Amos Butler Audubon Society

Examining the Ecological Consequences of Climate Change through Phenology
2021-03-09 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Zoom Meeting, IN, United States
Join Amanda Cantrell, a Board Member of Indiana Phenology for our March program. Phenology is the study of the timing of recurring plant and animal life cycle stages, such as leafing, flowering, and fruiting in plants and migration and reproduction in animals. These changes are driven by climate and other abiotic factors and govern how living organisms interact with each other and even the cycling of water, carbon, and other elements within local and global ecosystems.
Our climate is warming at an unprecedented rate due to human activities such as the production and burning of fossil fuels. In this presentation, we will explore how changes in phenology, such as earlier Spring leafing and flowering or insect emergence driven by warming temperatures, can be indicators of climate change’s impact on ecosystems and help elucidate downstream effects on abundance, diversity, and the interaction of species. You will also learn how you as a citizen scientist can help track these changes through phenology observation to build a local dataset useful to scientists, policymakers, land managers, and conservationists to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
This will be an online program using Zoom. Participants will register using Eventbrite and there will be a limit of 90. To register go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/examining-the-ecological-consequences-of-climate-change-through-phenology-tickets-138299099329. Once we are close to the program date, you will receive an email with an invite to a Zoom meeting.

Woodcock Walk – Daubenspeck Community Nature Park
2021-03-13 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Daubenspeck Nature Park, 8900 Ditch Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
Join ABAS Board member Brian Cunningham for an evening walk at Daubenspeck Community Nature Park (DCNP), a great spot to view displaying American Woodcocks.
Woodcocks have a very acrobatic mating display that they perform at dusk known as the sky dance. While waiting for woodcocks, we will check the prairie and nearby woods for birds that may be going to roost in the park for the evening.
We will meet at 6:30 pm in the DCNP parking lot. The main trail of Daubenspeck is mowed, but the ground can be somewhat uneven.
Registration is not required. This event is free and open to the public.
Depending on the rules at the time, masks will likely be required for most of the hike. There may be times we can spread out and take a quick break from the masks. Check the ABAS calendar to be sure the hike isn’t canceled.

Woodcock Walk – Strawtown Koteewi Park
2021-03-20 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Strawtown Koteewi Park, 12308 Strawtown Avenue, Noblesville, IN, 46060, United States
Unusual, weird, romantic, and unique are all words used to describe the American Woodcock. Come experience this rite of spring for yourself as male woodcocks perform their aerial courtship displays for the females in the prairie at dusk! An indoor presentation will take place inside the Taylor Center at 7:00 pm for those interested in knowing more about the life history of this bird. Those interested in seeing the aerial display should meet the group inside the Taylor Center and will be led by a Naturalist from Hamilton County Park starting at about 7:30 pm.

An Introduction to Bird and Nature Photography
2021-04-13 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Zoom Meeting, IN, United States
Join Brian Zwiebel of Sabrewing Nature Tours for an informative presentation on beginning and intermediate bird photography. Brian is a business partner of current ABAS President, Rob Ripma, another proprietor of Sabrewing Nature Tours.
This introductory program is great for beginners and will offer a few nuggets for the intermediate shooter as well. Learn what Brian does, and what you should do too, every time you get your hands on a new digital camera. Discover what a histogram is, how to read it, and how to use it to make better exposures. Speaking of exposures, you will learn which exposure modes Brian uses in various situations and why. Learn to improve your images with better compositions and backgrounds, as well as how to improve your action and behavior images. All of this and much more will be included in the program and each talking point supported by Brian’s award-winning photography.
This will be an online program using Zoom. Participants will register using Eventbrite and there will be a limit of 90. To register go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-introduction-to-bird-and-nature-photography-tickets-131892665513. Once we are close to the program date, you will receive an email with an invite to a Zoom meeting.
Photo courtesy of Brian Zwiebel.

