Nature programs on Jan. 18 offer opportunity to learn how birds survive cold weather

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal Parks and Recreation is offering two free nature programs to learn how birds survive the cold weather and how to help feed them. The programs will be led by nature educator Gale Rublee and members of the Mississippi Hills Master Naturalists:

“Unveiling Winter’s Winged Wonders” Bird Walk will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 at Sodalis Nature Preserve. In a press release, Rublee said, “Winter is a great time to go birding. It’s so much easier to see the birds without so many leaves on the trees. What are they eating? Where do they take shelter?” Dress warm and bring binoculars to see which birds are calling Sodalis home this winter.”

“Unveiling Winter’s Winged Wonders” Making Bird Feeders will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center. Ever look outside on a cold day and wonder how the birds don’t freeze their tiny feet off? Learn more about the special adaptations and behaviors birds have that enable them to survive the winter. Participants will assemble pine cone bird feeders to take home.

All hikes and nature programs are free and open to the public, but reservations must be made on the Hannibal Parks and Recreation website at https://hannibalparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.