Wilkin County Birding Days

Wilkin County Birding DaysMay 5, 6, 2026 – 6:15 a.m. startCraig Mandel — 952-240-7647Cost: $25 for MRVAC members, $35 for non-membersJoin us for a two day visit to Wilkin County. We’ll be some Prairie SNA, for grassland birds and we will check some wetlands for waterfow......More

Wilkin County Birding DaysMay 5, 6, 2026 – 6:15 a.m. startCraig Mandel — 952-240-7647Cost: $25 for MRVAC members, $35 for non-membersJoin us for a two day visit to Wilkin County. We’ll be some Prairie SNA, for grassland birds and we will check some wetlands for waterfowl and shorebirds. We will also spend time in some wooded areas in and around the town of Breckenridge in search of migrant Warblers and other migrating songbirds. Please contact Craig to register for this trip.

Baymont by Wyndham Wahpeton, 1800 Two Ten Drive, Wahpeton, ND, 58075, United States

Bird Watching Trek

Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing and documenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails, which will offer different species of birds......More

Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing and documenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails, which will offer different species of birds to observe. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for include Trumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Willow & Great-crested Flycatchers, Yellow-throated, Warbling & Red-eyed Vireos and American Redstarts. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks.Questions? Contact [email protected] or call (952) 854-5900. Date and Time: Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 8-10:30am Location: Meet us at upper trailhead at Bass Ponds. 2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425 Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com. Capped at 25 participants. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. Activity Level: This program is entirely outdoors. Distance covered is 1-2 miles total. The walk is easy active, slow moving, with plenty of stops along the way. What to Bring: Comfortable clothing is recommended, including boots for wet/rainy conditions on muddy trails. If you have them, bring along your own pair of binoculars and field guides. Volunteers have spotting scopes available for all to use as well. Accessibility: Accessibility at Bass Ponds: Restrooms are located at the lower trailhead, a short 0.3 mile, but steep, downhill walk on paved road from the parking lot. Persons who cannot travel the steep hill from the upper to the lower trailhead on foot may receive a gate code to drive down to the lower lot. Please call (952) 854-5900 for the gate code. There are no water fountains at this location. Trails are natural surface, mostly flat. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter) and may not always be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are two benches along the trail near the fishing piers. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at [email protected].

Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

Bird Watching Trek

May 10 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am CDTFreeJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing and documenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails, which wil......More

May 10 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am CDTFreeJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing and documenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails, which will offer different species of birds to observe. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for include Trumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Willow & Great-crested Flycatchers, Yellow-throated, Warbling & Red-eyed Vireos and American Redstarts. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks.Questions? Contact [email protected] or call (952) 854-5900. Date and Time: Saturday, May 10, 2026, from 8-10:30am Location: Meet us at upper trailhead at Bass Ponds. 2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425 Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com. Capped at 25 participants. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. Activity Level: This program is entirely outdoors. Distance covered is 1-2 miles total. The walk is easy active, slow moving, with plenty of stops along the way. What to Bring: Comfortable clothing is recommended, including boots for wet/rainy conditions on muddy trails. If you have them, bring along your own pair of binoculars and field guides. Volunteers have spotting scopes available for all to use as well. Accessibility: Accessibility at Bass Ponds: Restrooms are located at the lower trailhead, a short 0.3 mile, but steep, downhill walk on paved road from the parking lot. Persons who cannot travel the steep hill from the upper to the lower trailhead on foot may receive a gate code to drive down to the lower lot. Please call (952) 854-5900 for the gate code. There are no water fountains at this location. Trails are natural surface, mostly flat. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter) and may not always be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are two benches along the trail near the fishing piers. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at [email protected].

Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) Outdoor Bird Walk on second Monday evenings

Please join MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group for outdoor photography bird walks. We will meet at 5:30pm.  The location is Old Cedar Avenue Bridge.

Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

Hok-Si-La Warblers

Join us for this traditional field trip that we’ve been taking for over 30 years! We never know what we will find. We will meet at Hok-Si-La Park (2500 U.S. Hwy 61, Lake City, MN), located just north of Lake City. Bring a lunch if you want to stay for some afternoon ......More

Join us for this traditional field trip that we’ve been taking for over 30 years! We never know what we will find. We will meet at Hok-Si-La Park (2500 U.S. Hwy 61, Lake City, MN), located just north of Lake City. Bring a lunch if you want to stay for some afternoon birding. This trip requires moderate effort, with some walking on trails. No reservations are required.

Hok-Si-La Park, 2500 U.S. Hwy 61, Lake City, MN, 55041, United States

MRVAC Chapter Meeting, May 28, 2026 (In Person and Zoom)

Ferin Davis Anderson, “Impact of Bison & Burning on Prairie Birds” Social/snacks start at 7pm.  Program starts at 7:30pm.

