Bradford Farm, east of Columbia, is a University of Missouri Agricultural Research Center. A popular birdwatching area, it is best known for migrant waterfowl, grassland sparrows, raptors and a host of open country species, most of which are best observed during the colder months of the year.
By June, the farm settles into its summer mode when birding is not especially interesting. This morning, European starlings and red-winged blackbirds dominated the scene, joined by mourning doves, turkey vultures and a few eastern kingbirds. Single sightings included a great blue heron, a killdeer and an American kestrel; a lone water snake also rippled the surface of one of the ponds.
Nevertheless, Bradford farm always provides a bit of solitude (except for scattered farming activity), fresh air and broad vistas. On the other hand, I doubt I'll return before September.
