Bird Alliance of Central Indiana

Newfields Bird Hike
2020-03-21 08:00 - 10:00, 2020-05-30 08:00 - 10:00, 2020-09-26 08:00 - 10:00, 2020-12-05 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Virginia B Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres at Newfields, 1550 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN, 46208, United States
ABAS is excited to partner with The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields for bird hikes on this beautiful property along the White River and Central Canal. The hikes will be led by ABAS President Rob Ripma.
Meet at Lake Terrace in the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres. There is free parking at the loop just ¼ mile west of the 38th Street entrance to Newfields. The loop parking is closer to the hike start and the address given for this event is approximate. You’ll need to be heading west on 38th Street to enter the loop parking area. Take the White River Pkwy East exit. Once in the parking area, walk north through the entrance down a very short trail to Lake Terrace. Alternatively, you can park in the main Newfield parking lots and walk down to the starting point.
The hike is free and open to the public. Registration is requested by emailing us at info@amosbutleraudubon.org.
Join us as we explore the nesting species of this wonderful property.

About Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres
On, no surprise, one hundred acres along the west side of Newfields, just east of White River, you’ll find Fairbanks Park. Explore woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and the shoreline of a 35-acre lake. It’s one of the largest museum art parks in the country, and unlike most, continues to commission temporary, site-responsive artworks.
As a former farm and later gravel quarry, Fairbanks Park has a history of disturbance that has resulted in a mix of early successional woodlands, some mature woodlands, wetlands, and a lake. This habitat diversity has created a property with the ability to host niche species of several different habitat types. Newfields strives to maintain that habitat diversity by invasive species removal and planting of Indiana native plant species in all areas of the Park.
Recent additions include a nesting platform built to attract birds of prey, a wild grass labyrinth, and a variety of bird feeding and viewing stations.

Woodcock Walk – Daubenspeck Community Nature Park
2020-03-21 19:30 - 21:00 (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 7:30 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.

Canceled – Woodcock Walk – Strawtown Koteewi Park
2020-03-28 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | 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 7:30 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 8:00 pm.

Canceled – Smith’s Longspur Field Trip – Lye Creek Prairie Burn
2020-04-11 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Lye Creek Prairie Burn – Meet at Denny’s in Lebanon, 1524 West South Street, Lebanon, IN, 46052, United States
Join Shari McCollough, Indiana Audubon Society Membership Chair, and host Clint Murray 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, as the property is managed specifically for them. We will meet at 9:00 am at Denny’s restaurant located just off I65 exit #140 at 1524 West South Street, Lebanon and carpool to The Burn. While in the area, we will also seek out any raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds that may be present. Participants can expect to return to Lebanon at around 1:00 pm. This field trip is free and open to anyone but limited to 20 participants. Registration is required. Please register with Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com or text Chuck at (317) 767-5438. Contact Chuck if you have any questions.

Canceled – Bird Rehabilitation
2020-04-14 19:30 - 21:00, 2020-09-08 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
Join Liz Hatton for an informative discussion of bird rehabilitation. Located in Westfield, Liz has been a DNR permitted wildlife rehabilitator since 1995. Her husband, Chris, joined her in 1991 following his retirement from Dow Elanco. Last year they registered over 800 birds for rehabilitation. Starlings, Pigeons, and House Sparrow don’t have to be registered so they actually treated about 900 birds last year. She will have a few live birds that aren’t candidates to be released and will demonstrate feeding techniques with some young birds if possible.

Spring – Migrant Field Trip – Morgan and Monroe Counties
2020-05-02 06:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Meet at Walmart in Camby, 8191 Upland Bend, Camby, IN, 46113, United States
Join Scott Enochs on a trip to various spots in Morgan and Monroe Counties. The hike will target migrating warblers, vireos, tanagers, and flycatchers. More specifically, this trip will target Kentucky, Hooded, and Worm-eating Warblers. The trip will consist of various terrains which could include steep hillsides, so appropriate footwear should be considered. We will meet at 6:30 am at the Walmart located at 8191 Upland Bend in Camby. Participants can expect to return to Indy around 1:00 pm. There is no charge for this event and it is open to the public. Registration is requested by contacting Scott at msenochs@comcast.net or (317) 850-4801.

