Songbird Station:

First Annual Missouri ﻿Birding Challenge
2025-05-01 - 2025-05-15
Missouri is an awesome place to bird! Our state boasts a diverse array of beautiful birds and habitats. The first-ever Missouri Birding Challenge offers new and experienced birders a fun way to meet birding challenges in a variety of different categories! Gather a team or go solo!
The Columbia Audubon Society and Missouri Birding Society joined forces with the Department of Conservation to establish the First Annual Birding Challenge!
We hope it encourages new birdwatchers and seasoned “pro-watchers” to get outdoors and try it out! To provide an avenue for all aspiring birders to participate, the challenge offers a variety of categories by age or experience level. Registration Fees will be used to fund the Missouri Motus Project.
All registered participants will receive a t-shirt and/or stickers- depending on the categories selected. Those who complete the challenge requirements will be entered into drawings to win a variety of fantastic prizes- Vortex Binoculars, valuable gift cards to local business and options for sizable donations made in their name to local conservation organizations. Winners in each category will be drawn at random, so everyone has a chance to win one of many birdtastic prizes.
For Full Rules and Details, visit the Missouri Birding Challenge.
Challenge Registration Period: April 1-30, 2025
Challenge Dates: May 1-15, 2025
Missouri Birding Challenge | Missouri Department of Conservation
Songbird Station is ready to outfit you and your squad for the Challenge! Come and see us for guides, binoculars, hats, walking sticks and more. We look forward to seeing you out on the trails!

Bird Man Mel Joins Simon Rose on The Morning Meeting May 27th!
2025-05-27 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | Songbird Station!, 2010 Chapel Plaza Court Suite C,, Columbia, MO, 65203, United States
Mel will be joining Simon Rose on The Morning Meeting next Tuesday, May 27th from about 9:15 to 9:45!
Tune into KFRU 98.9 FM /AM 1400 for tips on Hummingbirds, attracting birds with water this summer, and how to deter squirrels from your feeders!
Call in with questions for Mel and join the show! Dial 573-442-8255
To stream the show live on the KRFU site, follow this link : https://player.kfru.com/
After the show, Bird Man Mel will be on-hand at Songbird Station from 10:15AM to 3PM.
He would love to meet you, answer your questions, offer personal yard analysis and recommendations to help you attract more birds, bees, butterflies and even bats!
Let us help you make your backyard a place of natural wonder this summer!
If you miss Mel live with Simon, you can listen to the podcast after the show here! https://www.kfru.com/morningmeeting/

First Saturday Bird Walk!
2025-07-05 08:00
In July, First Friday falls on Independence Day. The store will be closed in observance of the holiday and our First Friday Bird Walk will move to Saturday, July 5th. Join us! Walks are open to anyone who enjoys birds and beginners are encouraged to attend. Meet at the Songbird Station Parking lot at 8 a.m. sharp and then we will drive down the hill to park near the wetlands, less than a 5-minute drive. Waterproof shoes are recommended, but not required. After our walk we’ll return to Songbird Station by 11:00 and enjoy refreshments and the good company. Don’t forget , you are able to take a pair of our binoculars for a test drive during the walks- just ask!

Summer Garage Sale @ the Gold Crest Distributing Warehouse!
2025-07-25 08:00 - 15:00 | Gold Crest Distributing Main Warehouse, 1600 Bassford Drive, Mexico, MO, United States
July 25th & 26th, our Summer Garage Sale will be held at the Gold Crest Distributing Warehouse in Mexico, MO.
July 25th hours are 8AM to 3PM.
July 26th hours are 8AM to Noon
Join us for deals and excellent bargains on bird feeders, houses, decor, seasonal gifts and entertaining accessories as we make room for new goods on our warehouse shelves.
Its like Christmas in July! Come early for best selection!
Gold Crest Distributing Warehouse Location:
1600 Bassford Drive
Mexico, MO 65265

