On December 5, an intrepid group of 15 birders was out on a frosty morning. Newfields strives to maintain that habitat diversity by invasive species removal and planting of Indiana native plant species in all areas of the Park. On this Saturday, the group had an immature Bald Eagle fly over and Pine Siskins among the 31 species they saw. Another highlight was a white-tailed deer and a nice buck at that. ABAS holds these hikes quarterly in conjunction with Newfields.

On November 22, 13 enthusiastic birders met at the Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area Visitor Center for an afternoon of birding.  Though the skies were gray and there was a chill in the air, spirits were lifted as 2 Whooping Cranes were in sight before the field trip was even underway.  As we caravanned around the property, we saw 4 Trumpeter Swans, multiple Northern Harriers, Rough-legged Hawks, and numerous Canvasbacks to name a few of the 39 species of birds we recorded that day. The highlight for the outing occurred just before dusk when we observed 8 Short-eared Owls flying over the fields in search of prey. Special thanks to Whitney and Jonathan Yoerger who did a fantastic job in leading this field trip.

On Saturday, November 14, 6 birders participated in the ABAS field trip to Jasper-Pulaski FWA to view Sandhill Cranes. Jasper Pulaski hosts the largest concentration east of the Mississippi River.  The temperature was cool and the skies were overcast but the rain held off.  We heard the loud, trumpeting sound of thousands of cranes as they flew into the field to socialize before roosting for the night. Also in view were several Wild Turkeys and at least two dozen White-tailed Deer. The highlight for the outing came when a hunter in the far woods shot his gun and all the cranes took to the air in mass hysteria. They settled back down in the field after several minutes.  As sunset came the group called it an end to an enjoyable afternoon afield.