Smith’s Longspur Field Trip – Lye Creek Prairie Burn – FULL
2021-04-17 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Lye Creek Prairie Burn, 240 East County Road 650 North, Cherry Grove, IN, 47933, United States
Join Indiana birder and photographer Shari McCollough on a field trip to the Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka “The Burn”, in search of migrating Smith’s Longspurs. The Burn is located in Montgomery County and is the most reliable place for viewing Smith’s Longspurs in Indiana. We may be joined by Clint Murray who owns the property and manages it specifically for the Longspurs and other birds.
The field trip is limited to 12 participants and registration is required. Local ABAS members can register prior to March 17th after which time, if there are spots available, anyone may register. To register email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com or text Chuck at (317) 767-5438.

The wearing of masks is required but may be relaxed at times at the discretion of the hike leader if we can maintain social distancing.

The Burn is on County Road 650 N in Montgomery County in the general area of 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 the right. The address given is approximate. These GPS coordinates might be helpful: 40.135048, -86.863575.

Photo of Smith’s Longspur courtesy of Amy Hodson.

Spring Migrant Bird Hike at Sargent Road Nature Park – FULL
2021-04-24 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Sargent Road Nature Park, 8101 Sargent Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46256, United States
Join us as Earl Simon leads us through Sargent Road Nature Park (SRNP). Earl is a member of the board of the Mud Creek Conservancy which is instrumental in the development of SRNP. This will be prime time for viewing warblers and other migrants. The terrain is flat with a mowed trail for easy accessibility. Dress appropriately for the weather conditions and don’t forget your binoculars. There are no restrooms available at the park.

The field trip is limited to 12 participants and registration is required. Local ABAS members can register prior to March 17th after which time, if there are spots available, anyone may register. To register email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com or text Chuck at (317) 767-5438.

The wearing of masks is required but may be relaxed at times at the discretion of the hike leader if we can maintain social distancing.

SRNP is located at the intersection of 82nd Street and Sargent Road, Indianapolis. The entrance to the park is off Sargent Road just south of 82nd Street. The address given is approximate.

Hooded Warbler courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Bird Hike at Marott Park & Nature Preserve
2021-04-30 08:00 - 10:00, 2021-05-07 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Marott Park & Nature Preserve, 7350 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN, 46240, United States
Experienced birders from ABAS will lead a bird hike sponsored by the Friends of Marott Woods Nature Preserve. Beginning birders welcome. This should be primetime for spring migration. The preserve has dirt trails and there are decent hill climbs so wear appropriate footwear. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars.
The bird hike is free and no advanced registration is required. We’ll meet at the preserve parking lot.
The wearing of masks is required but there may be times we can spread out and take a break from the masks.

Sodalis Nature Park Spring Hike - FULL
2021-05-08 07:30 - 10:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Sodalis Nature Park, 7700 S. Co. Rd. 975E, Plainfield, IN, 46168, United States
Join experienced birder and field trip leader, Scott Enochs, as he leads you on a bird hike at Sodalis Nature Park in search of migrating warblers and other spring arrivals. Sodalis is known as one of the most productive birding hotspots in Hendricks County. 170 species have been recorded there, including 34 warbler species.

Trails through the park are a mix of gravel and dirt and are normally an easy walk, but interior trails can become very muddy after moderate rain. Appropriate footwear is recommended. We’ll meet in the parking lot at Sodalis Nature Park.

The field trip is free but limited to 12 participants and registration is required. Priority registration is available to ABAS members through April 15, 2021. After that date, if any open spots remain, non-members may register. To register email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com or text Chuck at (317) 767-5438.

Masks will be required for the majority of the bird hike. There may be times when we can spread out and get a break from the masks.

Birding Belize: It’s UnBELIEZEable! - SOLD OUT
2021-05-11 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Zoom Meeting, IN, United States
David Rupp, owner of IndiGo Birding Nature Tours in Bloomington, will give a presentation about birding in Belize, an emerging destination in Central America. David fell in love with Belize on his first visit and has led multiple birding tours to Belize since. The presentation will feature photos from recent tour participants as well as from Belizean photographers.
Belize is only the size of Massachusetts but has a bird list of nearly 600 species. From 22 species of hummingbirds to the Ocellated Turkey, Belize offers birds of all shapes, sizes, and colors. The combination of tropical birding and a diverse and fascinating culture make Belize appealing for all levels of birders. As a bonus, the people are super-friendly and the food is delicious!
David will introduce you to the different regions of the country, some unique birds you can find, and give some examples of the variety of lodging that could fit a tight budget or provide a luxurious experience. David hopes to be joined via Zoom by his friend Isaias Morataya, guide extraordinaire at Black Rock Lodge and the #3 eBirder in Belize, who will share some of his passion for birding and answer questions as well.
David is a former board member of both ABAS and the Sassafras Audubon Society and began his career as a naturalist in the Indy Parks system.
This will be an online program using Zoom. Participants will register using Eventbrite and there will be a limit of 90. To register go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birding-belize-its-unbeliezeable-tickets-138804284351. Once we are close to the program date, you will receive an email with an invite to a Zoom meeting.
Photo courtesy of David Rupp.