MVNWR – Bloomington Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd. E., Bloomington, 55425, United States

Bird Watching Trek

May 30 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am CDTFreeJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing and documenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails, which wil......More

May 30 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am CDTFreeJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing and documenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails, which will offer different species of birds to observe. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for include Trumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Willow & Great-crested Flycatchers, Yellow-throated, Warbling & Red-eyed Vireos and American Redstarts. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks.Questions? Contact [email protected] or call (952) 854-5900. Date and Time: Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 8-10:30 am. Location: Meet us at upper trailhead at Bass Ponds. 2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425 Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com. Capped at 25 participants. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. Activity Level: This program is entirely outdoors. Distance covered is 1-2 miles total. The walk is easy active, slow moving, with plenty of stops along the way. What to Bring: Comfortable clothing is recommended, including boots for wet/rainy conditions on muddy trails. If you have them, bring along your own pair of binoculars and field guides. Volunteers have spotting scopes available for all to use as well. Accessibility: Accessibility at Bass Ponds: Restrooms are located at the lower trailhead, a short 0.3 mile, but steep, downhill walk on paved road from the parking lot. Persons who cannot travel the steep hill from the upper to the lower trailhead on foot may receive a gate code to drive down to the lower lot. Please call (952) 854-5900 for the gate code. There are no water fountains at this location. Trails are natural surface, mostly flat. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter) and may not always be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are two benches along the trail near the fishing piers. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at [email protected].

Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

Bird Watching Trek

May 31 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am CDTFreeJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. For these spring walks, the birds observed will change as the season unfolds. Expect waterfowl on the March and April walks, followed by sparrows and warblers on the walks in ......More

May 31 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am CDTFreeJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. For these spring walks, the birds observed will change as the season unfolds. Expect waterfowl on the March and April walks, followed by sparrows and warblers on the walks in May. We will get to know the birds that migrate through the refuge each spring and those that stay to nest on the refuge. Bring along your binoculars, favorite field guide and dress appropriately for the weather. Date and Time: Sunday, May 31st from 8:00 am -10:30 am. Location: Rapids Lake Visitor Center – 15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315 Registration Information: Registration for this program. To register visit the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge website. Select the program you are interested in registering for and you will be taken to the sign up page. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. This program is capped at 25 participants. Activity Level: Easy-active, we will walk slowly and make frequent stops. Meet Us: Meet at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center. Enter through the main doors. What to Bring: Meet outside the Rapids Lake visitor center near the parking lot. Please consider carpooling with others in your party due to limited parking. Accessibility: Outdoor restrooms are located at the visitor center no water is available at this site. This walk takes place on mostly flat ground on a paved trail and natural surface paths. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Participants will navigate a short, paved decline from the parking lot to the river valley. There are no benches or rest areas along the route. Program Leader: This program is led by Volunteer Naturalist Craig Mandel. Craig has been leading bird walks on the refuge for more than two decades. For questions about these walks, please contact Craig at 952-240-7647. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at [email protected].

Rapids Lake Visitor Center, 15865 Rapids Lake Road, Carver, MN, 55315, United States

Bird Walks with Bob - Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Trailhead on June 6, 2026

We will meet at 8:00am at Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Trailhead. Please dress appropriately for the weather.  Bring water, binoculars, and birding apps or guides.  Call or text Bob 651-775-7982 if you have questions.  Inclement weather may affect this event.

Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

Dakota County Prairie Birds

Shaar’s Bluff, 8395 127th Street East, Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) Outdoor Bird Walk on second Monday evenings

Please join MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group for outdoor photography bird walks. We will meet at 5:30pm.  The location is Old Cedar Avenue Bridge.

Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

Bird Walks with Bob - Rachel Lily Park Preserve on June 13, 2026

We will meet at 8:00am at Rachel Lily Park Preserve: 680 MN Highway 62, Mendota Heights.  Park near the red barn. The turn-in is also a church parking lot. Please dress appropriately for the weather.  Bring water, binoculars, and birding apps or guides.  Call or text Bo......More

We will meet at 8:00am at Rachel Lily Park Preserve: 680 MN Highway 62, Mendota Heights.  Park near the red barn. The turn-in is also a church parking lot. Please dress appropriately for the weather.  Bring water, binoculars, and birding apps or guides.  Call or text Bob 651-775-7982 if you have questions.  Inclement weather may affect this event.

Rachel Lilly Preserve, 680 Highway 62, Mendota Heights, MN, 55118, United States

Bird Watching Trek

Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar AvenueJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing anddocumenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails,which will ......More

Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar AvenueJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing anddocumenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails,which will offer different species of birds to observe. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for includeTrumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Willow & Great-crested Flycatchers, Yellow-throated, Warbling & Red-eyed Vireosand American Redstarts. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks. Questions? Contact [email protected] or call (952) 854-5900. Date and Time: Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 8-10:30am Location: Meet us at the OCA parking lot at Old Cedar Avenue. 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425 Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com, which is available on the Minnesota Valley NWR’s website. Capped at 25 participants. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. Activity Level: This program is entirely outdoors. Distance covered is 1-2 miles total. The walk is easy active, slow moving, with plenty of stops along the way. What to Bring: Comfortable clothing is recommended, including boots for wet/rainy conditions on muddy trails. If you have them, bring along your own pair of binoculars and field guides. Volunteers have spotting scopes available for all to use as well. Accessibility: Accessibility at Old Cedar Avenue: Restrooms and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in, but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are no benches on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a

Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States