Photo of Hooded Warbler courtesy of Mike Timmons.

Canceled – The Dark Side of Lepidoptera
2020-05-12 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
Join Amanda Smith, Superintendent of Natural Resources and Education for the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department, for an informative discussion about the dark side of Lepidoptera, specifically moths. They make up 90% of the Order of Lepidoptera, however, they share very little of the excitement or appreciation that surrounds their more popular cousins, the butterflies. Moths are critical to the food webs, extremely diverse, understudied, and many are more striking than the prettiest butterfly. In this program we will discuss moth identification, their importance in the ecosystem, how to attract them, tips on moth photography, and provide connections to resources and projects geared to helping people learn about these fascinating and yet often overlooked insects.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Canceled - Garfield Park Swift Watch
2020-08-14 20:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Dr, Indianapolis, 46203, United States
Learn about Chimney Swifts as the sun sets with ABAS education chair and park naturalist Jessica Helmbold. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, binoculars or scopes to observe an active colony at Garfield Park Arts Center, plus several other bird species that are active at dusk. RSVP at the contact us page.

Canceled - Fountain Square Swift Watch
2020-08-15 20:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Rooftop Garden at Fountain Square Theatre Building, 1111 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN, 46203, United States
Join ABAS education chair and 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. RSVP at the contact us page.

Fall Warblers – Strawtown Koteewi Park
2020-09-05 08:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Strawtown Koteewi Park, 12308 Strawtown Avenue, Noblesville, IN, 46060, United States
Possible Travel Detour – If you plan to approach from the west, 236th Street is closed in both directions from US 31 to Cicero. Detour signage has you exiting US 31 at 256th Street and taking that east to 19 then south on 19 to Cicero then east on 236th to the park.

An alternate route would be to take IN 32 to Hague Road, then north on Hague Road to Cicero, then east on 236th Street. You can also go north on IN 37 to Strawtown Avenue and then go west to the park.

Please plan your travel time accordingly.

Join well-respected birder and field trip leader Terry Ballenger as we look for migrating fall warblers as well as local resident birds in this 800-acre park. The fall migration should be well underway and we should expect to see several species of warblers. We’ll meet at the Taylor Center of Natural History building parking lot at 8:30 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 local cultural exhibits.
The field trip is open to all and there is no fee for the event. Pre-registration is not required, 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 email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.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.

Conner Prairie Fall Migration Field Trip
2020-09-19 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN, 46038, United States
Registration is full.
Join accomplished birders Becky Lomax-Sumner and Laurie Voss for a morning of birding at Conner Prairie. It should be prime time viewing for fall warblers and other migrating birds as well as local, year-round residents.
The terrain is flat and the trails are well maintained. The hike will be approximately two miles. We’ll meet in the parking lot at 8:00 am and start from there on foot. Make sure to bring your binoculars and wear comfortable walking shoes.
There is no fee for the field trip. However, the trip is limited to 10 participants, and registration is required. Email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com or text Chuck at (317) 767-5438 to reserve your spot on the field trip. We expect the field trip to fill up quickly as this is the first ABAS outing to Connor Prairie in several years.
Masks will likely 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.
Cerulean Warbler photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

The Dark Side of Lepidoptera
2020-10-13 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States

Fall Birding at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge
2020-10-18 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 fall. Southern Indiana fall colors, fall waterfowl migration, and lunch after the outing. Duck migration should be well underway and many species are expected to be present in the refuge.
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. 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.
There will be no fee for the field trip and it’s open to the public. Registration is not required but greatly appreciated. Let us know in advance if you are planning to join the group for lunch so we can make reservations at the restaurant.
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 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.

