Southeast Missouri lies within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, where sprawling wetlands, oxbow lakes, and bottomland hardwood forests create some of the most productive birding habitats in the state. Seasonal flooding fuels spectacular migrations of ducks, geese, and shorebirds, while summer brings herons, ibises, and songbirds to lush forests and marshes. In winter, open waters and refuge impoundments attract massive concentrations of waterfowl and Bald Eagles. From the cypress swamps of Mingo to the rice fields of Otter Slough, this region offers birders a window into a landscape both ancient and alive with movement. What makes Southeast Missouri stand out is the sheer abundance of birds and the scale of its wetlands, home to some of the state’s most awe inspiring birding experiences.