Birdwatching Trek at Minnesota Valley’s Wilkie Unit

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge naturalist Craig Mandel leads a bird walk on Saturday, November 28, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at the refuge’s Wilkie Unit in Shakopee. Meet at the kiosk at the Wilkie Unit trailhead, 7701 County Road 101 E. The walk looks at the habitats that support more than 100 bird species on the refuge, many of which migrate through or nest there at different times of year.

No experience is needed. The walk is easy and slow-moving, 1 to 2 miles with plenty of stops, and entirely outdoors, so dress for the weather and wear boots if the trails are muddy. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them; volunteers bring spotting scopes for everyone to use.

Registration is required and capped at 25 people: sign up on the refuge’s signup page. The refuge leads another bird walk at Wilkie on Sunday, Nov. 8.