You are invited to celebrate National Bird Day by visiting the bird feeders with us at the Minnesota River Valley National Wildlife Refuge’s Visitor Center on Wednesday, January 7. We’ll be there from 10 am to 1 pm. The Visitor Center has a great bird feeder system, which attracts most of our winter feeder birds. Cardinals, chickadees, juncos, sparrows, woodpeckers, and wild turkeys are expected. You can bring a camp stool to sit outside, watch the birds, and take in the scenery. Or you can go inside the warm, welcoming Visitor Center and view the birds through the picture window (note the bird-safe glass). Consider bringing your sketchbook along for added entertainment.

Location: The Minnesota River Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is located at 3815 American Boulevard E., Bloomington, MN 55425.

Directions: Meet at the Visitor Center. There is ample parking in the Visitor Center parking lot.

Difficulty: The Visitor Center and the viewing area by the feeders are ADA-compliant. The sidewalks are paved and level. They should be cleared of ice and snow if the weather cooperates.

Information: Loaner binoculars and field guides will be available for your use. Dress for the weather. Even if you plan on staying inside the Visitor Center, it’s always nice to have warm footwear, hats, and mittens for the transition from outdoors to indoors. The Visitor Center also has gifts for sale, taxidermied creatures, interpretive info on Minnesota wildlife, and river and forest habitats. Plus the Center has public restrooms.

Leader: Kiki Sonnen Kikisonnen@gmail.com