Up To Date

In Kansas City And Across The Country, Birding Is Cool Again

By Steve Kraske,

Published July 16, 2021 at 8:16 PM CDT

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Closeup of a peregrine falcon with head turned toward the camera. This bird of prey has mottled grey back and wings with a grey head, yellow-rimmed eyes, yellow beak and white chest. — Peregrines are well suited to city living, and seven pairs have been documented in the Kansas City area.

As the pandemic increases outdoor activities, birdwatching's popularity is increasing.

National birding organizations saw interest soar throughout 2020. The Audubon Society reported a 23% spike in website traffic at the start of the pandemic and the number of people using The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird app jumped nearly 40% in 2020. Birdwatching can be done in city, suburb or country and doesn't require special equipment making it ideal for just about everyone.

Paige Witek, state coordinator, Missouri Young Birders Club
Mark McKellar, owner, Backyard Bird Center, wildlife biologist

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Up To Date Podcast Kansas City Missouri (KCMO)birds Nature outdoor recreation

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Trevor Grandin

Trevor Grandin is a contributing producer for KCUR Studios.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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