Bird Alliance of Central Indiana

Cool Creek Beginning Bird Hikes
2021-02-07 09:00 - 11:00, 2021-01-27 09:00 - 11:00, 2021-01-24 09:00 - 11:00, 2021-01-20 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 East 151st St, Carmel, IN, 46033, United States
Birds are fascinating and watching them can be an awe-inspiring experience. Catching a glimpse of these gorgeous creatures can be frustrating. Learning how to identify all of them can be overwhelming Join a Hamilton Co Parks Naturalist and other guest leaders Sunday and Wednesday mornings and we will learn together. This will be a great opportunity for birdwatchers of all levels. You may begin anytime during the season and come as often as you like. Pre-registration is not required. Don’t forget your binoculars!
These hikes meet in the north parking lot of Cool Creek Park past the Nature Center.
Depending on the rules at the time, masks will likely be required for the hikes.

Cool Creek Bird Hikes
2021-02-06 09:00 - 23:00, 2021-01-30 09:00 - 23:00, 2021-01-23 09:00 - 23:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 East 151st St, Carmel, IN, 46033, United States
Join expert birder Keith Starling each Saturday for a hike through Cool Creek.
No registration is required.
Meet in the north parking lot past the Nature Center.
Depending on the rules at the time, masks may be required for this hike.

Strawtown Koteewi Park Beginning Bird Hikes
2021-02-03 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Strawtown Koteewi Park, 12308 Strawtown Avenue, Noblesville, IN, 46060, United States
Birds are fascinating and watching them can be an awe-inspiring experience. Catching a glimpse of these gorgeous creatures can be frustrating. Learning how to identify all of them can be overwhelming. Join a Hamilton Co Parks Naturalist or other guest leaders the first Wednesday of each month and we will learn together. This will be a great opportunity for birdwatchers of all levels.
Meet in the parking lot of the Taylor Center of Natural History.
Pre-registration is not required. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Depending on the rules at the time, masks will likely be required for the hikes.

Owl Prowl Evenings at Holliday Park
2021-01-30 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-01-29 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
Meet at the Holliday Park Pavilion for an evening of owl-themed activities. There will be an owl presentation, dissecting owl pellets, and a hike to listen for and call for owls in the forest. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED and there is a $7/person fee to Indy Parks. This is Friday and Saturday night.

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.

Holliday Park Bird Hike
2021-01-19 08:30 - 10:00, 2020-12-15 08:30 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
Join us at Holliday Park for a bird hike through the woods and along the White River. Meet in front of the nature center. For more information call (317) 327-7180. Beginning birders welcome!
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.

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.

Eagle Creek - Bird Hikes
2021-01-03 09:00 - 11:00, 2020-12-27 09:00 - 11:00, 2020-12-20 09:00 - 11:00, 2020-12-13 09:00 - 11:00, 2020-12-06 09:00 - 11:00, 2020-11-29 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center, 6515 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46278, United States
Each Sunday year-round at Eagle Creek Park. Meet us at 9:00 am at the Ornithology Center.
This event is free, though a gate fee to Eagle Creek Park applies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Canceled - Volunteer Training
2020-12-17 09:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
ABAS is making it easy to volunteer with our Volunteer Training Program. Each session will focus on a different topic designed to provide volunteers with hands-on opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to help with chapter programs and events. No experience needed, open to individuals age 16+.
These sessions are free and are open to the public. Register by emailing Abarnes@HollidayPark.org.

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.

Newfields Bird Hike
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.

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.
