Bird Alliance of Central Indiana

Sodalis Nature Park Warbler Hike
2019-04-27 07:30 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Sodalis Nature Park, 7700 S. Co. Rd. 975E, Plainfield, IN, 46168, United States
Join Scott Enochs at Sodalis Nature Park in Hendricks County in search of migrating warblers and other Spring arrivals!
In 2011, a collaborative effort among Hendricks County Parks & Recreation, the Indianapolis Airport Authority and the US Fish & Wildlife Service established Sodalis Nature Park in southeastern Hendricks County. This 210-acre tract lies within 2200 acres of land acquired by the Airport Authority for the purpose of wetland conservation and habitat protection for the endangered Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis), after which the park is named.
Once opened to the public, Sodalis quickly became known as one of the most productive birding hotspots in Hendricks County. 158 species have been recorded there according to eBird records, including 34 warbler species, 12 sparrow species, and all the vireo, swallow and woodpecker species expected in Indiana. In addition to migrants, we will also target some of the species that breed in the park. One of the park’s specialties is Prairie Warbler. Territorial males can usually be seen and heard along the Oak Trace trail. If we are lucky, we may also discover whether or not the Mississippi Kites that nested in the park the last two years have returned.
Sodalis Nature Park is located at 7700 South County Road 975 East, Plainfield IN 46168. Participants will meet in the parking lot at 7:30 am. The hike is expected to take two and a half hours. Trails through the park are a mix of gravel and dirt and are normally an easy walk, but interior trails can become very muddy after even moderate rain, making access problematic. Appropriate footwear is recommended along with insect repellent.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Register by contacting Scott at (317) 850-4801, or at msenochs@comcast.net.

Cool Creek Beginning Bird Hikes
2019-04-24 08:30 - 10:00, 2019-04-17 08:30 - 10:00, 2019-04-10 08:30 - 10:00, 2019-04-07 08:30 - 10:00 | 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, however, can be frustrating and learning how to identify all of them can be overwhelming! Join our naturalist staff 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.

Bird Walks in the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab
2019-04-24 08:00 - 10:00, 2019-04-17 08:00 - 10:00, 2019-04-10 08:00 - 10:00, 2019-04-03 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. The only things that are necessary are binoculars and a little bit of patience!
We will meet at the St. Francis colonnade just west of Allison Mansion on the Marian campus at 8:00 am every Wednesday during March and April (excluding March 13), and will head into the EcoLab shortly after. Bring water to drink and wear comfortable shoes. No reservation is required. Contact David Benson, dbenson@marian.edu, with questions.

Southeastway Park Bird Hike
2019-04-23 09:00 - 11:30, 2019-04-16 09:00 - 11:30, 2019-04-09 09:00 - 11:30 | Southeastway Park, 5624 South Carroll Rd, New Palestine, IN, 46163, United States
Come explore Southeastway Park during spring migration. Join Theresa Wilson every Tuesday in April and May. This is a family friendly, beginner to intermediate nature walk, weather permitting. Don’t forget bug spray and sunblock!
Meet at the Nature Center at Southeastway Park. For more information email Theresa at tconwilson@gmail.com.

Great Blue Heron Rookery Programs
2019-04-22 16:30 - 18:00, 2019-04-16 13:00 - 14:30, 2019-04-11 15:30 - 17:00, 2019-04-06 08:00 - 09:30 | The Rookery Preserve, 25440 Scherer Ave, Arcadia, IN, 46030, United States
Join a naturalist at the Great Blue Heron rookery in Hamilton County. We will meet and stay at the Stoops Observation Deck and discuss details about the park. We will spend the majority of the time watching and talking about the Great Blue Herons, who should be busily courting and tending their nests. You are encouraged to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and photography equipment. Some equipment will be available.
The event is free though Pre-registration is preferred.
Register by calling (317) 774-2574 or emailing amanda.smith@hamiltoncounty.in.gov.

Eagle Creek - Bird Hikes
2019-04-21 09:00 - 11:00, 2019-04-14 09:00 - 11:00, 2019-04-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center, 6515 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46278, United States
Each Sunday year round at Eagle Creek Park. Meet at 9:00 am at the Ornithology Center.
This event is free, though a gate fee to Eagle Creek Park applies.

Earth Day Indiana Festival
2019-04-20 11:00 - 16:00 | Military Park at White River State Park, 601 West New York St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
ABAS will be exhibiting at this wonderful annual event. Come see us at historic Military Park at White River State Park. Come to the festival for local food vendors, kid’s activities, over 125 exhibitors, live music, and a 5K run/walk.

Spring Migration Bird Hikes at Cool Creek
2019-04-20 08:00 - 09:30 | Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 East 151st St, Carmel, IN, 46033, United States
Catch a peek at some beautiful birds as they make their return this spring. The hikes are led by well-known birder, Keith Starling. Hurry, some birds will not stay around long. After the hike, stop by the Nature Center’s Wildlife Viewing Area for coffee and doughnuts. Bring your binoculars!
Migration bird hikes meet in the north parking lot of Cool Creek Park past the Nature Center.

