Do This Now: Birding activities dominate weekend lineup

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday

Head to Lowry Nature Center in Victoria, and take part in a nationwide bird census. Go birding on your own schedule — this is not a guided hike. Call 763-694-7650 to sign up for a park section for a full or half-day. Sponsored by Minnesota Ornithologists' Union, the program is free and open to people 10 and older. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. (threeriversparks.org)

10 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday

Part of the Kids Winter Wonderland Program. Learn about the similarities and the differences between reindeer and white-tailed deer. After the talk, make an ornament. Registration required; call 651-433-0500. (mndnr.gov)

Birds II

1-2 p.m. Saturday

Find out how to attract birds to your yard and what they want to eat. You will also get a chance to make your own suet feeder to bring home and hang from a tree. Registration required; call 651-583-2925, ext. 227. (mndnr.gov)

9-10:30 a.m. Sunday

Winter is a great time to learn to identify birds because there are fewer of them during the winter months. Binoculars and field guides are available. (651-436-5391, mndnr.gov)

Wildlife at winter

1-2:30 p.m. Sunday

Leave for the winter or stay? For wildlife, it's a life-or-death decision. Is one choice better than the other? Stop by the visitor center to find out which critters leave, which ones stay, and the amazing things they do to stay alive until spring. (612-725-2724, mndnr.gov)

Noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday

Designed for the family to learn classic skiing together. Cost is $15, or $22 for ski rental, for ages 6 to 12. It's $26 with ski rental for ages 13 and older. Call 763-559-6700 to register; reference number 122256-00. (threeriversparks.org)

Family ski tour

1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday