The Birds at BCA
Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum is a natural sanctuary and habitat for countless bird species. Here, the landscape provides a safe haven and a vital stopping point for both resident and migratory birds, making our grounds an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts.
The Mississippi Flyway
The St. Louis metro area is located along one of the most significant migratory flyways in North America: The Mississippi Flyway. Each year, over 300 species of birds use this flyway for nesting, refueling, and resting. Our resident and migratory birds depend on natural areas to survive the journey. As urban areas continue to grow and expand, backyards, parks, and cemeteries such as Bellefontaine can help provide valuable resources for wildlife. Our grounds are a designated location on the St. Louis Birding Trail, welcoming birdwatchers from across the region.
Birdwatching & Citizen Science
Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum is a great place for birdwatching, offering peaceful and scenic opportunities to observe a wide variety of species. Over 150 species have been identified here, a testament to the rich and diverse habitats found on our grounds.
We believe in the power of community to support wildlife conservation. Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum is an active participant in two important citizen science projects: the Christmas Bird Count and the Great Backyard Bird Count. These annual events allow our team and volunteers to contribute valuable data that helps scientists better understand bird populations and migration patterns. We invite you to grab your binoculars and join in on the next count!
Our Partnerships
Bellefontaine is proud to partner with key organizations to enhance our bird-friendly habitats and support wildlife conservation efforts.
As part of a partnership with the Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center at the UMSL, we began an inventory of our native biodiversity. The Harris Center sponsored an evening of bat and moth sampling in the Cemetery that may expand into a broader study. Understanding the biodiversity of all living creatures that utilize the Cemetery grounds helps to guide decisions on plant selection and maintenance.
Lights Out Campaigns
As a partner of Lights Out Heartland and DarkSky, Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum encourages the use of responsible outdoor lighting throughout the year, but especially in May and September when bird migration is particularly intense. To help migrating birds, please turn off outdoor lights if they are not useful. If lights are necessary, you can refer to the "Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting" for guidance on how to minimize lighting during bird migration periods.
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