Get out and enjoy the riot of color that comes every year at this time, as the most vivid songbirds – neotropical migrants – return from their wintering grounds in Central and South America. Although May 13 is the official World Migratory Bird Day, the whole month is the sweet spot for birding in Callaway County.

Did you know that Prairie Garden Trust (PGT) in New Bloomfield was noted as a birding hotspot on E-Bird? You can visit on your own or enjoy an organized viewing experience May 6 on the annual Bird Walk. It’s only three hours (8 a.m.-11 a.m.) and is led by an excellent birder and teacher along mowed and paved paths. PGT also has a Wildflower Walk scheduled for May 27.

Registration and details about both PGT events are available at https://prairiegardentrust.org/events/. Register early, as the organized events are limited to 30 people to sign up.

Pro Tip: It’s a pretty drive through the Callaway countryside from PGT to Serenity Valley Winery. Their flower gardens, pond, gazebo, and colorful sunsets pair perfectly with the vino produced onsite.

Dawn is often the best viewing time, so if you’re up for your own birding adventure, start out early in the morning with a bike ride or hike on the Katy Trail, and don’t forget your binoculars! Prefer to travel horseback, the section from Portland to Tebbetts is one of only two equestrian friendly trail segments. After you’ve worked up an appetite, drop off the trail at the Landing Zone restaurant at Jefferson City Memorial Airport for an incredible breakfast. 

Conservation areas are also a great option for birding this month. Check out Whetstone Creek near Williamsburg, Earthquake Hollow near New Bloomfield and Little Dixie Lake near Millersburg. If you make over to Whetstone Creek, do yourself a favor and be sure to stop by Crane’s Country Store.

Finish your birding day at The Station in Fulton’s Brick District. Relax on the deck and treat yourself to one (or more) of their famous frozen cocktails that are just as colorful as the neotropical birds – but much easier to find! If you’re there on Saturday, May 6 or any Friday evening following, stay for live entertainment on the patio.

For a different kind of colorful adventure, schedule a visit to another rich and vibrant time at the Central Missouri Renaissance Festival in Kingdom City, May 6-7.

Of course art is another great way to add color to your life. How about a Watercolor Explorations Class on May 20 at Garriott Porder Art Studio in the Brick District? If quilting is your passion, Rooster Creek Company in Holts Summit is offering a Bug Quilt Class on May 24 that celebrates the VW Beetle. You can also try your hand with craft paper and stamping at Soul Sentiments , near Millersburg, on May 27.

May is a great time to add some color to your life, so get out and enjoy nature – and much more – in Colorful Callaway County.