Day 2 of the Summer Garage Sale @ the Gold Crest Distributing Warehouse!
2025-07-26 08:00 - 12:00 | Gold Crest Distributing Main Warehouse, 1600 Bassford Drive, Mexico, MO, United States
July 26th is Day 2 our Summer Garage Sale! Come check out the sale at the Gold Crest Distributing Warehouse in Mexico, MO.
July 26th hours are 8AM to Noon
Join us for deals and excellent bargains on bird feeders, houses, decor, seasonal gifts and entertaining accessories as we make room for new goods on our warehouse shelves.
Its like Christmas in July! Come early for best selection!
Gold Crest Distributing Warehouse Location:
1600 Bassford Drive
Mexico, MO 65265

First Friday Bird Walks!
2025-08-01 08:00, 2025-09-05 08:00, 2025-10-03 00:00, 2026-07-03 08:00, 2026-08-07 08:00, 2026-09-04 08:00, 2026-10-02 08:00
Join us for First Friday Bird Walks! Walks are open to anyone who enjoys birds and beginners are encouraged to attend. Meet at the Songbird Station Parking lot at 8 a.m. sharp and then we will drive down the hill to park near the wetlands, less than a 5-minute drive. Waterproof shoes are recommended, but not required. After our walk we’ll return to Songbird Station by 11:00 and enjoy refreshments and the good company. Don’t forget , you are able to take a pair of our binoculars for a test drive during the walks- just ask!

Garage Sale
2025-10-18 08:00 - 12:00 | Gold Crest Distributing Main Warehouse, 1600 Bassford Drive, Mexico, MO, United States

Truckload Seed Sale
2025-10-24 - 2025-10-25
Our Annual Truckload Seed Sale will be held October 24 & 25.

Join us on October 24 & 25 to save BIG on super Clean Seed Mixes formulated for Central MO Birds!
The sale offers fantastic value on our high quality seed and seed blends. Plan to stock up!
Find more deals in-store during the sale!

Fall Into Art
2025-11-01 - 2025-11-02 | Wyndham Executive Center, 2200 Interstate 70 Dr SW, Columbia, MO, 65203, United States
Fall into Art is a vibrant two-day festival celebrating local and regional artists, hosted by the Columbia Art League. This dynamic event showcases an incredible variety of fine art, handmade crafts, and unique gifts, perfect for art lovers and early holiday shoppers alike.
Fall into Art carefully curates a diverse selection of exceptional artisans and small businesses, focusing on handmade, made-in-the-US, non-perishable products to ensure a unique shopping experience. The selection committee evaluates applicants based on design, craftsmanship, location, and willingness to engage in marketing initiatives.
Whether you’re looking to add a one-of-a-kind piece to your collection or simply soak in the creative energy, Fall into Art is the perfect way to welcome the season. Don’t miss this opportunity to support the arts and discover something truly special!
Date: Nov 1 & 2, 2025
Location: Wyndham Executive Center, (formerly Holiday Inn Expo Center; 2200 Interstate 70 Dr SW, Columbia, MO 65203)
Show Hours:
Saturday, Nov 1st, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 2nd, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Christmas Bird Count begins December 14th!
2025-12-14 - 2026-01-05
More than a century of community data powers Audubon science. The nation’s longest-running community science bird project fuels Audubon’s work throughout the year. The Christmas Bird Count occurs December 14 to January 5 every season. Find a count near you , or contact your local Audubon. For more information, click the link below.
Join the Count!

Great Backyard Bird Count
2026-02-13 - 2026-02-16
Get Ready! It’s TIME for the Global Backyard Bird Count!!
Join the world in connecting to birds! The Bird Count is February 13-16th! Each February, for four days, the world comes together for the love of birds. Spend time in your favorite places watching birds—then tell Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit your counts to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations. To learn more about the Great Backyard Bird Count click on the image below to see a video.
Learn more and get ready to COUNT!! Follow the link to the project’s home page: https://www.birdcount.org/about/
Stop in to Songbird Station to check out the Missouri field guides and optics we have at the store! The right tools may help you see even more species than you would think!

