Indy Birding Trail Guide

1 cover photo by Les l ie Gordon photo by ryan sanderson

Rose-breasted Rosebeak id you know that more than 400 species of birds have been observed in ? From the fascinating Ruby-throated D Hummingbird to the magnificent Bald Eagle, many bird species rely on for a permanent home or a vital stop- over during migration. Here in Indianapolis we are a part of the Mississippi Flyway, a migratory zone that ushers birds all the way from the northern Arctic to southern Argentina on their seasonal journeys for food and breeding grounds. It is because of our great natural diversity of bird species, appreciation of their contributions to our daily lives, and an awareness of the challenges they are facing that Indianapolis has decided to take action for our birds. www.in dy.gov/birdindy 2 What is BirdIndy? On October 27th 2011, Indianapolis became one of the latest U.S. cities to sign the Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds (Urban Bird Treaty). Upon signing, Indianapolis was awarded a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) grant to promote city- wide initiatives which improve bird habitat, increase community awareness, and encourage the active stewardship of migratory birds by residents. The challenge grant is matched by partners’ dollars and in-kind support. Projects are currently underway to promote the conservation of Indy’s migratory bird species and to connect city photo by ryan sanderson residents to our urban birds. As an Urban Bird Treaty City, Indianapolis community partners such as Indy Parks, SustainIndy, Amos Butler Audubon, Center for Urban Ecology and local residents will launch new projects to engage our community and promote the health and White-crowned Sparrow sustainability of our local wildlife. The presence of native migratory bird local economies through outdoor species in our city allows for a richer recreational activities. cultural and biological community Explore our local BIRDINDY for our residents. Birds act as key initiatives and projects to learn how indicators of environmental quality, you can help conserve our native foster a connection between city migratory bird species and make residents and their environment, Indianapolis a truly outstanding and contribute financially to Urban Bird community.

3 www.in dy.gov/birdindy photo by ryan sanderson

Tree Swallow Birding Ethics • Stay on paths, roads, and trails where available to limit habitat disturbance. We encourage residents to seek • Keep noise to a minimum. out migratory and resident bird species for viewing, however, there • Crouch down to make yourself appear are some important guidelines smaller or consider using a blind. to making sure we are enjoying • Limit flash photography, artificial our wildlife without causing them lighting, and sound recordings. harm. Please keep in mind that the most important part of being • Always keep your distance from a birder is ensuring the success nesting, display, and important of our local populations and that feeding sites! may at times mean foregoing a • Leave no trace! Make sure you close range photo op. Here are pick up all trash and supplies used some tips to ensure your birding while viewing. experience in enjoyable for you and • Abide by the laws and rights of minimal impact to our birds. pertaining to each property you are Keep in mind that many of these visiting. Be conscious of hours of suggestions will improve your bird operation, appropriate parking areas, viewing experience as well as the and other visitors to the property. experiences of local wildlife and fellow birders! For more complete • Be a role model and advocate for information on birding ethics birding in Indianapolis. Lead others please visit the American Birding by example and please encourage Association (ABA) website. onlookers to learn about birding and the Indy Birding Trail. www.in dy.gov/birdindy 4 Supplies save a lot of valuable time for birding. Birding can be done In order to make your birding Binoculars: with the naked eye,however, if you excursion more productive are trying to pin down what species and enjoyable look over our you are looking at you will be need to recommended supplies and see detailed markings and colorations preparations before heading out for which may be very difficult, if not your day of adventure. impossible, without the aid of Suggested Supplies binoculars. Buying binoculars locally from an outdoor outfitter, wild bird Appropriate clothing: Be feed store, or other outlet will allow sure you are dressed for the season. you to speak with knowledgeable staff Birding can be done at all times of year and try out the binoculars in the store here in Indiana so make sure your before you buy them. clothing will keep you comfortable and protected. It is always a good Birding ID Books: Over time, idea to have a raincoat nearby, a wide more than 275 species of birds have brimmed hat or other sun protection, been spotted within Marion County, and comfortable footwear. Read about which makes birding here in Indy an the sites you are heading to in order exciting and engrossing challenge. If to best prepare for the journey ahead. you are interested in finding out what Many of our sites contain tall-grass birds you are seeing a good field guide prairie or meadow habitats and wearing (or two) will be a necessity. Peterson long pants may be recommended to field guides and National Geographic reduce exposure to ticks and other editions are popular guides. Go to insect bites as well as poison ivy in some your local bookstore to see what of our wooded habitats. resources work best for you. Food and Water: Even if you are CamerA: Wildlife photography just heading out for a couple of hours, can be a fun and rewarding pastime. we recommend keeping a water Bringing a camera with you on your bottle on you along with some snacks. birding excursion can also help you to Please make sure to pack out any identify the species you were viewing in trash you make while on the trail. the field back at home where you may have more resources at your disposal. Be Map: We recommend an atlas, GPS, aware that birds are usually high in trees or access to our interactive map when or far in the distance so only high quality exploring the Indy Birding Trail. Our cameras, often with specialty lenses sites are dispersed throughout Marion will be able to capture a good photo. County and having a map handy can