Holliday Park Bird Hike
2019-04-16 08:00 - 09:30 | 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!

Smith’s Longspur Field Trip – Lye Creek Prairie Burn
2019-04-14 08:00 - 13:00 | Lye Creek Prairie Burn – Meet Old Marsh, Indianapolis, IN, 46052, United States
Join ABAS on a trip to the Lye Creek Prairie Burn (aka “The Burn”) and surrounding areas 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 8:00 am at the old Marsh parking lot, located at 6965 West 38th Street in Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis around 1:00 pm. Please contact Amy at aehodson@gmail.com if you have any questions. Registration is not required and the event is open to the public.

Warbler ID Workshop
2019-04-13 13:30 - 15:00 | Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center, 6515 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46278, United States
Join Scott Enochs, warbler identification enthusiast and Field Trip Chair for ABAS, for a crash course in warbler identification. We will start in the Ornithology Center classroom and then head outside, weather permitting, to look for migrating warblers in Eagle Creek Park.
This event is free with park admission. Drop-ins are welcome. If you have binoculars, please bring them. If you would like to look for warblers after the presentation, please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Please let us know if you plan to attend at jh_beagle@hotmail.com.

Zionsville Citizen Science Day
2019-04-13 12:00 - 15:00 | Hussey-Mayfield Library, 250 N 5th St, Zionsville, IN, 46077, United States
Zionsville Parks & Recreation and the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library have joined for the inaugural Zionsville Citizen Science Day, where volunteers can join scientists to answer real-world questions. Learn about upcoming science-based programs and research projects where you can contribute or volunteer. ABAS will be on hand to teach about eBird, iNaturalist, and bird banding.
More information about the entire event is HERE. Note that some presentations might be at the nearby Zionsville Nature Center, 690 Beech St, Zionsville, 46077. Check the event venue when registering. Most events are for all ages, with the exception of the last event of the day, which is designed for adults: Turn Your Garden into a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

Thornwood Nature Preserve Bird Hike
2019-04-13 08:00 - 10:00 | Thornwood Nature Preserve, 1597 South Morristown Pike, Greenfield, IN, 46140, United States
Join the Greenfield Birders for a bird hike. Beginners are welcome.
These walks are opportunities to meet other birders, hopefully see new birds, have new experiences and learn from each other. All walks will start at 8:00 am and dates are weather pending. You can keep up to date with any changes, rescheduling, or local bird happenings at: www.facebook.com/groups/GreenfieldBirders. Feel free to join!

Why Bird Feeding Makes a Difference
2019-04-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, United States
Join ABAS Board Director Brian Cunningham for an informative program about feeding the birds.
Anyone who has ever fed wild birds knows that it can bring joy to their lives. But, does bird feeding just benefit people? Do the birds become dependent on the food we provide? We’ll take a look at what we have learned from various scientific studies and citizen science data on why feeding wild birds makes a difference for the health and well-being of people and for our backyard feathered visitors.
Brian Cunningham has a love for the outdoors, nature, and birds. His greatest passion is helping others experience nature and opening their eyes to the wonder and beauty of birds. Brian has worked at Wild Birds Unlimited for 22 years and is their Product and Hobby Education Manager.
Brian has a BS in Forestry with an emphasis in Forest Recreation from Purdue University.

Ft. Harrison State Park Spring Migration Walks
2019-04-07 08:00 - 10:00 | Fort Harrison State Park, 6000 North Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46216, United States
Join Don Gorney for his spring migration bird walks at Ft. Harrison. During the walk Don will point out birds seen and heard and provide details on how to identify spring warblers. Walks are ninety minutes to two hours on relatively even terrain. There is no fee for the walk but standard gate admission applies. Meet in the northeast corner of the Delaware Lake parking lot. For more information, contact Don at dongorney@yahoo.com.

Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab Night Hike
2019-04-03 20:00 - 21:00 | Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab, 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46222, United States
Join Marian University for an early spring night hike to learn about beavers, owls, and other native Indiana wildlife active in the spring!
Come out to the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab to enjoy an evening hike looking for frogs, owls, and to see the handiwork of the resident beaver colony. We’ll start with a hike at dusk, looking and listening for the elaborate aerial displays and calls of the woodcock that reside in the EcoLab, do some owl calling, and look for other signs of early spring wildlife activity. We’ll learn about beaver adaptations and the role of beavers in wetlands, and will learn some really cool facts about owls too.
All ages welcome and encouraged! Bring flashlight, binoculars, and dress appropriately for the weather since we will be outside. Parking is available near the Allison Mansion and in the Marian Hall lot across from Allison Mansion.
We will meet at the St. Francis statue on the west side of the mansion, and then head down to the EcoLab shortly after. This event is free and family friendly! Registration is appreciated, especially if you are bringing a group. Please register here. Questions can be directed to Stephanie Schuck at sschuck@marian.edu.

Strawtown Koteewi Park Beginning Bird Hikes
2019-04-03 08:30 - 10:00 | 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, however, can be frustrating and learning how to identify all of them can be overwhelming! Join our naturalist staff 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!