Spring Birding at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge
2021-05-16 08:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, 12985 East US Highway 50, Seymour, IN, 47274, United States
Join ABAS Education Chair Jessica Helmbold for a day of celebrating the best of spring. Enjoy southern Indiana blooming, migration, and lunch after the outing.
Meet at the Muscatatuck Visitors Center, 12985 East U.S. Highway 50, Seymour, Indiana, at 8:30 am. We’ll bird until 12:30 pm or 1:00 pm. Please remember to dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring any water, hats, bug spray, and sunscreen you need. As always bring your binoculars.
An optional lunch will be at a local eatery with the location to be determined. Participants will be responsible for paying for their own lunch. Let us know in advance if you are planning to join the group for lunch so we can make reservations at the restaurant.
There will be no fee for the field trip and it’s open to the public. Registration is required. If you have any questions and to register for the field trip, email Jessica at jh_beagle@hotmail.com.
Masks will be required for the majority of the hike. There may be times when we can spread out and get a quick break from the masks.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Birds & Brews with Audubon Great Lakes
2021-07-22 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Metazoa Brewing Company, 140 South College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46202
Audubon Great Lakes, a regional office of the National Audubon Society, invited ABAS chapter members to join their Birds & Brew event. Great Lakes Audubon will provide the drinks and a speaker panel of experts who will discuss exciting climate policy solutions at the local, state, and federal levels to protect the future for birds, wildlife, and people in Indiana.
COST: Free with RSVP (Must be 21+ to attend the event. RSVP includes a complimentary drink and light appetizers).

Register at https://www.mobilize.us/audubon/event/398541/?mc_cid=e3d2ebbf4e&mc_eid=94d1a9000e

Image courtesy of Audubon Great Lakes.

Fountain Square Swift Watch
2021-08-14 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Rooftop Garden at Fountain Square Theatre Building, 1111 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN, 46203, United States
Join ABAS Education Chair and Indy Park Naturalist Jessica Helmbold for bites, drinks, and Chimney Swifts at Fountain Square Theatre. From the Rooftop Garden Cocktail Lounge, mingle with ABAS members while observing an active swift colony, plus Common Nighthawks. There is a limit of 10 for this event and registration is required. Register at info@amosbutleraudubon.org.

Garfield Park Swift Watch
2021-08-20 20:30 - 21:30 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Dr, Indianapolis, 46203, United States
Learn about Chimney Swifts as the sun sets with ABAS Education Chair and Indy Park naturalist Jessica Helmbold. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, and your binoculars to observe an active colony at Garfield Park Arts Center. We’ll meet at the pagoda. We may see other bird species that are active at dusk as well. There is a limit of 15 participants at this Indy Parks event. Registration is required at https://apm.activecommunities.com/indyparks/Activity_Search/nature-chimney-swift-watch-garfield-cons/21618.