5 www.in dy.gov/birdindy photo by ryan sanderson Bird Identification One of the most challenging, and rewarding, parts of bird watching can be bird identification. With 200 or more species of birds possible in Marion County during a given year, it’s easy to understand why beginning birders may feel a little overwhelmed Northern Cardinal starting out. Think of your birding hobby as a life-long adventure adding your ID books. New online apps are new visual and auditory cues to your available for purchase that can help repertoire each year. By utilizing our lighten the load of carrying around beginner’s suggestions, visiting the field guides. Examples of apps Ornithology Center, include iBird, Audubon Birds, and and joining in on birding hikes with the Sibley eGuide to Birds. more experienced birders, such as Calls Amos Butler Audubon staff, you will improve your birding skills while Each bird has its own melodious exploring Indianapolis and its many call, though some birds are amazing birds. exceptional mimics, you can use their characteristic calls to help Identification Tips in identification. Learning bird Characteristics such as size, shape, calls does take dedication and habitat, behavior, markings and repetition but as the birds you are frequency will help you greatly seeking to identify may be high up in your early stages of bird in trees or in inaccessible areas it identification. Chances are you will can be an invaluable tool in species not see a Blue Jay diving into the identification. We recommend water for its morning meal, it will utilizing birding CD’s and online not be a Wood Duck hammering resources such as the Cornell Lab away at bark for insects and larvae, of Ornithology Macauley Library and unfortunately it is unlikely that which houses the world’s largest you are looking at the probably archive of nature calls and sounds. extinct Ivorybilled Woodpecker Keep a yearly or life long list of your through those binoculars. Learning bird sightings online at eBird.org some of the basic body shapes, and watch as your birding record behaviors, and markings will help and enjoyment grows with each new you narrow your search through birding season! www.in dy.gov/birdindy 6 Partners We believe that the most meaningful and successful conservation efforts come from within our own community. Please support our BIRDINDY partners and use them as resources to further your knowledge, enjoyment, and stewardship of native plants and wildlife. The following groups have contributed to the success of BIRDINDY initiatives or are working on projects which align with our mission to conserve Indy’s native migratory birds. It will take a community effort to protect and promote our wildlife. Check out what other organizations are doing to make Indianapolis more bird-friendly. • Amos Butler Audubon • Butler University Center for Urban Ecology • Central Indiana Land Trust • Indy Parks • Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB)

• Indiana Native Plant and photo by ryan sanderson Wildflower Society (INPAWS) • Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF) • Wild Birds Unlimited • Environment for the Americas (EFTA) • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Eastern Meadowlark

