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 MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.

Date and Time: Sunday, May 3, 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 oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.