Celery Bog Nature Area Field Trip (Full)
2020-10-31 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Celery Bog Nature Area, 1620 Lindberg Rd, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, United States
Registration is full. Join ABAS 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, with a possibility of spotting a Long-tailed Duck. Snow Goose and Greater White-fronted Goose also frequent the 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. Email Chuck at chucka1999@aol.com or text (317) 767-5438 to reserve your spot on the field trip.
Masks will likely be required for most of the trip. There may be times when we can spread out and take a break from the masks.
Photo of Hooded Merganser courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Indiana’s Rare Plants
2020-11-10 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting, IN, United States
Join Roger Hedge for an online program about Indiana’s rare plants. From oak savannas, prairies, dunes, and natural lakes of northern Indiana, to southern Indiana’s forested hills, glades, barrens, and cypress swamps, our state has a rich biodiversity. These and other Indiana natural communities support a spectacular array of plant and animal species, including nearly 450 vascular plants that are considered endangered or threatened in the state. Many of these species occur on dedicated state nature preserves and other public lands.
The Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center in the Division of Nature Preserves, Department of Natural Resources, tracks and monitors these rare species and high-quality natural communities. Roger Hedge is an ecologist and botanist with the data center. His primary duties include searching for and monitoring these natural features. Enjoy an armchair tour of some of Indiana’s finest natural areas and the rare species they support.
This will be an online program using Zoom. Participants will register using Eventbrite and there will be a limit of 100. To register go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indianas-rare-plants-tickets-123747228291. Once we are close to the program date, you will receive an email with an invite to a Zoom meeting.

Photo: Roger Hedge and Scott Namestnik, Indiana Natural Heritage Data biologists, monitoring rare plants at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Indiana.
Photo credit: Joe Robb

Sandhill Cranes at Jasper-Pulaski
2020-11-14 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Jasper-Pulaski FWA Headqaurters, 5822 Fish & Wildlife Lane, Medaryville, IN, 47957, United States
Join ABAS Field Trip Chair, Chuck Anderson, for a trip to Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA). This will be a great opportunity to view thousands of Sandhill Cranes as they congregate in Goose Pasture before returning to the roosting marshes. There’s always a possibility of spotting a Whooping Crane among the Sandhills.
We’ll meet at 4:00 pm at the Sandhill Crane Observation Platform parking lot located on County Rd 1650W, 1 mile past the park’s headquarters entrance. Follow the very visible signage. Bring binoculars and spotting scope, if you have one. This will also be a great opportunity to photograph the birds in flight as they pass over the viewing platform.
Dress appropriately for the weather. Outhouses are available near the viewing platform.
There is no fee for the trip. However, it is limited to 10 participants, and registration is required. Email Chuck at chucka1999@aol.com or text (317) 767-5438 to reserve your spot on the field trip.
Masks will likely be required during most of the viewing as this is a very popular location for observing the cranes.
Photo is courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Fall Birding at Goose Pond (Full)
2020-11-22 12:00 - 20:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Goose Pond FWA Visitor Center, 13540 West County Road 400 South, Linton, IN, 47441, United States
Join accomplished birders Whitney and Jonathan Yoerger for a late afternoon 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.
Meet at the Goose Pond Visitor’s Center parking lot at 3:00 pm.
There is no fee for the field trip and its open to the public.
The is a limit of 10 participants and registration is required. Email Whitney at whitney.yoerger@gmail.com to reserve your spot. Goose Pond is a popular birding location and we expect registration to fill quickly.
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.
Masks will be required when birding in close proximity to others.
Photo is courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Guatemala: A Birder’s Paradise
2020-12-08 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting, IN, United States
Join ABAS President and Sabrewing Nature Tours owner, Rob Ripma, as he takes us on a photographic journey through the incredible country of Guatemala. Not only is Guatemala a birder’s paradise with species such as Pink-headed Warbler and Horned Guan, it’s also one of the best countries in Central America to experience the ancient Mayan culture. From the UNESCO World Heritage site of Antigua to the ancient Tikal ruins, there are numerous fascinating cultural and historic sites to see. Combine that with a wonderful diversity of birds, and Guatemala is a country that you don’t want to miss!
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/guatemala-a-birders-paradise-tickets-123749555251. Once we are close to the program date, you will receive an email with an invite to a Zoom meeting.

Photo courtesy of Rob Ripma.

4th Greenfield Birders CBC
2020-12-19 08:00 - 13:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Online, IN, United States
The Greenfield Birders will be holding a Christmas Bird Count on December 19. All participants are encouraged to watch their feeders and bird at their favorite local park.
There will not be a formalized meeting before or after the count. To submit your sightings and for more information, please contact Adam Wilson at nikonbirdhunter@gmail.com.

