be adequate and accepted by researchers that know more than me. Some studies which have shown dependency by birds on a food source, ultimately turned out to be mostly scavengers in places like massive garbage dumps in other countries (not really relevant to our backyard birds). Our backyard birds can certainly make us feel like we are the only game in town! They look in the window or stand on feeders "looking" for their food. "My" birds have surely guilted me into setting down my morning cup of coffee to hurry out and give them their mealworms and jelly so they would stop looking at me. There are wildlife studies that have shown mammals to have far greater fidelity to food sources than our backyard birds.This is why squirrels, raccoons, and bears can be so persistent at feeding stations. My guess is we humans would be at the top of the list of creatures that can become dependent on one particular meal ticket and then forget how to get food anywhere else! While we are on the bird food subject-- I have been in corporate meetings when I worked for animal food vendors where they introduced a new wild bird food that was nutritionally "complete and balanced" for back yard birds. The sales force in the room were always thrilled and motivated, but the animal nutritionists and R & D folks mostly rolled their eyes. They knew "complete and balanced" is very important for birds kept in cages--not really important for wild birds. Bottom line: Please keep feeders clean (not "laboratory clean"--just clean), and certainly don't feed food stuffs that would be harmful to birds. Cornell and other entities have good info on these topics. AND ENJOY the birds we are blessed to see!! Most of them are stressed during nesting season and a little extra food provided is a good thing for them and fun for us.But no need to worry about balancing their diet or making them dependent on us. Sorry for the length! (Steve will never let me write again).Regina GarrCole CountyJefferson City
On Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 10:50:17 AM CDT, Lisa Saffell <0000065c370fac8c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
I’m selfish, I do it more for me. I can’t imagine my morning coffee without all the activity in my yard. Although I must say, the Grackles, House Sparrows, and Starlings are making it less delightful! I’m still waiting on the Bluejay babies.
“A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” — Maya Angelou
Lisa Saffell, St. <Louis...>/<lisasaffell...>/stl_birder
On Jun 11, 2026, at 10:31 AM, Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Kevin, et al.,I'm no expert on this issue, but when I notice the newly fledged Downy Woodpeckers spending a long time on the suet feeder, I take it down to encourage them (and their parents) to go for other sources. I put suet back up mid-to late summer.
Edge WadeColumbia, <MO1edgewade...>
On Thu, Jun 11, 2026 at 10:25 AM Carla_Kevin Hogan <000006902ce90b64-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Hello all, What is the consensus on feeding backyard birds year-round? Does it negatively affect the parental teaching of food sources outside the backyard feeding area? All comments are welcome and appreciated. Kevin Hogan.
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / MBS Website / Email the list owners
ABA Birding Code of Ethics
MBS Fall Meeting: 125th Anniversary - Sept. 25-27, 2026, Columbia, MO
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/11/26 8:31 am From: Edge Wade <00000631c0031214-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Year-Round Feeding. - Kevin Hogan.
Kevin, *et al*.,
I'm no expert on this issue, but when I notice the newly fledged Downy
Woodpeckers spending a long time on the suet feeder, I take it down to
encourage them (and their parents) to go for other sources. I put suet
back up mid-to late summer.
Edge Wade
Columbia, MO
<1edgewade...>
On Thu, Jun 11, 2026 at 10:25 AM Carla_Kevin Hogan <
<000006902ce90b64-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Date: 6/11/26 8:25 am From: Carla_Kevin Hogan <000006902ce90b64-dmarc-request...> Subject: Year-Round Feeding. - Kevin Hogan.
Hello all, What is the consensus on feeding backyard birds year-round? Does it negatively affect the parental teaching of food sources outside the backyard feeding area? All comments are welcome and appreciated. Kevin Hogan.
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/9/26 7:57 pm From: David Becher <000006f0d3a9537c-dmarc-request...> Subject: WGNSS BIrding 6/11 and 6/13
WGNSS Birding
On Thursday, we will meet at the Audubon Center at Riverlands at 8 am.
On Saturday, we will meet at the Blue Grosbeak Trail at Weldon Springs at 8 am. There is a chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Please watch for the chance of cancelation, if the forecast worsens.
David Becher
Saint Louis
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/7/26 6:54 pm From: Maureen Thomas-Murphy <00000670409ae320-dmarc-request...> Subject: no sighting--birding Dunn Ranch
Hello all,I will be visiting Dunn Ranch next Sun--hoping to see Bobolinks and Upland Sandpiper. Is it better to walk trails or drive the perimeter if I have only a couple of hours?
Thanks for any help you can provide,Maureen Thomas-MurphySt Louis
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/4/26 11:15 am From: Kathleen Anderson <00000493e9e2f3f6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Liltle Blue Heron
At Eagle Bluffs, in Pool 15 with Great Egrets , were 3 Little Blue Herons, today. One adult and 2 juvenile (Calico}, mostly all white with a very few blue feathers.
Kathleen Anderson, Columbia
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/4/26 6:10 am From: Eric Feltz <00000929beeed052-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: WGNSS Birding 6/4 and 6/6 Change
I'm at the fish hatchery but I don't see y'all
Best Wishes,
Eric Feltz
On Wed, Jun 3, 2026, 9:48 AM David Becher <davidbecher...> wrote:
> I forgot that they have an air show this weekend at Spirit Airport.
>
> Therefore, I am changing the location of the Saturday trip to Columbia
> Bottom CA. We will meet at the HQ at 8 am.
>
> David Becher
> Saint Louis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> On Behalf
> Of David Becher
> Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2026 8:42 PM
> To: <MOBIRDS-L...>
> Subject: WGNSS Birding 6/4 and 6/6
>
> WGNSS Birding
>
> On Thursday, we will meet in Forest Park at the Fish Hatchery Ponds at 8
> am.
>
> On Saturday, we will meet at Blue Grosbeak Trail at Weldon Springs at 8 am.
>
> David Becher
> Saint Louis
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
>
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Date: 6/3/26 7:48 am From: David Becher <000006f0d3a9537c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: WGNSS Birding 6/4 and 6/6 Change
I forgot that they have an air show this weekend at Spirit Airport.
Therefore, I am changing the location of the Saturday trip to Columbia Bottom CA. We will meet at the HQ at 8 am.
David Becher
Saint Louis
-----Original Message-----
From: Missouri Wild Bird Forum <MOBIRDS-L...> On Behalf Of David Becher
Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2026 8:42 PM
To: <MOBIRDS-L...>
Subject: WGNSS Birding 6/4 and 6/6
WGNSS Birding
On Thursday, we will meet in Forest Park at the Fish Hatchery Ponds at 8 am.
On Saturday, we will meet at Blue Grosbeak Trail at Weldon Springs at 8 am.
David Becher
Saint Louis
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The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
