As the crow flies and about 30 miles due west of the famous St. Louis arch, lies the Weldon Spring Conservation Area – the largest such area in the St. Louis metropolis. Hardwood forests cling to 300 ft. limestone bluffs and provide a striking backdrop to the mighty Missouri river as it nears it’s confluence with the Mississippi just north of the city. As you walk along sunlight starved, canopied trails with birds in deafening song, you can feel the history and possibly imagine what this country must have looked like when Lewis and Clark made contact with the first native American tribes as they started up river on their westward odyssey.
Last week, I was fortunate enough to be working for a client in nearby O’Fallon, MO and was able to spend several afternoons perusing the countryside here. My main objective was to see what birds were transiting through the area on the spring migration. I was not disappointed. I’d seen the Cornell bird migration map and the Great Missouri Birding Trail site which had indicated that the migration was in full swing in the area. My expectations were high. The following list were the positive ID’s. Birds were everywhere and many, many others went unidentified.
Indigo Bunting, Orchard Oriole, American Goldfinch, Hooded Warbler, Blue Jay, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Yellow Breasted Chat, Barn Swallows, Mourning Dove, Brown Thrasher, Red Winged Blackbird, Summer Tanager, Willow Flycatcher, King bird, Blue Grey Gnat Catcher, Wood Thrush, Red Bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Hummingbirds (undetermined variety) and last, but certainly not least, the Scarlet Tanager.
For me the Scarlet Tanager sighting was the highlight of the trip for two reasons: First, they are absolutely one of the most beautiful birds on our spring migration. And second, This was the first time I’d seen one in the wild and I can say that no picture would really communicate the almost religious experience of being that close to this spectacular animal. Good thing, since my camera was at home. And before you say it, no, my Iphone is not a real camera. The next most impressive bird thing for me were the Wood Thrushes and their piercing songs. They are one of the most vociferous critters in the woods and they entertained me for hours all along the trail.
Below are a couple of shots take at the trail terminus overlooking the Missouri River. It’s quite an impressive sight to stand on these limestone cliffs and look over one of the grandest rivers in our country. To stand here and contemplate the diverse provenance of the waters flowing below is humbling to say the least. Weldon Spring, MO – I never thought I’d be saying this – should definitely be on your travel list. And, not just for the conservation area, which for me, would be enough. But, also for the great wineries, river trail and B&B’s that entertain travelers a short way down the road in Augusta, MO. This place is truly a hidden gem. Safe Travels!
Weldon Spring Overlook (looking East)
Weldon Spring Overlook (looking West)