7 www.in dy.gov/birdindy 465 NE-01 465 NE-01 NE-02 NE-02 W 86th St 69

Zionsville Rd NE-03 Ke ys tone NE-05W 86th St

NE-04 Av e

College Binford Blvd

O N O M 69 EAGLE CREEK RESERVOIR W 56th St Michigan

Av

N

L I A R T e NE-06 to 08

St LAWRENCE NE-10 Meridian 38th St 38th St NE-11 38th St 65 NE-09

74 St NE-12 Zionsville Rd 70 NE-03 W 16th St 16th St NE-13 W 10th St 10th St

Washington St Ke

Sout heas tern ys Av Brookville Rd 70 e tone NE-05 65 74

DECATUR S Eas

FRANKLIN Av t St 37 NE-04 for an online map of all sites go to: e

http://goo.gl/maps/IxWSp College Binford Blvd

EAGLE CREEK O N O M RESERVOIR W 56th St Michigan

Av

N

L I A R T e NE-06 to 08

St LAWRENCE NE-10 Meridian 38th St 38th St NE-11 38th St 65 NE-09

74 St NE-12

70 W 16th St 16th St NE-13 W 10th St 10th St

Washington St

Sout heas tern Av Brookville Rd 70 e

65 74

DECATUR S Eas FRANKLIN t St 37

465 NE-01 NORTHEAST ma p NE-02 W 86th St 69

Zionsville Rd NE-03 Ke ys

tone NE-05

NE-04 Av e

College Binford Blvd

EAGLE CREEK O N O M RESERVOIR W 56th St Michigan

Av

N

L I A R T e NE-06 to 08

St LAWRENCE NE-10 Meridian 38th St 38th St NE-11 38th St 65 NE-09

74 St NE-12

70 W 16th St 16th St NE-13 W 10th St 10th St

Washington St

Sout heas tern Av Brookville Rd 70 e

65 74

DECATUR S Eas FRANKLIN t St 37

NE-01 property contains a path which leads Oliver’s Woods to Geist dam, then parallels . Address: Located next to Birds to Watch: The trail takes you the Keystone at the Crossing from the small parking lot off Fall shopping area Creek Road to the Contact: Central Indiana Land Trust Dam and then into the creek’s Hours of Operation: As of this floodplain. The trail dead ends near writing, Oliver’s Woods is closed to 79th Street and will require you to the public; soon it will be open dawn retrace your steps for a total 2.5 to dusk, year round. mile walk. The trail is productive year round due to the presence Amenities: Hiking trails of the reservoir and Fall Creek. Site Description: Oliver’s Woods In winter, look for Yellow-rumped is a 52 acre nature preserve with a Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, mixed habitat of woods, savannah Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned and frontage along the . Kinglet, and ducks on the water. These habitats provide diverse In summer, look for Eastern N ortheast ecosystems for viewing a variety or Bluebird, Prothonotary Warbler, resident and migratory birds. Belted Kingfisher, Northern Parula, Birds to Watch: Kingfisher, and House Wren. Woodpecker Woodpecker, Warbler, Thrush, populations are experiencing a and Vireo temporary increase due to the many dead ash trees along the trail. NE-02 Fall Creek NE-03 Marrott Park Trail at Geist Dam Address: 7350 N. College Avenue, Address: 10053 Fall Creek Road, Indianapolis, IN 46240 Indianapolis, IN 46256 Contact: (317) 327-7416. Indy Parks Contact: (317) 327-7416. Indy Parks Hours of Operation: Open dawn Hours of Operation: Open dawn to dusk, year round. to dusk, year round. Amenities: No restrooms available. Amenities: Parking lot available Parking lot and picnic shelters off of Fall Creek Road. Path leads are on site. There are a series of through hardwood forest down to unpaved trails that run through the Geist Dam and water’s edge. wooded park area. Site Description: This 64 acre Site Description: The total park www.in dy.gov/birdindy 10 N ortheast

Marrott Park area is 102 acres. Most of the NE-04 acreage is a state dedicated nature preserve, and consists primarily of Broad Ripple Park upland hardwoods along a riparian Address: 1550 Broad Ripple corridor. Ongoing stewardship Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220 continues to improve this wildlife habitat area. The area is also known Contact: (317) 327-7416. Indy Parks for its views of spring wildflowers. Hours of Operation: Open dawn Birds to Watch: In summer, look to dusk, year round. for Prothonotary and Yellow- Amenities: Parking lot, Family throated Warblers, Brown Creeper, Center, public bathrooms, shelter Pileated Woodpecker, and area, recycling center, White River Yellow-throated Vireo. In winter, overlook, boat ramp, playground, expect White-throated Sparrow, and fitness trail on site. Dark-eyed Junco, Winter Wren, Site Description: Broad Ripple and the always active chickadees, Park is a 61 acre community park titmouses, and nuthatches.

11 www.in dy.gov/birdindy bordering an oxbow on the White Birds to Watch: The habitat variety River providing excellent viewing attracts many different birds. Take for water birds. There is also 10 the marked trail from the parking acres of open woodland with trails lot and you will first walk through throughout. woods that have woodpeckers and Birds to Watch: Wander the chickadees year-round and Red-eyed trails to find nesting Blue-gray Vireo, Wood Thrush, and Acadian Gnatcatcher, Gray Catbird, Eastern Flycatcher in summer. Before Kingbird, and Baltimore Oriole, along long, you will come to prairie and with permanent resident birds such successional habitat. The area on the as woodpeckers. Check by the river east side of the trail attracts American for Yellow-throated and Prothonotary Woodcock and sparrows during Warblers. In migration, check for migration and Common Yellowthroat warblers, sparrows, Winter Wren, and Indigo Bunting in summer. The and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. successional habitat on the west side of the trail has attracted nesting Prairie Warbler and Yellow-breasted N ortheast NE-05 Skiles Test Chat in recent years. The vegetation Nature Park along the trail can be jumping with birds during migration. Address: 6828 Fall Creek Road, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Site History: The park is named after Skiles Edward Test, who once Contact: (317) 327-7416. Indy Parks owned the property. After his death Hours of Operation: Open dawn in 1964 the land was given to Indy to dusk, year round Parks where it has since been Amenities: Small parking lot managed for wildlife and recreation. available. No restrooms available. Interpretational plant and wildlife signs NE-06 through 08 are displayed along paved trail. Fort Harrison Site Description: consists of 80.91 acres State Park of wildlife habitat and is a natural Address: 5753 Glenn Rd. resources area. It currently has two Indianapolis, IN 46216. Park miles of trails within the park. The entrance at 59th St. & Post Rd. majority of the habitat is upland Entrance Fee: $5 for in-state forest, but the park also contains a visitors, $7 for out-of-state visitors 14 acre prairie planting area and a 7 Contact: (317) 591-0904, acre successional area. www.in dy.gov/birdindy 12 N ortheast

Delaware Lake, stateparks.in.gov; Indiana include interior forest species such as Department of Natural Resources Cerulean Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Hours of Operation: Open dawn Hooded Warbler, Ovenbird, and Wood to dusk, year round. Thrush. Other woodland species, such as tanagers, flycatchers, and Amenities: Modern Restrooms and woodpeckers also occur here in ample drinking fountains are available numbers. Great Blue Herons are a during park hours. common sight along the Fall Creek Site Description: Fort Harrison is Waterway and Brown Creepers are a state park operated by the Indiana permanent residents within the park. Department of Natural Resources. Sitting on 1,700 acres of mixed use Site Locations lands, it contains hiking trails, fishing NE-06 Delaware Lake areas with access to Fall Creek, and two national historic districts. This Birds to Watch: Delaware Lake park offers extensive woodland and attracts waterfowl, Belted Kingfisher, riparian habitat for birds. Eastern Phoebe, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, and Eastern Birds to watch: Fort Harrison is an Kingbird from spring through late outstanding location to view both summer. Great Blue Heron are migrating and nesting warblers present much of the year. The and vireos. Species of interest levee on the south end of the lake

