Birdwatching, bird banding, and landscape photography are among parks programs

Afton State Park

8-9 p.m. Friday

"Timberdoodle" is the nickname given to the American woodcock, a ground-nesting, long-beaked, stocky bird. The spring mating dance and flight are unique and amazing. (651-231-6968; mndnr.gov/afton)

Brown's Creek State Trail

8-9:30 a.m. Saturday

The 5.9-mile former rail trail connects the Gateway State Trail in Grant to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Join a naturalist at the Neal Avenue trailhead for a 2-mile hike through the prairie and forest. Binoculars and field guides are available but limited in number. (651-231-6968; mndnr.gov/gateway)

Blue Mounds State Park

Join a naturalist for a mile hike in search of spring. The trail is hilly and may be slippery. (1-507-283-6050; mndnr.gov/bluemounds)

Lake Maria State Park

1-2 p.m. Saturday

Emily Roberts from Snake Discovery, an educational program, returns with a large number of reptiles that includes snakes and lizards. Touch and hold 13 live animals. (763-878-2325; mndnr.gov/lakemaria)

Whitewater State Park

Naturalist-led vehicle tour of the Whitewater Valley. See a pioneer cemetery. Participants will use their vehicles. Meet at the visitor center. (1-507-312-2300; mndnr.gov/whitewater)

9 a.m.-noon Saturday

Eastman Nature Center

Wild songbirds will be carefully trapped, studied, banded and released. This program is free and open to all ages. (763-694-7700, threeriversparks.org)

9:30-noon Saturday

Learn techniques and tips from photographer Don Tredinnick, and then head out to use the new knowledge. Meet at the auditorium at the visitor center in Bloomington. (952-854-5900, bit.ly/ mnfwsOW)

Eastman Nature Center

1-2:30 p.m. Sunday

Walk through the woods looking for wildflowers, migrating birds and other spring signs. (763-694-7700, bit.ly/walkOW)

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge