Join hike leader Nick Kiehl for a field trip to the Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka “The Burn”, in search of fall sparrows, migrant waterfowl and possibly shorebirds.  For those of you who don’t know Nick, here is a little background on him. 

Nick began birding at age 7. Before he could drive his parents took him to all the hot spots in Indianapolis and as a teen, he was a member of the Young Birders group along with Aidan Rominger and Jonathan Bontrager, two other outstanding birders. He has birded all over Indiana and in several foreign countries. He enjoys leading hikes and I think everyone will enjoy Nick and appreciate his expertise. 

The participants will meet at the Burn at 8:30 am. The terrain is flat and there are mowed trails, although the ground can be uneven in some areas. Hiking shoes will help with the terrain. Please note that there are no restroom facilities on the property. 

The field trip is limited to 12 people and registration is required. Priority registration is available to ABAS members until September 17 but non-members should sign up early, as once registration is open, it will be first come first serve. When you sign up please indicate whether you are a member or not and your phone number. The phone number is in case of cancelation if the weather is too severe. To register, email Laurie Voss at laurievoss25@gmail.com. Registration and any communication after September 24 should go to Val Chambon at valeriejchambon@gmail.com. 

The Burn is on County Road 650 N in Montgomery County near Crawfordsville. To get there from I74 take the US 231 exit and go north just under 3 miles to County Road 550 N. Take a right on County Road 550 N for just over a mile to County Road 150 E. Take a left on County Road 150 E and continue to County Road 650 N. Take a right on County Road 650 N for less than a mile to The Burn which will be on your right. Look for the tree line that runs north and south. The GPS coordinates are: 40.135048, -86.863575

What: Lye Creek Prairie Burn Field Trip for Sparrows, migrant waterfowl, and possible shorebirds. 

When: Sunday, October 12 from 8:30 — 11:00 am. 

Where: Lye Creek Prairie Burn, Montgomery County