Fall Warblers & Migrants – Strawtown Koteewi Park – Canceled
2021-09-04 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Strawtown Koteewi Park, 12308 Strawtown Avenue, Noblesville, IN, 46060, United States
Join local birder and ABAS field trip leader, Terry Ballenger, as we look for migrating fall warblers and resident birds in the 800-acre park. We’ll meet at the Taylor Center of Natural History building parking lot at 8:00 am and bird on foot from there. The terrain is flat and the trails are well defined. The Taylor Center opens at 10:00 am and has modern, well-maintained restrooms, as well as great cultural exhibits.
There is no fee for the field trip. However, it is limited to 12 participants, and registration is required. Priority registration will be given to ABAS local members through August 15, 2021, at which time if there are any spots available, registration will be open to non-members. Email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com to reserve your spot on the field trip.
Please remember to dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring any water, hats, bug spray, and sunscreen you need. As always, bring your binoculars. If you have any questions, please contact Chuck Anderson.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Bats of Indiana - And Beyond
2021-09-14 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
Join Ryan Slack for our September program about bats. He will touch upon everything from myths surrounding bats, their classification and specialized anatomy, their habits, conservation, why bats are important, the threats they face, bat species native to Indiana, the truth about bats and rabies, and the latest in bat call analysis.
Ryan holds a BS from Purdue University in Wildlife Science. He is currently a Principal at the engineering consulting firm Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) and also the Ecological Practice lead of their Indianapolis office. In this position, he coordinates projects involving threatened and endangered species, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy. He holds CEC’s Federal Bat Scientific Collecting Permit, which is valid for the entire range of Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats.
We respectfully request that any non-vaccinated attendees wear masks.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Warblers and Migrants – McCloud Nature Park
2021-09-18 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | McCloud Park Nature Center, 8518 Hughes Rd, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Join ecologist, botanist, and ABAS bird hike leader, Roger Hedge, as we look for migrating fall warblers and year-round residents in this 232-acre park in Hendricks County. We’ll meet at the Nature Center at 8:00 am and bird on foot from there. The trails are well defined and the terrain is flat.
The Nature Center opens at 10:00 am and has modern restrooms, as well as a bird feeding viewing area.
There is no fee for the field trip. However, it is limited to 10 participants, and registration is required. Priority registration will be given to ABAS members through September 1, 2021, at which time if there are any spots available, registration will be open to non-members. Email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com to reserve your spot on the field trip.
Please remember to dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring any water, hats, bug spray, and sunscreen you need. As always, bring your binoculars. If you have any questions, please contact Chuck Anderson.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Warblers and Migrants – Eagle Creek Park
2021-09-25 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Eagle Creek Park Marina, 7602 Walnut Point Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46254, United States
Join birders extraordinaire Lisa and Randy Vanderbilt as we look for migrating fall warblers. We’ll meet at 8:00 am in the parking lot at the marina and bird along the road leading to the marina, as well as the open area and trails near the parking lot. Walking distance will be minimal and we’ll be on both paved roads and well-defined, hard-packed dirt trails. There are indoor restrooms at the marina.
There is no fee for the field trip but an admission fee is required at the entrance to Eagle Creek Park. Annual passes for frequent park visits are available. The field trip is limited to 12 participants and registration is required. Priority registration is available to ABAS members through September 10, 2021, at which time if there are any spots available, registration will be open to non-members. Email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com or text (317) 767-5438 to reserve your spot on the field trip.
Please remember to dress for the weather and don’t forget to bring your binoculars. If you have any questions, please email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com.

Brown Bears of McNeil River
2021-10-12 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
Join Chuck Anderson, ABAS President and Field Trip Chair, for an informative program about the Brown Bears of McNeil River State Game Sanctuary in Alaska. Chuck will share his four-day experience watching Brown Bears interact, feed, sleep and play. Many of the bears photographed were within 25 feet and one curious cub came within 5 feet before mom called him back to her side.
Chuck slept outdoors in a tent he brought, supplied his own food, purified his water, and cooked on a camp stove.
We respectfully request that any non-vaccinated attendees wear masks.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Lye Creek Burn – Fall Sparrows - FULL
2021-10-23 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Lye Creek Prairie Burn, 240 East County Road 650 North, Cherry Grove, IN, 47933, United States
Join experienced bird hike leader Laurie Voss on a field trip to the Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka “The Burn”, in search of fall sparrows, migrant waterfowl, and possible shorebirds. We’ll meet at The Burn at 9:00 am.
Participants should expect to hike two to three miles. The terrain is flat, but there are no defined trails. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate walking shoes. As always, don’t forget your binoculars. There are NO restroom facilities on the property.
There is no fee for the field trip. However, the field trip is limited to 12 participants, and registration is required. Priority registration is available for ABAS members until October 7th, after which time, if there are spots available, non-members may register. To register email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com or text Chuck at (317) 767-5438.
The Burn is on County Road 650 N in Montgomery County in the general area of 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 the right. The address given is approximate. These GPS coordinates might be helpful: 40.135048, -86.863575.

