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Every week there are new marvels to look for in the outdoors, and Discover Nature highlights these attractions. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Josh Hartwig brings us the stories of river otters, luna moths, red buds, and other actors as they take center stage in nature’s theater.You can hear Discover Nature, Mondays at 7:42 a.m. and 5:18 p.m.

Don't Disturb Young Birds

Missouri Department of Conservation.
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KRCU

July 19 - July 25

Discover nature this week and help protect young birds.

Though newborn wildlife is irresistible the best thing you can do for a young bird is leave it alone. If you can’t resist keeping track of young wildlife, use binoculars and watch from a distance

Many wild animals produce their young in May and June, and though they might appear to be lost, many times they’re not. It’s more likely the mother is away temporarily or is intentionally staying a short distance off to avoid attracting attention to her young.

A fledgling is a young bird that has left the nest, is feathered, but still depends on its parents for food. These are the very birds that are so often found and thought to have been abandoned.

In the fledgling stage, young birds will leave the nest on their own. They may appear awkward, as fledglings are feathered but not yet experienced fliers. During this period, the parents remain near by while young birds learn to fly and to independently gather food. After a few successful test flights, fledglings are capable of fending for themselves. The best thing you can do is leave them in their parents care, and keep pets and children from disturbing them.

Be part of ensuring that this year’s young birds live out successful lives in the wild. If there’s a bird’s nest you’d like to observe you need only two basic tools: binoculars and a bird identification field guide.

If you’d like to create a good nesting sight for birds in your yard, construct a birdhouse made for the types of birds you would like to attract to your habitat. You can find specific ideas online at www.mdc.mo.gov.

To keep track of current natural events like when to be cautious of encroaching on the territory of young birds or other wildlife, you can get your own Natural Events Calendarfrom the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Candice Davis is the former host of Discover Nature on KRCU. Her goal is to help people to discover nature and learn to appreciate the many outdoor opportunities Missouri has to offer. Candice knows that people who spend time in the outdoors are generally less stressed, more thankful, healthier and more successful in life. Children who spend time outdoors have better grades and are more physically active. It’s Candice’s goal to inspire Missourians to discover nature in their everyday lives through stories of butterflies, elk, tupelo trees, alligator gar and other marvels of nature on KRCU’s Discover Nature program.
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