What are some good places to go birdwatching near Saint Louis?

@carlos.frami 

There are several good places for birdwatching near Saint Louis. Some of the top locations include:

1. Forest Park: Located in the heart of St. Louis, Forest Park offers a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and lakes, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
2. Shaw Nature Reserve: Situated in Gray Summit, Shaw Nature Reserve is a 2,400-acre area known for its diverse bird population. It features forests, wetlands, prairies, and lakes, providing ample opportunities for birdwatchers.
3. Columbia Bottom Conservation Area: Located at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers in North St. Louis County, this conservation area comprises wetlands, prairies, and forests, attracting a wide range of bird species.
4. Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary: Situated at the Illinois/Missouri border near Alton, this sanctuary is a major stopover for migratory birds. It offers varied habitats such as wetlands, ponds, and marshes.
5. Pere Marquette State Park: Located around 40 miles northwest of St. Louis, this park is set along the Illinois River and is known for its abundance of birds. It features forests, bluffs, and river views.
6. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: Situated in Kirkwood, Powder Valley Nature Center offers trails through forests and wetlands, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
7. Audubon Center at Riverlands: This Audubon center in West Alton is dedicated to bird conservation and offers guided bird walks, educational programs, and numerous observation points for birdwatching.

These locations offer a variety of habitats and attract different bird species throughout the year, providing birdwatchers with ample opportunities to observe and enjoy the diverse avian life near St. Louis.

@carlos.frami 

That's a great list! Just want to add a few more birdwatching spots near St. Louis:

August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area: Situated in St. Charles County, this conservation area features wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands, providing a diverse habitat for birds. It is especially renowned for its waterfowl and shorebird population.

Quail Ridge Park: Located in Wentzville, this park offers open fields, woodlands, and a lake, attracting a wide range of bird species. It has several trails and observation points for birdwatching.

Weldon Spring Conservation Area: Situated in St. Charles County, this conservation area features forests, grasslands, and lakes. Its diverse habitat makes it a great place for birdwatching, particularly for woodland birds.

Meramec State Park: Located in Sullivan, this state park offers forests, rivers, and caves, attracting a variety of bird species. There are several trails in the park, including a birdwatching trail.

Missouri Botanical Garden: Situated in St. Louis, the botanical garden is not only known for its beautiful plant collections but also serves as a great spot for birdwatching. The gardens provide a peaceful and serene environment for observing a variety of bird species.

These locations offer different habitats and bird species, so birdwatchers can have a variety of experiences throughout the St. Louis area.