Waterfowl at Celery Bog - FULL
2021-10-30 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Celery Bog Nature Area, 1620 Lindberg Rd, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, United States
Join ABAS President and Field Trip Chair Chuck Anderson for a field trip to Celery Bog Nature Area. This will be a great opportunity to view waterfowl and year-round resident birds. Target birds are waterfowl, including Northern Pintail, Redhead, and Canvasback ducks. Swans, Greater White-fronted Goose, and various species of grebe also frequent Celery Bog.
The terrain is flat and trails are well managed. The hike will be 2 to 2 1/2 miles. Restrooms are available at the Lilly Nature Center after 10:00 am. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. Dress appropriately for the weather. We’ll meet at 8:00 am in the first parking lot on the right, inside the park.
There is no fee for the field trip. However, it is limited to 12 participants, and registration is required. Priority registration is available for ABAS members through October 15, 2021, at which time if there are any spots open, registration will be open to non-members. Email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com or text (317) 767-5438 to reserve your spot on the field trip.
If you have any questions, please email Chuck at chucka1999@aol.com.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Bobcats in Indiana
2021-11-09 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
Join Geriann Albers as she tells us the story of Bobcats in Indiana. Geriann is a Furbearer Biologist for the Indiana DNR. She received her Bachelors in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Masters in Wildlife Management from West Virginia University in 2012. She spent 3 years with the Wisconsin DNR and 1.5 years with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission before starting with the Indiana DNR in May 2017.
We respectfully request that any non-vaccinated attendees wear masks.

Beers with Birders
2021-11-11 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Ash & Elm Cider Co., 1301 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46201, United States
Join ABAS for an evening at the Ash & Elm Cider Co. at their new location, 1301 East Washington Street in Indianapolis. We will meet to collectively share our birding experiences and adventures at this informal gathering. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided by ABAS.
This event is open to the public. Please email info@amosbutleraudubon.org if you plan to join us so we can be aware of how many people will be attending.
Hope to see you there!

Waterfowl, Raptors, & Owls at Goose Pond - FULL
2021-11-20 12:00 - 18:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Goose Pond FWA Visitor Center, 13540 West County Road 400 South, Linton, IN, 47441, United States
Join accomplished birders Bill Sharkey and Richard Garrett as they lead us on a field trip to Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) in search of waterfowl and raptors. In addition to viewing multiple species of ducks and geese, we should see Northern Harriers hunting low over the fields. Just before dusk, Short-eared Owls will likely appear. Both Bill and Richard are members of the “Indiana 300 Club” having each seen over 300 species of birds in the state in a single calendar year.
We’ll meet at the Goose Pond Visitor’s Center parking lot at 12:00 pm. The center has modern, indoor restrooms. The majority of the field trip will be by car with multiple stops to get out to view birds. As always, bring your binoculars and spotting scope if you have one.
There is no fee for the field trip. However, it is limited to 12 participants, and registration is required. Priority registration is available to ABAS members through November 1, 2021, at which time if there are any spots open, registration will be open to non-members. Email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com or text (317) 767-5438 to reserve your spot on the field trip. Goose Pond is a popular birding location and we expect registration to fill quickly.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Adventures in Bird Training
2021-12-14 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
Join Jenna McElroy, Assistant Park Manager, and Rachael Ledbetter, Naturalist, to learn how the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center’s Raptor Ambassadors are trained for educational programs. Since attending a training workshop at Avian Behavior International in San Diego in the spring of 2020, they have put new training methods into practice. Jenna and Rachael will share their training successes and challenges through video clips and with some help from a few of their feathered coworkers.
Indy Parks has a mask rule that all people, regardless of vaccination status, need to follow at the program. Please help us follow this temporary rule.
Pictured from left to right are Rachael Ledbetter, Jenna McElroy, and Stefany Boleyn.

