Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with a guided walk focused on waterfowl and the habitats they depend on.

Each spring, ducks, geese, and other waterbirds move across the landscape following ancient migratory routes. These journeys are only possible because of healthy wetlands, lakes, and shallow waters that provide critical places to rest and refuel, like Spearhead lake.

During this walk, we’ll explore the lake and shoreline habitats of the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve, watching for migrating waterfowl and learning how to identify common species. Along the way, we’ll talk about why wetlands matter, the challenges these birds face, and how habitat conservation supports their survival.

This program is perfect for all experience levels, whether you’re new to birding or a lifelong observer. Join us to experience the sights and sounds of migration and discover how protecting water and wetlands helps protect the birds that depend on them.

Time: 8:00am - 10:00a.m. (Birds are active early in the morning, we have adjusted the walk time to reflect this.)

Location: Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve, 48851 County 29, Bemidji, MN 56601

Ages: All Ages

Cost: No fee, donations welcome

Introduction to Wildlife Tracking

with Guest Presenter, Robert Daun

All Ages.

The art and science of Wildlife Tracking can give us an extraordinary window into the secret lives of our local wildlife. Whether you are a naturalist, hiker, or just someone who appreciates wildlife this class is for you. We will spend some time in the field discovering and identifying tracks and sign left by our wild neighbors, what we find that day is what we get to learn from.

This basic wildlife tracking course is open to all skill levels and every student is guaranteed to learn something about the art and science behind wildlife tracking.

Topics covered in the course will include:

• Wildlife track and sign identification

• Mammal and bird foot morphology as an identification tool

• Wildlife behavior and local ecology

• Utilizing tracking field guides as tools for continuing education

We offer this program on a pay-what-you-can basis because we believe the outdoors belongs to everyone. Removing barriers to access is a value we share. If you’re able to contribute, your support helps us continue offering meaningful outdoor learning experiences, like this, and grow opportunities for our community. After you click “Register For This Workshop,” you’ll have the option to make a pay-what-you-can contribution.

Nesting & Nature Summer Wildlife Walk

Experience the peak of bird breeding season with a guided field walk focused on behavior, nesting, and identification. Learn how to observe wildlife responsibly. Bring your camera or sketchbook to blend art, science, and a love of birds during the height of summer.

Time: 8:00am to 10:00am

Location: Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve

Ages: All Ages

Cost: No fee, donations welcome

Bird Language 101

with Guest Presenter, Robert Daun

Come spend a day exploring the language of the birds. Whether you're a seasoned birder or don’t know an owl from a chickadee, this course is for you.

Interpreting bird language is an ancient skill, one that has helped humans survive and thrive for thousands of years. Birds act as the “news media” of the ecosystem, revealing where food, water, shelter, and danger are found. Highly aware and often vocal, they provide an audible and visible map of what’s happening on the landscape around us.

You’ll learn to identify and distinguish between bird songs, companion calls, territorial calls, juvenile begging, and alarm calls. Through this awareness, you’ll gain insight into the immediate environment, including predator movement and subtle ecological shifts.

Along the way, you will:

• Improve pattern recognition of sounds and behaviors

• Refine your understanding of local ecology

• Deepen your listening and awareness

• Move through the woods with a quieter mind

• Minimize your disturbance on the landscape

• Strengthen your connection to place and nature

In a time of increasing disconnection, bird language offers a way back—to awareness, relationship, and a deeper sense of belonging in the natural world.

We offer this program on a pay-what-you-can basis because we believe the outdoors belongs to everyone. Removing barriers to access is a value we share. If you’re able to contribute, your support helps us continue offering meaningful outdoor learning experiences. After you click “Register For This Workshop,” you’ll have the option to make a pay-what-you-can contribution. Thank you.

Introduction to Wildlife Tracking

with Guest Presenter, Robert Daun

The art and science of Wildlife Tracking can give us an extraordinary window into the secret lives of our local wildlife. Whether you are a naturalist, hiker, or just someone who appreciates wildlife this class is for you. We will spend some time in the field discovering and identifying tracks and sign left by our wild neighbors, what we find that day is what we get to learn from.

This basic wildlife tracking course is open to all skill levels and every student is guaranteed to learn something about the art and science behind wildlife tracking.

Topics covered in the course will include:

• Wildlife track and sign identification

• Mammal and bird foot morphology as an identification tool

• Wildlife behavior and local ecology

• Utilizing tracking field guides as tools for continuing education

We offer this program on a pay-what-you-can basis because we believe the outdoors belongs to everyone. Removing barriers to access is a value we share. If you’re able to contribute, your support helps us continue offering meaningful outdoor learning experiences, like this, and grow opportunities for our community. After you click “Register For This Workshop,” you’ll have the option to make a pay-what-you-can contribution.