Wooden birdhouse attached to a tree trunk.

Forest Park

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
ForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM

About This Location

Forest Park is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This forest and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Wild Turkey among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

7/21/2026Forest Park--Deer Lake Savanna1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/20/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/20/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

7/19/2026Horseshoe Lake State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

47/21/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Purple Martin

177/21/2026

Barn Swallow

37/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/21/2026

European Starling

207/21/2026

Common Grackle

17/21/2026

Chimney Swift

17/21/2026

Northern Flicker

17/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/21/2026

American Robin

27/21/2026

Snow Goose

17/20/2026

Canada Goose

57/20/2026

Wood Duck

47/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/20/2026

Common Nighthawk

17/20/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Forest Park for birding?
The best months to visit Forest Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Forest Park?
Notable species at Forest Park include Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Mute Swan, Bufflehead, American Herring Gull, American Robin, House Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal. The area supports forest, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Forest Park?
Birding at Forest Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Forest Park?
There is no entrance fee at Forest Park. Hours: Open daily, 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Forest Park?
Forest Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.