13 www.in dy.gov/birdindy is a good place to find spring and hear Kentucky Warbler, Wood fall migrants and nesting Cedar Thrush, Hooded Warbler, Summer Waxwing and Yellow Warbler. In May Tanager, Scarlet Tanager and and October the frog pond next to many other summer woodland Delaware Lake is a great location to species. In winter, you can expect look for sparrows and other migrants. to find most Indiana woodpeckers The Delaware Lake area provides including Pileated, as well as the access to and ever-present Tufted Titmouse and Harrison Trace Trail. The 1.1 mile Fall Carolina Chickadee. In invasion Creek Trail travels through floodplain years, expect to see Red-breasted forest before terminating at Harrison Nuthatch. There are two trailheads Trace Trail. In spring and summer, for Lawrence Creek Trail, and each expect Cerulean, Prothonotary, and is labeled on the property map. Yellow-throated Warblers, Northern Lawrence Creek Trail is also used Parula, Wood Thrush, and Warbling by mountain bikers so be alert while Vireo. Permanent species such on the trail. as Brown Creeper, woodpeckers, N ortheast NE-08 Walnut Plantation and Carolina Chickadee may be anywhere along the trail. This is a Although not a named trail, the great trail for spring and fall migration paved path that runs through this when you can find thrushes, kinglets, black walnut mono-forest is easily warblers, and vireos. accessible and provides relatively good birding. Birds are much Harrison Trace Trail’s 2.75 miles are easier seen in these walnut trees in entirely paved and encircle Delaware spring since the trees leaf out later Lake to the south and Duck Pond than other species. Summer also to the north. Some of the terrain is provides excellent opportunities for rolling and the trail does not meet birding in this area. Nesting birds ADA accessibility standards. As you include Baltimore and Orchard walk this trail expect to see Scarlet Orioles (often nesting a few trees Tanager, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern apart), Indigo Bunting, Cerulean Phoebe, Eastern Towhee, and Warbler, Field Sparrow, American Eastern Bluebird. Goldfinch, Eastern Bluebird, NE-07 Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and many Lawrence Creek Trail year-round species. Access is from the Walnut Plantation trailhead for Along this moderate four-mile Lawrence Creek Trail. The entire hiking trail, expect to see and area is paved and of even terrain. www.in dy.gov/birdindy 14 N ortheast

Grassy Creek Regional Park NE-09 Grassy Creek NE-10 Watson Road Regional Park Bird Preserve Address: 10510 East 30th Street, Address: 900 Watson Road, Indianapolis, IN 46235. Note: we Indianapolis, IN 46205 recommend birders access the park Contact: (317) 327-7416, Indy Parks from the north, off 38th St. Hours of Operation: Open dawn Contact: (317) 327-7192 Indy Parks to dusk, year round Hours of Operation: Open dawn Amenities: Street parking,walking path to dusk, year round Site Description: Four acre natural Amenities: Parking, basketball resource park established in 1925 court, playground, tennis courts, provides a quaint inner city sanctuary picnic shelter. to several bird and butterfly species. Site Description: Grassy Creek The small park area is planted with tall Park is comprised of two parcels of grasses and wildflowers which provide land totaling 152 acres. The North food and host plants for local wildlife. portion of the park is predominantly The trees in the park consist mostly of wetland and sedge meadow with hackberry, buckeye, and ash. woods to the west. There are several Birds to Watch: Although a small hiking trails throughout the park, site, this preserve offers a relaxing including a biking and walking trail oasis to people and wildlife. The that will connect both parcels in 2014. mature trees and planted prairie Birds to Watch: Sparrows, attract Downy Woodpecker, Song Vireos, Ducks, Herons, Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, and Sandpipers, Belted Kingfisher, Cooper’s Hawk. In summer watch Eastern Towhee, Indigo Bunting, for butterflies nectaring at the and Red Winged Blackbirds wildflowers.

