COLUMBIA – No longer a phenomenon for future Missourians to worry about, climate change is clearly part of the here and now. Growing conditions in the state have become more favorable for plants previously found farther south. Several species of birds common to Missouri are shifting their ranges northward. And if climate change continues to unfold as some climatologists predict, Missouri can expect warmer temperatures, shorter winters and an overall increase in rain and flooding. Missouri’s changing birds Here are some examples of Missouri birds that have become less common, along with the observed northward shift in their range. * American Ttree Ssparrow (54 miles) * Rough-legged Hhawk (179 miles) * Golden Eeagle (58 miles) * American Bblack Dduck (182 miles) * Black-capped Cchickadee (90 miles) The following are added: The following areMissouri birds that have become more common, andas well asadded: as well as the observed northward shift in their ranges. * Turkey Vvulture (53 miles) * Eastern Pphoebe (48 miles) * […]