The Bird Alliance of Central Indiana and Indy Parks invite you to observe and enjoy birds in whatever way works for you, in this Fall Birding for All Program. This birding experience is a part of Birdability Week, which celebrates and creates awareness for birders with disabilities and other health concerns. However, all are welcome at this event!

LOCATION & ACCESS CONSIDERATIONS: Grassy Creek Park is a far-eastside park with a new Environmental Center, playgrounds, and multiple habitats including prairie, wetland, and young forest. The front desk staff will direct you to the feeder room or outdoor station as desired, but you are free to visit each station during the program!

The program will run from 9am-11am on Tuesday, October 20. We will have two stationary sites set up for birding, and an optional stroll to join around 9:30am:

Feeder Watching Station- From the indoor feeder room, our leader will help you learn seed-eating birds in their fall plumage and their calls at the feeder station, complete with speakers to bring the outside in! Ample seating is available, with plenty of space for mobility aids. Birds we may encounter include Dark-eyed Junco, various sparrow and woodpecker species, American Goldfinch, and hawks. 

Prairie Sit- A second station will be outdoors but with seating under cover and shade, overlooking the prairie habitat. This station’s leader will guide guests in identifying migratory species such as sparrows, hawks, and winter migrants. Scopes will be set up to observe birds as far back as the wetland and tree line. 

Guided Stroll- This optional stroll is a < .5-mile loop on wide paved and sidewalk trail. The trail does not have shade or benches, and may be exposed to cold, heat, wind, and/or humidity. There is a shelter with picnic tables near the end of the loop.

The leader will take guests along the small wetland, post-bloom prairie, and tree line around the Environmental Center to search for late-fall warblers, Dark-eyed Junco, sparrow species, hawks, and more. The stroll will be an hour long and the pace will be slow, though we will make stops for birds.

PREPARATION: A limited number of binoculars and spotting scopes will be available to borrow. Please remember to bring any other gear or aids that will help you best enjoy this outing. Restrooms are available inside the building. Parking is available close to the Environmental Center as well as a drive-up loop.

REGISTRATION: Register online here. This event is free, and drop-ins are welcome, but preregistration is appreciated so we have a good idea of binoculars needed. For any questions or accommodation requests, contact engagement@birdallianceofcentralindiana.org or call 715-495-3904. We’ll do what we can to ensure you can enjoy this fall birding experience!