15 www.in dy.gov/birdindy Pogue’s Run Art and Nature Park N ortheast NE-11 Birds to Watch: Stroll the paved trail or greenspace in summer Washington Park while you watch for Northern Address: 3130 East 30th Street, Flicker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Indianapolis, IN 46218 Cooper’s Hawk, Gray Catbird, Contact: (317) 327-7474 Indy Parks Cedar Waxwing, Indigo Bunting, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and many Hours of Operation: Open dawn other species. In fall and winter, to dusk, year round. expect to find sparrows, including Amenities: Parking lot, nature trails, Dark-eyed Junco, foraging on the family recreation center, shelters, ground. During migration expect to playgrounds, basketball courts, and see a wide variety of birds, including an 18 hole disc golf course. warbles, thrushes, and vireos. Site Description: Washington Park is a 128 acre park area on NE-12 Pogue’s Run the Near East side of Indianapolis. It contains a six acre prairie, three Art & Nature Park acre woodland restoration, and a Address: 2300 North Dequincy wetland area attracting a variety of Street, Indianapolis, IN 46218 native bird species. Contact: (317) 327-7431 Indy Parks. www.in dy.gov/birdindy 16 N ortheast Hours of Operation: Open dawn to dusk, year round Amenities: Parking lot and paths Site Description: This 43 acre park is a natural resource area following the Pogue’s Run waterway and has 2.3 miles of trails. The northern portion of the trail is known as the Basin Trail and runs along a 22.5 acre-man made wetland and open water area. Birds to Watch: Sparrows, Hawks, Falcons, Ducks, Geese, and Herons. During the breeding season, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Belted Kingfisher, Great Blue Heron, and Great Egret. NE-13 Ellenberger Park Address: 5301 East St. Clair Street, Indianapolis, IN 46219 Contact: (317) 327-7176 Indy Parks Hours of Operation: Open dawn to dusk, year round Ellenberger Park Amenities: Parking, swimming pool, Birds to Watch: Red Shouldered tennis courts, playgrounds, shelter, Hawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby volleyball court, and 1.2 mile trail. Throated Hummingbird, Downy Site Description: Ellenberger Park Woodpecker, Great Crested is a 42 acre park running along the Flycatcher, Yellow Throated Vireo, Pleasant Run Greenway. Restoration Tufted Titmouse, White Breasted projects are underway along the Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Cedar riparian corridor to provide migratory Waxwing, Yellow Throated Warbler, wildlife with valuable food resources Song Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, and to remove harmful invasive plants. House Finch.

17 www.in dy.gov/birdindy 18 19 NW-06 465

W 86th St 69 Zionsville Rd Ke ys NW-07 tone Av

65 e Michigan NW-01 to 05 College Binford Blvd

EAGLE CREEK O N O M RESERVOIR W 56th St St

Av NW-08 N

L I A R T Meridian

e

LAWRENCE

NW-09 St

38th St 38th St 38th St 74 NW-11 NW-10 W 21st St 70 W 16th St 16th St

W 10th St 10th St

Washington St Rockville Rd WARREN

St Brookville Rd Washington 70

BEECH GROVE 65 74

DECATUR S Eas FRANKLIN t St 37

NW-06 465 MAN orthwest NW-06 465

W 86th St 69 Zionsville Rd Ke ys NW-07 tone

W 86th St Av

65 e Michigan NW-01 to 05 College Binford Blvd

EAGLE CREEK O N O M RESERVOIR W 56th St St

Av 69NW-08 N

L I A R T Meridian

e

LAWRENCE

NW-09 St

38th St 38th St 38th St 74 NW-11

Zionsville Rd NW-10 W 21st St 70 W 16th St 16th St

W 10th St 10th St

Washington St Ke Rockville Rd WARREN

ys St Brookville Rd Washington 70 tone

NW-07 BEECH GROVE 65 74

Av

DECATUR S Eas FRANKLIN t St 37

65 e Michigan for an online map of all sites go to: College Binford Blvd NW-01 to 05 http://goo.gl/maps/IxWSp

