Nature Novice: Winter Birding

Grab your warm boots – we're heading onto the trails! Join us for a winter birding hike along Long Meadow Lake Trail where we'll enjoy a scenic winter walk. We’ll cover how to use binoculars and field guides to identify and learn more about the birds we see around us. Too much snow? No problem — we’ll start with a quick snowshoe tutorial and set off on an easy, beginner-friendly trek. This is an introductory hike so no experience needed! Binoculars, field guides, and snowshoe equipment will be provided.

Questions? Contact [MinnesotaValley@fws.gov](mailto:MinnesotaValley@fws.gov) or call (952) 854-5900.

Date and Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 1-2pm

Location: Meet us in the classrooms at the Bloomington Visitor Center.

3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425

Registration Information: Registration optional through [Signup.com](https://signup.com/go/SzyqGtb).

Optional registration allows us to prepare supplies and materials for the program, send reminders, and allows us to contact you in the event of inclement weather!

Activity Level: This is an outdoor program. The introductory activity is easy active and at-your-own pace.

What to Bring: Bring warm shoes comfortable for hiking and winter gear - hat, gloves, scarves, etc.

Accessibility: Accessibility at Bloomington Visitor Center:

Restrooms and water fountains are located inside the visitor center. Handicap parking and dropoff available. Visitor center is flat aggregate or carpeted flooring with ramps to access all areas. There are benches and rest areas around the visitor center.

Hillside and Spur trails are natural surface with has steep slopes, with a wooden staircase for a portion of it. Long Meadow Lake trail is accessed via these sloped trails, but itself is mostly flat and is natural surface. 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 no benches in the trail area. Trailheads are a 0.1-0.2 mile distance from the parking lot.

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](mailto:oscar_hernandez@fws.gov).