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Do This Now: Birding, park cleanup, hiking and more

Tundra swan migration is notable event at Whitewater State Park.

November 12, 2015 at 7:18PM

A lone tundra swan, spotted in Alma, Wis. (Robert Timmons — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Swans field trip

Whitewater State Park

10 a.m.-noon Saturday

After taking in a short presentation, caravan through the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area to Weaver Bottoms on the Mississippi River to observe tundra swans on their migration to Chesapeake Bay. Binoculars, spotting scopes and handouts provided. Bring your own transportation. (1-507-932-3007, mndnr.gov)

Cleanup day

Lake Maria State Park

1-3 p.m. Saturday

Help the park prepare for winter. Rake. Brush. Paint. Come prepared to work outdoors. Free snacks. Registration requested; call 1-763-878-2325. (mndnr.gov)

Camera club

Silverwood Park

9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday

Photography buffs meet each month for a presentation on fine art and nature photography. They also share their work, techniques and process. Bring five to six images on a portable drive. Reservations required. Call 763-694-7707. (threeriversparks.org)

Deer management

Carver Park Reserve

7-9 p.m. Tuesday

In Victoria, discuss deer ecology, and monitoring and management programs. Cost is $5 (free for Three Rivers volunteers). Volunteers should call 763-559-6706 to register. This program is for ages 12 and older. (threeriversparks.org)

Birding trek

Bass Ponds trailhead, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

8 a.m. -10:30 a.m. Sunday

Join a bird walk in Bloomington. The refuge is a great place to find migratory waterfowl, raptors, warblers and sparrows. Search for these species and more while the birds are resting and feeding before continuing their southerly migration. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and dress for the weather. A similar trek also is scheduled at the same time Monday, beginning at the Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center. (952-858-0715, fws.gov/refuge/Minnesota_Valley)

Winter fur and feathers

Eastman Nature Center

1-4 p.m. Sunday

Discover how local animals adjust to the cold. Examine furs and feathers. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Phenology hikes

Coon Rapids Dam Visitor Center

8 a.m. Wednesday

Stop by for an informal hike, most Wednesdays at 8 a.m. Walk, talk, share information, greet visitors, tend nest boxes, pick up the park and enjoy the park for an hour or more. Call 651-429-8007 by noon Tuesday to verify the walk is happening. Also let a naturalist know you are attending. (anokacounty.us)