EAGLE CREEK O N O M RESERVOIR W 56th St St

Av NW-08 N

L I A R T Meridian

e

LAWRENCE P

NW-09 St

38th St 38th St 38th St 74 NW-11 NW-10 W 21st St 70 W 16th St 16th St

W 10th St 10th St

Washington St Rockville Rd WARREN

St Brookville Rd Washington 70

BEECH GROVE 65 74

DECATUR S Eas FRANKLIN t St 37

Eagle Creek Park NW-01 through 05 Site Locations Eagle Creek Park NW-01 Eagles Crest Prairie To access Eagle’s Crest Prairie, N orthwest Address: 7840 West 56th Street, carefully travel west from the Starling Indianapolis, IN 46216 parking area along Wilson Road to the Entrance Fee: $5/car, $3/cyclists stop sign in .30 miles. Turn left onto or hikers Fishback Road and travel .30 miles to Contact: (317) 327-7110 Indy Parks the entrance for Eagle’s Crest at the bend in the road. If the gate is locked Hours of Operation: Open dawn during daylight hours, you can park to dusk, year round to the side and walk in on foot. The Amenities: Parking, hiking trails, Earth prairie along the road harbors breeding Discovery Center, Ornithology Center, Henslow’s and Field Sparrows, marina, boat ramp, beach, shelters and Common Yellowthroat, and Indigo picnic areas, amphitheater, playground, Bunting. Closer to the former home, and restrooms now a rental facility, check for Pine Site Description: Eagle Creek Warbler in the evergreens in spring Park is the ninth largest city park and summer. More difficult to see than in the nation containing over 3,900 to access, look for the shrubby fields to acres of dry land and almost 1,400 the southeast of the soccer fields that acres of water. More than 260 bird are hidden by tree lines. In summer, species have been observed since listen for Yellow-breasted Chat, Prairie the park opened. Warbler, and Blue-winged Warbler in www.in dy.gov/birdindy 22 N orthwest the fields. In October, check the prairie In summer, expect Blue-winged and and fields for sparrows. Prairie Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Warbling Vireo. In spring NW-02 Scott Starling migration, look for warblers along Nature Sanctuary the short trail before the bridge and Scott Starling Sanctuary is located in October check for sparrows. on the west side of the park. Exit at Northern Rough-Winged Swallow the park’s 71st Street gate and turn and Eastern Phoebe usually nest at left onto Lafayette Road at the traffic the bridge. Trails through the nature signal. Travel one mile and turn left preserve provide the opportunity in late onto Traders Lane. Follow the road spring and summer to hear, but not to one of two parking areas. The first often see, Cerulean, Kentucky, and is a gravel circular drive in about .5 Yellow-throated Warblers, Louisiana miles. Parking here, if the gate is Waterthrush, Wood Thrush, Acadian open, allows one to take the trail to Flycatcher, and Yellow-throated Vireo. viewing spots on the north end of the The trail to the right after the bridge will reservoir. In summer, Prothonotary take you up to Eagle’s Crest where Warbler, Warbling Vireo, and you can access additional shrubby swallows can be viewed from the fields and prairie. observation platforms. An unmarked NW-03 Ornithology Center spot a bit further past the platforms allows a view of the shallow north The Ornithology Center should end of the reservoir. If water levels be one of your first stops at Eagle are down in late summer, expect Creek Park. It is located very close shorebirds, herons, and egrets. to the park’s 71st Street entrance. Shorebirds seen from this location The center is open from 9:00 a.m. to include Buff-breasted Sandpiper and 5:00 p.m. most days and 1:00 p.m. American Avocet along with Killdeer to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Displays, and other expected species. reference books, a bird-feeding area, trail information, and knowledgeable A few hundred yards past the first staff and volunteers are available to parking area is parking space along make your visit more enjoyable and the road for about four cars. Take the productive. Check the feeder area trail a short distance along a shrubby for great looks at more common field of the Scott Starling Sanctuary birds year-round and look for before entering the Eagle’s Crest migratory birds attracted to the water Nature Preserve after crossing the feature during migration. Both the bridge. Side trails into the shrubby inside viewing room and adjacent fields are often wet and overgrown.

23 www.in dy.gov/birdindy outdoor platform provide views of the NW-04 Ice Skating Pond “nature sanctuary”, a former gravel The cattails and quiet waters of pit separated from the reservoir by the Ice Skating Pond and the a coffer dam. Scopes are present neighboring two ponds are a to help view distant ducks, geese, hotspot for numerous species. cormorants, gulls, and terns. The From the Marina, turn left/north at large rock in the nature sanctuary the T intersection onto the park’s serves as a resting spot for many main road. Take the first road to bird species as well as turtles. Bald the right and make another right Eagles, which nest on or near the at the four-way stop. You will be property, may be seen year-round traveling east for approximately .25 from the Ornithology Center. mile to the first paved road to the The mixed conifer-deciduous right/south. Take the road a short woods outside of the center attracts distance to the parking lot. The Ice migrants such as tanagers, warblers, Skating Pond will be directly in front and grosbeaks and is used for of you. The best times to visit are in breeding by Yellow-throated Warbler, May and September. Walk around Northern Parula, Ruby-throated N orthwest the pond to find warblers, vireos, Hummingbird, Cooper’s Hawk, tanagers, orioles, and flycatchers and Red-shouldered Hawk. From in the trees and shrubs. Keep an the Ornithology Center, you can eye on the water and amidst the take the unmarked trail to the north cattails for Virginia Rail, Sora, (paved) or the south (unpaved) to American Bittern, Least bittern, and do a complete 2-mile loop around Common Gallinule. In summer look the nature sanctuary by utilizing the for Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, coffer dam. During summer expect and Wood Duck. In winter, check for Willow Flycatcher, Baltimore and Pine Siskin, Purple Finch, sparrows, Orchard Orioles, Yellow Warbler, and hawks. and Tree Swallows. In winter look Walk the closed road to the south for for juncos, sparrows, Yellow-rumped Kentucky Warbler from May through Warblers, Northern Mockingbird, July. In the second half of May, and Bald Eagles looking for a meal expect to hear Connecticut Warbler of duck or coot. This loop trail is and other migrants in the shrubs relatively flat but there is a short along the roadbed. If you have time, stretch on the south end requiring explore other trails in this area to add uphill/downhill walking that might additional species to your list. Expect be difficult for those with moderate orioles, Indigo Bunting, White-eyed walking difficulties. Vireo, and Eastern Bluebird. www.in dy.gov/birdindy 24 N orthwest

