The Missouri Department of Conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Missouri River Bird Observatory and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation invite both new and experienced birders to join in the last of a series of free birding webinars in preparation for the first ever Missouri Birding Challenge, starting May 1, according to a joint press release.

Join the final webinar on Seven Simple Actions to Help Birds at Home with Dana Ripper of the MRBO from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1. Learn how to help bird populations at home and how to make a big impact with just seven simple actions.

Register in advance for the webinar and then join live May 1 at 6 p.m. Registered attendees will receive a reminder email before the webinar. Register at mdc.webex.com/weblink/register/r1d047279e4ce9428de97c3c38ded815a. View recordings of past webinars on the MBC webpage at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/birdwatching/missouri-birding-challenge.

The Missouri Birding Challenge is for both new and experienced birders. Get prepared through free webinars on various aspects of birds and birding, including how to help birds. MBC participants will compete alone or on a team in different birding categories based on their ages, birding experience, and comfort levels. Birders will use eBird.org to record their lists of birds identified at public natural areas around the state, or even in their own backyards. There is a fee per person or team depending on the category. Fees go toward migratory bird conservation efforts.

Once participants complete a category, they will be entered into a drawing for prizes such as binoculars and gift cards.

Learn more about the MBC and related topics at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/birdwatching/missouri-birding-challenge. Registration is open through April 30 through the web page.