The best way to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, also known as Global Big Day, is counting birds (—for science) with your peeps. And since it is peak spring migration, your trusty TBT leader Olivia Bautch is taking you out of the region to meet up with outstanding Tippecanoe County birder, Vivek Govind Kumar, who will lead this field trip at Prophetstown State Park.

Prophetstown SP is home to interpretive history, camping, and aquatics, but we’re here for the sprawling grasslands, wetlands, and young forest tracts that draw both exciting migrants and vulnerable breeding birds. Blue Grosbeak, Dickcissel, Sedge Wren, Yellow-breasted Chat, Northern Bobwhite, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Ring-necked Pheasant are just some of the special species across stops at this park.

Several pairs of binoculars will be available for those who need them. We may caravan between stops. Trail surfaces include wide paved trails (find access information here) and crushed gravel paths along the grassland, and narrow dirt trails with many inclines/declines in the forest/wetland. Our route and stops will vary based on day-of bird productivity, and more information will be emailed to participants closer to the event. We will do our best to ensure any special needs are met, so do not hesitate to ask about accommodations!

The Thirty, Birdy & Thriving group is designed for bird-lovers age 20-40, as a space to observe birds with new friends from the Central Indiana community. To register, email Olivia Bautch at falcon_515@outlook.com, stating if you are a ABAS member or not.

What: Global Big Day at Prophetstown SP with Thirty, Birdy & Thriving

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 8:00-10:00 am

Where: Prophetstown State Park. 5545 Swisher Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906

Register: falcon_515@outlook.com