May 2, 2026 – Carpenter Nature Preserve
Thirteen participants were eager to have a preview of the new Carpenter Nature Preserve in Zionsville—and they weren’t disappointed.
The old Wolf Run Golf Course is being transformed into natural prairie, lowland, woods, and wetlands. Although still in the process of restoration, the birds are finding the location pleasing and calling it home.
Upon entering the preserve, the first pond provided habitat for a couple of Solitary Sandpipers, a Killdeer, a Green Heron, and several swallow species. Continuing into the preserve, prairie habitat with some trees dotting the land offered a nice home to Blue Grosbeaks along with a Sedge Wren, Song Sparrows, Common Yellowthroat, and American Goldfinch.
The lowland along Eagle Creek was rich with early and nesting warblers as well as both Baltimore and Orchard Orioles. And the woods that dotted the paths had many of the common woodland birds. The water hazards for the golf community are becoming nice wetlands that offer Great Blue Herons and Sora rails a place to call home.
The group was able to tally 54 species in a one-mile trek. It was a very rewarding hike for May 2, and just a taste of what the preserve will offer for birds and birders alike.
Many thanks go to Jarod Logsdon, Superintendent of the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department for allowing our group the preview. And thanks also go to Jonathan Bontrager who led us along the paths and shared his birding expertise with all of us.