CASPIAN — Northwoods naturalist John Bates will give a presentation to Iron County Audubon Society at 7 p.m. Monday at the Iron County Historical Museum, 100 Brady Ave. in Caspian.

Bates has spent more than three decades watching, listening to and writing about the wild communities of the northwoods.

His presentation, “Birding by Habitat,” turns the usual species checklist on its head. Instead of asking what a bird looks like, Bates asks where it lives — and shows how a careful reading of bog, sedge meadow, cedar swamp, hardwood ridge and old-growth pine reveals the birds you can expect to find in each. Once you learn the habitat, he said, the bird tends to find you.

Attendees should expect a tour through northern Wisconsin’s and the Upper Peninsula’s signature landscapes, the songs and signs that announce who lives there, and plenty of practical pointers for birders of every level.

Bates is the author of 11 books on northwoods natural history and a familiar voice to readers of his long-running “A Northwoods Almanac” column and blog.

Bates will also speak about trailside botany, favorite trees, shrubs and wildflowers from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the West Iron District Library. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the West Iron District Library and includes a light lunch. Reservations are required by calling the library at 906-265-2831.

Those who attend the earlier event are encouraged to attend the evening event as well. Light refreshments will follow the evening event.