Jamestown CBC
2020-12-19 08:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | McCloud Park Nature Center, 8518 Hughes Rd, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
This Christmas Bird Count centers around Jamestown, Indiana in Hendricks County. Please contact Roger Hedge at 317-473-3222 (cell) or rhedge@dnr.in.gov in advance to determine how this will work. There will be no group meeting to gather observations and totals. Birders need to drive separately to locations. While birding participants will need to wear a mask and or social distance.

110th Indianapolis CBC
2020-12-19 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Fort Harrison State Park, 6000 North Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46216, United States
Pre-register to determine the areas to bird for the count.
Whether you are a first-time birdwatcher or an experienced pro, your help is needed during the 121st annual National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (CBC). This will be the 110th anniversary of the Indianapolis CBC, which was first held in December 1910.
Nationwide, more than 2,000 CBCs are conducted during the holiday season. National Audubon Society and other organizations use the data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation actions. General information about the National Audubon Society and the Annual Christmas Bird Count can be found at www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count.
The Indianapolis CBC, sponsored by ABAS, takes place within a 15-mile-diameter circle covering the northeast side of Indianapolis, with the center point being in Fort Harrison State Park.
If you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. Participants need to drive separately to locations, where masks and or maintain a social distance while birding. In addition, if your home is within the boundaries of the count circle, you can stay home and report the birds that visit your bird feeders.
The most exciting news is that CBC is a free program. To participate, please register prior to December 16 so that birding teams and count plans can be made in advance of the count. Register to participate by calling John Schaust at (317) 208-4021 or emailing schaust@gmail.com.
This year there will be no meeting to go over totals. When you register with John Schaust, he will let you know how to submit your observations and totals.

Johnson County CBC
2020-12-20 08:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Johnson County Parks, 2949 E. North Street, Nineveh, IN, 46164, United States
There will be no group meeting to gather observations and totals. Birders need to drive separately to locations. While birding participants will need to wear a mask and or social distance.
Contact Mike Clay at mpclay@comcast.net.

Eagle Creek Valley CBC
2020-12-20 08:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center, 6515 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46278, United States
The Eagle Creek Valley Christmas Bird Count, sponsored by ABAS, takes place within a 15-mile-diameter circle covering the northwest side of Indianapolis, with the center being in Eagle Creek Park.
Please contact Will Schaust at (317) 327-2473, or email him at william.schaust@indy.gov by December 14 to participate. There will be no group meeting to gather observations and totals. Birders need to drive separately to locations. While birding participants will need to wear a mask and or social distance.

Hamilton Co CBC
2020-12-26 08:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 East 151st St, Carmel, IN, 46033, United States
Celebrate the holidays by helping the National Audubon Society conduct the 120th annual Christmas Bird Count. Join other bird-watchers for a morning of hiking and birding. Registration is required. To register or receive more details, call the Cool Creek Nature Center at 317-774-2500, or you can also register at myhamiltoncountyparks.com.
Birders need to drive separately to locations. While birding participants will need to wear a mask and or social distance.

The Dark Side of Lepidoptera
2021-01-12 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting, IN, United States
Join Amanda Smith, Superintendent of Natural Resources and Education for the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department, for an informative discussion about the dark side of Lepidoptera, specifically moths. They make up 90% of the Order of Lepidoptera. However, they share very little of the excitement or appreciation that surrounds their more popular cousins, the butterflies. Moths are critical to the food webs, extremely diverse, understudied, and many are more striking than the prettiest butterfly. In this program we will discuss moth identification, their importance in the ecosystem, how to attract them, tips on moth photography, and provide connections to resources and projects geared to helping people learn about these fascinating and yet often overlooked insects.
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/the-dark-side-of-lepidoptera-tickets-131374539785. Once we are close to the program date, you will receive an email with an invite to a Zoom meeting.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Winter Lakefront Field Trip
2021-01-23 09:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Washington Park Beach Entrance, 114 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, IN, 46360, United States
Join experienced birder and field trip leader Scott Enochs as he leads you along the Indiana Lake Michigan lakeshore in search of wintering gulls, waterfowl, and any vagrants that may be in the area. We’ll meet at Washington Park Beach in Michigan City (41.7281N 86.9040W) 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. Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather conditions. 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 10 participants and registration is required. Priority registration is available to ABAS members through January 10, 2021. 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.

Masks will be required for the majority of the trip. There may be times when we can spread out and get a break from the masks.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.
