February is National Bird Feeding Month and to celebrate I wanted by sharing a few of my top locations in Northwest Indiana for birding! (Well maybe not all my spots. A girl can keep some secrets). Winters for the birds, with spring approaching grab your camera or binoculars and check out these spots!
Great Marsh Trail – Indiana Dunes National Park
I always make a quick stop at Great Marsh after hiking at the Dunes to see what winged creatures are around. In addition to the swans pictured, I have always seen an abundance of geese, cranes, and the occasional hawk. Located in Beverly Shores, IN this features an overlook area of the marsh or an easy trail. There are two parking lots separate parking lots for this location and an Indiana Dunes National Park Pass is Required.
Highland Heron Rookery
This is quickly becoming one of my go to spots when I want to take my camera out and snap some birds. Just south of 94 a short distance off of Kennedy Ave in Highland, this city park is a hidden gem. It is frequented but multiple species including heron, egret, swans, and even owls have been spotted. There is no charge to visit this park and it is open year round.
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Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
Located in Valparaiso, IN there is plenty to do in addition to birding at this lovely park. With roughly six miles of trails through gardens, wetlands, and prairie, you are not only going to see plenty of birds, but a variety of other critters as well. I have had my fair share of run-ins with garter snakes on the trails here (eek for me). There is a $10 charge for carload for non-members at this park.
Potato Creek State Park
From Eagles, to Osprey’s, to Turkey, there is never a shortage of species to find at this park. Located in North Liberty, IN this park is open year round. This property is also a part of the Indiana Birding Trail! There is a $7 Fee for Indiana Residents and did you know you can camp here as well?
Lincoln Park Zoo (Ok Not NWI but Close Enough)
Ok so yes, I like going to a major city to spot wildlife. Now I am not so fond of the caging of the animals at the zoo, it is a great spot to check out the wild birds! What I have found is that in the city, the birds are so used to human interaction, you can get great shots even with out a zoom lens. Another one of my favorite spots is Jackson Park or Garden of the Phoenix to see the birds enjoying the Cherry Blossoms too!
Whelp that is my top list and I hope you fellow bird nerds found it helpful! Tag @rockandleafdesigns on your bird shots on Instagram for a chance to be featured! See you at the next post!