Daubenspeck Community Nature Park NW-05 Marina mid-morning. In early spring, late fall, and winter, the marina is a good The Marina is a must-visit location place to look for waterfowl if you if you are able to arrive within the have a scope. Occasionally, scoters first three hours of daylight during and Long-tailed Duck make an spring migration in late April and appearance along with more common May. It is located about halfway ducks, geese, and grebes. between the 71st and 56th Street entrances. Driving south along the NW-06 main road from the Ornithology Center look for signage for the Daubenspeck Marina/Earth Discovery Center/ Peace Learning Center, which will Community be the first road to the west. Drive Nature Park straight ahead on the road until it Address: 8900 Ditch Road, ends at the marina parking lot. Bird Indianapolis, IN 46260 the marina “peninsula” as well as the parking lot area. It’s not uncommon Contact: [email protected], for there to be as many as two volunteer-run nature park. dozen warbler species on a good Hours of Operation: Open dawn morning in addition to Rose-breasted to dusk, year round Grosbeak, flycatchers, waxwings, and Amenities: Parking, self-serve tanagers. Even Yellow-crowned Night information kiosks, observation deck, Heron was seen once at the marina. trails, boardwalks, and benches Typically, birds have dispersed by

25 www.in dy.gov/birdindy Site Description: The park is NW-07 approximately 22 acres and Holliday Park consists of a 14-acre tall-grass Address: 6363 Spring Mill Road, prairie, 1 acre of emergent Indianapolis, IN 46260 wetlands, 7 acres of forested Contact: (317) 327-7180, Indy Parks riparian habitat and associated Hours of Operation: Open dawn old-field successional areas. to dusk, year round DCNP has been in the process of removing invasive exotic species, Amenities: Parking, nature center replanting natives and improving with restrooms, play area, historic the wildlife habitat since the park’s ruins, and 3.5 miles of walking trails. inception in 2006. Site Description: This park is Birds to Watch: Sparrows, situated on 94 acres of land with Finches, and various common a diverse landscape of wetlands, migrant birds. There are many prairie, and steep ravines, and riparian nesting birds in the park, such as corridor along the White River. This Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, habitat diversity has allowed for the Red-shouldered Hawk, Eastern spotting of over 200 bird species. N orthwest Bluebird, Tree Swallow, Common Spend the day enjoying the forest, Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, planted prairie, and native plantings Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow. maintained within the park and you are Raptors often doing flyovers and sure to see and hear an array of native hunting in the park include Red- wildlife. Be sure to stop into the park’s tailed Hawk and Coopers Hawk. Nature Center for interactive displays, Northern Cardinals and Catbirds information on upcoming events, and dominate the edge between the the chance to talk with knowledgeable field and forest. Typical Indiana Naturalists about which birds are being woodland species include Carolina spotted within the park. Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Birds to Watch: Birding is White-breasted Nuthatches, Brown productive year round. In summer, Creepers. There are also a broad look for Prothonotary Warbler, mix of woodpeckers including Ovenbird, Cooper’s Hawk, Scarlet Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Tanager, and Yellow-throated Vireo. Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, In migration, expect many warbler Red-bellied Woodpecker, and species, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Northern Flicker. Indigo Buntings Winter Wren, and blackbirds. can be found singing high in the Year-round species include Brown trees along the field edges Creeper, Barred Owl, and Song www.in dy.gov/birdindy 26 N orthwest City’s Central Canal and is accessible via bridge from the Tow Path. Birds to Watch: Warblers and Thrushes during migration. Frontage along the Central Canal allows the opportunity to see ducks and herons. Common species such as chickadees and woodpeckers are often found in the woods and gardens.

Holcomb Gardens NW-09 IMA Virginia Sparrow. The Nature Center’s feeding B. Fairbanks Art area is wonderful and attracts many bird species including Pine Siskin in and Nature Park: most winters. During winter, American 100 Acres Robins are likely to be near the river Address: 4000 Michigan Road, where they can more easily find food. Indianapolis, IN 46208 NW-08 Holcomb Contact: (317) 923-1331 Hours of Operation: Open dawn Gardens at Butler to dusk, year round University Amenities: Parking, restrooms, Address: 4600 Sunset Ave, trails, wheelchair and stroller Indianapolis, IN 46208 (Butler accessibility University campus) Site Description: Adjacent to Contact: (317) 940-8000, Butler the IMA resides 100 acres of park University composed of woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and a 35 acre lake. The Hours of Operation: Open dawn nature park is home to more than to dusk, year round 100 bird species and a landscape Amenities: Street parking design which seeks to improve the Site Description: Holcomb habitat with native plantings and Gardens consists of more than 20 removal of invasive species. Stop acres of formal gardens with a mix by the Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion of native and horticultural specimen to learn about IMA’s participation in species. The site is adjacent to the “Lights Out Indy.”

