Bird Alliance of Central Indiana

Cool Creek Beginning Bird Hike
2023-02-08 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-02-12 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-02-15 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-02-22 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-02-26 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | 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.
Plan to follow existing federal, state, and local guidelines for masks and other COVID prevention measures.

Cool Creek Bird Hike
2023-02-11 08:30 - 11:00, 2023-02-18 08:30 - 11:00, 2023-02-25 08:30 - 11:00 | 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.
Plan to follow existing federal, state, and local guidelines for masks and other COVID prevention measures.

Inclusive & Accessible Birding - Sam Newkirk
2023-02-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
Join us this February for a discussion with Sam Newkirk—program chair for the Amos Butler Audubon Society. He will review the best practices for leading accessible bird hikes and nature programs. He will discuss the distinction between segregated accessible programming and integrated accessible design. Sam is a great resource for those wanting to know more about how to welcome a broader audience to your birding outings. He is passionate about leading accessible birding hikes at his place of work—Eagle Creek Park—and would like to share his knowledge with more people looking to expand the reach of our organization.

Great Backyard Bird Count
2023-02-18 09:00 - 12:00 | IN
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 four 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 River Heritage Park, 11813 River Road, Carmel. From there we will caravan to Founders Park, Hazel Landing Park, and if time permits, Meadowlark Park, our final stop. Heated indoor restrooms are available at Founders Park and Meadowlark Park. 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 4, 2023. 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.

Holliday Park Bird Hike
2023-02-21 08:30 - 10:00 | 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!
We will be following federal, state, and local guidelines for masks and other COVID prevention measures during the hike. Check the ABAS calendar to be sure the hike isn’t canceled.

Strawtown Koteewi Park - Beginning Bird Hikes
2023-03-01 08:30 - 10:30 | 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!

Cool Creek Bird Hike
2023-03-04 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-03-11 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-03-18 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-03-25 08:30 - 10:30 | 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.

Woodcock Walk - Carmel West Park
2023-03-04 18:30 - 20:00 | 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 in the West Park parking lot near the 3 small shelters.
Registration is not required. Text Chuck at (317) 767-5438 if you have any questions.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.

Cool Creek Beginning Bird Hike
2023-03-08 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-03-12 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-03-15 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-03-22 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-03-26 08:30 - 10:30, 2023-03-29 08:30 - 10:30 | 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.

Woodcock Walk – Strawtown Koteewi Park
2023-03-11 18:00 - 20:00 | 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 6:00 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 6:30 pm.

Regional Birding in Colombia - Rob Ripma
2023-03-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
Colombia has grown into a major birding destination in recent years, and it’s easy to see why due to the largest species list in the world and a huge diversity of habitats to explore. It’s truly become one of the best countries for birding in the world. Join Rob Ripma, ABAS Past President and owner of Sabrewing Nature Tours, as he talks about some of his favorite birding sites in Colombia.
He’ll be covering the incredible northern coast including the spectacular Santa Marta region as well as parts of the Central Andes region. This adventure will take us from sea level up to over 10,000 feet in the Andes and is sure to add another country to your birding travel wishlist!

Garfield Park Urban Bird Walks
2023-03-18 08:00 - 09:30 | Garfield Park Conservatory, 2432 Conservatory Dr, Indianapolis, IN, 46203, United States
Garfield Park, while being a very urban park, is a sanctuary for wildlife. Join park naturalist, Jessica Helmbold, on a walk through the park in search of birds. Even if you have never been on a bird walk before or consider yourself an expert birder, this program is for everyone. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars. If you don’t have binoculars, a limited number will be available for use to anyone who needs them.
This Indy Parks event requires registration through their system here. There is a $5 fee per person.
Meet at the Conservatory entrance.

Woodcock Walk – Daubenspeck Community Nature Park
2023-03-18 19:30 - 20:30 | 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.
Photo courtesy of Amy Hodsen.

First Day of Spring Sunrise Bird Hike
2023-03-20 08:30 - 10:00 | Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center, 6515 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46278, United States
Celebrate the spring equinox with a sunrise bird hike at Eagle Creek Park. Perfect for the whole family. Binoculars provided. Pre-registration required but program is FREE with park admission! Park admission is $5 per car for in county residents and $6 if you live outside of Marion county.
Meet in front of the Ornithology Center at 8:30 am on Monday March 20th. Depending on the weather and desires of the group, we may hike around the Coffer Dam loop (2 miles) or Lilly Lake (1 mile). Please call ahead if you have any accessibility needs – we would be happy to accommodate!
Register here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/indyparks/activity/search/detail/24342?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

Holliday Park Bird Hike
2023-03-21 08:30 - 10:00 | 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!

Bird Walks in the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab
2023-03-29 08:00 - 10:00 | Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab, 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46222, United States
The Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab is a wonderful place to bird watch, with over 165 different species sightings being recorded since 2002. No experience is necessary, and the hike will be led by one of the bird experts at Marian University. The only things that are necessary are binoculars and a little bit of patience!
We will meet at the St. Francis statue just west of the Allison Mansion on the Marian campus at 8:00 am on three Wednesdays in April. Bring water to drink and wear comfortable shoes. No reservation is required. Contact David Benson, dbenson@marian.edu, with questions.
