Two of my favorite hobbies are birding and geocaching. I decided to try and combine the two by placing some geocaches in some of my birding hotspots. Whether you like to hit the road in search of that rare bird (or that elusive cache) or just enjoy watching the birds at your feeder through your living room window (or that easy P&G), I hope you enjoy these caches and the areas they bring you to.
The 225-acre Port Hudson Lake Conservation Area is located in Franklin County. It has a 55-acre lake and is known mostly for its fishing. The lake also attracts a large amount of waterfowl. There is a 2.2 mile trail that goes all the way around the lake. There are a couple of different trailheads that you can start from that will take you to the main trail. Take note though, there are multiple water crossings so depending on the time of year and water levels, you may need an extra pair of socks and shoes to change in to. There have been 170 different bird species observed at Port Hudson as of the time of this geocache release. Additional information about Port Hudson Lake Conservation Area can be found by visiting the Missouri Department of Conservations website. (http://mdc.mo.gov)
The Osprey can be seen occasionally looking for a meal here. From eBird, the Osprey is a large, mostly white raptor that cruises over lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways in search of fish. Impressively widespread: found on every continent except Antarctica. Mostly white head and underparts; dark brown back. In flight, holds wings with a kink in the wrist (shaped like an "M"). Stick nests are conspicuous on top of channel markers, utility poles and high platforms near water. Often seen plunging feet-first into water from high in the air to grab fish.
BYOP. May require a TOTT. Conservation areas are closed from 10p.m. to 4a.m. except for authorized fishing and hunting activities. Permission granted by Jen Girondo, Fisheries Management Biologist, MO Department of Conservation