Gulls & Waterfowl at the Lakefront
2022-01-08 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Washington Park Beach Entrance, 114 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, IN, 46360, United States
Join experienced birders Eric and Tina Rosier as they lead you along the Indiana Lake Michigan lakeshore in search of wintering gulls, waterfowl, and any vagrants that may be in the area. Eric and Tina have been casual backyard birders for most of their adult lives, but since 2017, they’ve avidly been learning, seeking, and counting as many species as possible, and recording those sightings on eBird. In 2020, with help from the Indiana birding community, they both joined the “Indiana 300 Club” by seeing over 300+ species in the state in a single calendar year.
We’ll meet at Washington Park Beach in Michigan City at 8:00 am local time (9:00 am EST). We will spend the morning and early afternoon visiting various sites around the Indiana lakeshore. Little time will be spent hiking, though some hiking terrain would be considered moderate to rugged. Most of the time will be spent traveling to as many sites as possible to scan the lake.
Participants can expect to return to the Indianapolis area around 6:00 pm EST. There will be a break for lunch in the Gary/Chesterton area.
The field trip is free but is limited to 12 participants and registration is required. Priority registration is available to ABAS members through December 20, 2021. After that date, if any open spots remain, non-members may register. If you wish to carpool to Michigan City, please make that known at the time of your registration and we’ll try to accommodate. To reserve your spot on the field trip email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com or text Chuck at (317) 767-5438.
Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Don’t forget your binoculars and bring a scope if you have one. If you have any questions, please email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Exploring Costa Rica
2022-01-11 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
Join ABAS Past President and Sabrewing Nature Tours owner Rob Ripma as he takes us on an exciting journey through the beautiful nation of Costa Rica. Rob will share photos and stories about the wonderful birds and amazing lodges that make this country such an exciting place to explore. From the highlands of the Talamanca Mountains to the remote Osa Peninsula, we’ll cover all of the exciting birding regions in Costa Rica.
Holliday Park requires masks to be worn in the Nature Center. Your cooperation with this is appreciated.
Unspotted Saw-whet Owl photo courtesy of Rob Ripma.

For the Love of Birds: How Birds Played into the History of Valentine’s Day - CANCELED
2022-02-08 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
This event is CANCELED.
Join Jessica Helmbold, ABAS Education Chair, for her presentation on birds and Valentine’s Day. Who created Valentine’s Day and when and why did they choose to incorporate birds? Learn about the history of this popular holiday and the role birds played in making it what it is today.

Great Backyard Bird Count Caravan - FULL
2022-02-19 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Flowing Well Park, 5100 E 116th St, Carmel, IN, 46033, United States
If you need an incentive to get outside in mid-winter, join Chuck Anderson, ABAS Field Trip chair and President, as he leads you to three local parks in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) worldwide event. At each park, we will record the species and number of all birds seen and submit that list to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology via eBird. To get more information on the GBBC, go to birdcount.org.
We will meet at 9:00 am in the parking lot at Flowing Well Park, 5100 E 116th St, Carmel. From there we will caravan to Hazel Landing Park, Meadowlark Park, and then to our final stop, Central Park, where restrooms will be available. Participants will be notified in advance if there are any changes to the itinerary.
Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather conditions and don’t forget your binoculars.
The field trip is free but limited to 10 participants, and registration is required. Priority registration is available to ABAS members through February 1, 2022. After that date, if any open spots remain, non-members may register. To sign up, email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com or text Chuck at (317) 767-5438.
The event is full. You can call Chuck to be on standby.

Woodcock Walk - Carmel West Park
2022-03-05 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | West Park, 2700 W 116th St, Carmel, IN, 46032, United States
Join Chuck Anderson, ABAS President, for a trip to West Park in Carmel. Listen for the “peenting” sounds of a male woodcock as it attempts to court a female during the mating season. Watch the male perform an aerial display and listen to the sound of its twittering wings as it tries to attract a female.
We’ll be stationary with little walking required. Dress appropriately for the weather. We’ll meet at 6:30 pm at the Jill Perelman Pavilion located at 3000 W 116th St, Carmel, IN 46032, 200 yards west of the West Park entrance. The gate to West Park will be closed. We will then walk over to West Park where the American Woodcocks will be displaying.
Registration is not required. Text Chuck at (317) 767-5438 if you have any questions.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.
