Get Out!

Don't miss the chance to discover nature at these fun events!

1. Swing a hammer and Build a Bluebird Bungalow Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. February 17, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Register at 573-290-5218.
2. Watch wild eagles soar along the riverfront at Clarksville Eagle Days. January 24 and 25. For info, call 660-785-2420. Find other Eagle Days events at mdc.mo.gov/ node/16598.
3. Tie a popping bug fly at the Beginning Fly Tying Class. St. Joseph Regional Office. Mondays and Thursdays in January, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Register at 816-271-3100. Youth must be with an adult.
4. Learn how Sacajawea survived at Discover Nature — Lewis and Clark. Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona. January 8, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Register at 573-325-1381.
5. Learn the basics of upland hunting at the Youth Pheasant Clinic. August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. February 26, 6–8:30 p.m. and hunt March 7. Register at 636-441-4554.

Even during winter, nature is on the move. Watch for these natural events around the following dates.

• JANUARY 2 White-tailed deer bucks start to shed antlers.
• FEBRUARY 5 Watch for pintail and mallard ducks migrating north.
• FEBRUARY 17 Look for large flocks of reddish-orange chested robins.
• FEBRUARY 18 Once temperatures rise above 60 degrees, male rabbits begin fighting and chasing each other while looking for mates.
• FEBRUARY 21 Chipmunks come out of hibernation.
• FEBRUARY 25 Listen for chorus frogs. Their calls sound like a thumbnail scratched along a comb.

Looking for more ways to have fun outside? Find out about Discover Nature programs in your area at xplormo.2 i xplor org/node/2616.

1. I like the muck.
2. I’m not a duck.
3. I have big, funny feet.
4. Old coots call me a “marsh hen.”

Spot these crazy coots in a wetland near you. The American coot’s white bill and dark feathers make it easy to ID. The piercing red eyes of an adult signal it’s ready to find a mate. Nicknamed the “marsh hen,” the coot bobs its head when it walks or swims. Coots don’t have webbed feet like a duck. Their oversized feet have side flaps to help them swim. They’re clumsy fliers and make long running water takeoffs.