Great Backyard Bird Count

Bird Man Mel Joins Simon Rose on The Morning Meeting March 12th
2026-03-12 09:15
Mel will be joining Simon Rose on The Morning Meeting March 12th! Tune in at 9:15 to listen!
Tune into KFRU 98.9 FM /AM 1400 for tips on Hummingbirds, attracting birds with water this summer, and how to deter squirrels from your feeders!
Call in with questions for Mel and join the show! Dial 573-442-8255
To stream the show live on the KRFU site, follow this link : https://player.kfru.com/
He would love to meet you, answer your questions, offer personal yard analysis and recommendations to help you attract more birds, bees, butterflies and even bats!
Let us help you make your backyard a place of natural wonder this summer!
If you miss Mel live with Simon, you can listen to the podcast after the show here! https://www.kfru.com/morningmeeting/

Nest Box 101 Seminar
2026-03-14 10:00 | Songbird Station!, 2010 Chapel Plaza Court Suite C,, Columbia, MO, 65203, United States
Join us for a free seminar hosted by Bird Man Mel as he shares tips on how to make your yard a perfect nesting site for Bluebirds, Wrens, Purple Martins, Wood Ducks, and more.
Explore Bluebird Houses, feeders, gifts & decor here!

Attract Hummingbirds, Orioles & More Seminar
2026-04-11 10:00 | Songbird Station!, 2010 Chapel Plaza Court Suite C,, Columbia, MO, 65203, United States
Join us for a free seminar hosted by Bird Man Mel as he gives tips and tricks to use this spring to make your yard a must stop for all your favorite migrating birds.

Wings of Spring Native Plant Sale April 18 through May 10
2026-04-18 09:30 - 2026-05-10 17:00 | Songbird Station!, 2010 Chapel Plaza Court Suite C,, Columbia, MO, 65203, United States
April 18th – May 10th
Bring Your Garden to Life with Missouri Native plants!
Spring is the perfect time to create a garden that truly supports nature—and it starts with native plants.
Missouri native plants do more than look beautiful. They provide the essential nectar and pollen that bees depend on, serve as host plants for butterfly caterpillars, and offer critical shelter for birds and wildlife that non-native plants simply can’t match. From monarch butterflies to migrating hummingbirds and backyard songbirds, native plants help your garden come alive with activity.
Even better, they’re easy to grow—requiring little to no fertilizer or pesticides—and naturally thrive in our local conditions.
At our Spring Native Plant Sale, you’ll find a carefully selected variety of plants grown right here in Missouri from Missouri parent stock. Whether your garden is sunny or shaded, dry or moist, there are native options that will flourish in your space.
Create a garden that feeds, shelters, and supports the wildlife you love—while enjoying a landscape that’s uniquely beautiful and resilient.
Come explore the collection and discover how easy it is to make a difference, right in your own backyard.
Sale is held in cooperation with Grow Native! Missouri. Your go to resource for Missouri Native information. You will find their logo below-click to visit their website.
Plants also make great gifts Mother’s Day!

Wings of Spring Seminar: Attract Butterflies, Birds & Bees with Native Plants
2026-04-25 10:00
This free and informative seminar led by Bird Man Mel explores which native plants to use to attract larval and mature butterflies, migrating Hummingbirds, songbirds, bees and other pollinators to your yard! Bird Man Mel will be happy to answer questions after to help you pick exactly the plants that fit your type of soil, location, and desired species to attract. You will be able to browse and shop native plants during our annual Native Plant Sale organized in partnership with Grow Native! Missouri.

Kit Building Day
2026-06-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Songbird Station!, 2010 Chapel Plaza Court Suite C,, Columbia, MO, 65203, United States
Looking for a fun way to spend time together as a family? Join us for Kit Building Day!
Bring the kids, grandparents, and the whole family for a hands-on experience building a project you’ll enjoy for years to come. Choose your kit, build it in-store, and make memories while creating something special together.
🛠️ Purchase your kit before the event or on the day of the event
🛠️ Build your kit in the store
🛠️ Friendly staff will be available to help if needed
🛠️ Great for all ages and skill levels
Whether you’re building with your children, grandchildren, or the entire family, this is a wonderful opportunity to unplug, connect, and create something together.