27 www.in dy.gov/birdindy IMA’s 100 Acres

Birds to Watch: Walk the park’s Contact: (317) 955-6028, David trails through artwork as you look Benson www.marian.edu/ecolab

N orthwest for Northern Parula, Pileated Hours of Operation: Open dawn Woodpecker, Warbling Vireo, and to dusk, year round Baltimore Oriole in summer. Stop by Lake Terrace to watch for Killdeer, Amenities:Parking Double-crested Cormorant, and Site Description: The Nina Mason Great Blue Heron. Looking skyward Pulliam EcoLab at Marian University may reward you with a Bald Eagle contains 55 acres of high quality bird or Osprey patrolling the White River. habitat that was originally designed by During winter, expect woodpeckers, Jens Jensen in 1911 for the estate of Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Indy 500 and Allison Engine founder, Sparrow, Brown Creeper and Golden- James Allison. Because of the genius crowned Kinglet. of Jensen, who started with a farm field and used all native plants in NW-10 Nina Mason his design, the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab is not only of national historic Pulliam EcoLab at importance, but also one of the oldest Marian University intact environmental restoration projects in the world. With two miles Address: 3200 Cold Spring Road, of trail just minutes from downtown, Indianapolis, IN 46222 (Marian this site provides a diversity of University campus) habitats in a small area including www.in dy.gov/birdindy 28 N orthwest upland bluff, riparian, lowland forest, Site Description: Crown Hill and 20 acres of wetlands. Cemetery is listed on the National Birds to Watch: Wood Duck, Registrar of Historic Places and Green Heron, Common Nighthawk, provides an urban oasis for migratory Great-crested Flycatcher, birds. A modern cemetery and urban Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Yellow- forest, the cemetery spans 555 throated Warbler, Indigo Bunting, acres of land making it the largest Baltimore Oriole, Warblers such as green space within the 465 beltway. Tennessee, Nashville, Magnolia, Containing over 150 tree species, an Black-throated Blue, Black-throated amazing 4,156 inventoried trees can Green, Blackburnian, Palm, be found on the property supporting Blackpoll, Connecticut, Mourning a variety of bird and wildlife species and Canada, Sparrows such as within the city. The cemetery Tree, Lincoln’s, Swamp, White- contains a 60 acre tract of forest throated, and White-crowned, at the very north end where entry Pileated Woodpeckers and is prohibited. Please be respectful Swainson’s and Hermit Thrushes. to the property owners and limit bird viewing to the perimeter of this wooded area. NW-11 Crown Hill Birds to Watch: Year-round Cemetery species include woodpeckers, Address: 700 West 38th Street, American Crow, Red-tailed Hawk, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Entrances and Carolina Chickadee. Nesters are located on Clarendon, just include Yellow-billed Cuckoo and north of 38th Street and at 34th Great-crested Flycatcher. Driving or Street and Boulevard Place (3400 walking the roads from fall through Boulevard Place). spring will turn up Dark-eyed Junco and American Tree Sparrow foraging Contact: (317) 925-3800; 920-4165 on the ground. In winter, keep an Hours of Operation: Open daily eye out for Red-breasted Nuthatch, year round. October 15th-March Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Purple 31st: 8 am to 6 pm, April 1st – Finch, and, if you are very lucky, October 14th: 8 am to 8 pm. White-winged Crossbill. Visiting Amenities: Free parking, guided James Whitcomb Riley’s gravesite tours available with reservation, provides a commanding view of the Fifty Trees of Indiana self-guided surrounding area and allows the tree tour and map, picnic areas, viewing of migrating birds, including walking paths. hawks, vultures, and eagles.

29 www.in dy.gov/birdindy 465

W 86th St 69 Zionsville Rd Ke ys tone Av

65 e Michigan

College Binford Blvd

EAGLE CREEK O N O M RESERVOIR W 56th St St

Av

N

L I A R T Meridian

e

LAWRENCE St

38th St 74

W 21st St 70 W 16th St 16th St

W 10th St 10th St

Washington St Rockville Rd WARREN

Sout heas St tern Av Brookville Rd Washington 70 e

BEECH GROVE 65 74

DECATUR S Eas FRANKLIN t St 37

SW-01 SW-02

465

W 86th St 69 Zionsville Rd Ke ys tone Av

65 e Michigan

College Binford Blvd

EAGLE CREEK O N O M RESERVOIR W 56th St St

Av

N

L I A R T Meridian

e

LAWRENCE St

38th St 74 so u thwest ma p

W 21st St 70 W 16th St 16th St

W 10th St 10th St

Washington St Rockville Rd WARREN

Sout heas St tern Av Brookville Rd Washington 70 e

for an online map of all sites go to: BEECH GROVE http://goo.gl/maps/IxWSp

465 W 86th St 7469 65 Zionsville Rd Ke ys

tone Av

65 e Michigan

College Binford Blvd

EAGLE CREEK O N O M RESERVOIR W 56th St St

Av

N

L I A R T Meridian

e

LAWRENCE St

38th St 74 DECATUR S Eas

W 21st St 70 W 16th St 16th St

W 10thFRANKLIN St 10th St t St Washington St Rockville Rd WARREN

Sout heas St tern 37 Av Brookville Rd Washington 70 e

BEECH GROVE 65 74

DECATUR S Eas FRANKLIN t St SW-01 37 SW-01 SW-02 SW-02

SW-01 Thrush, Wood Duck, and Barred Owl. In winter, the floodplain is a place to Southwestway look for Pileated Woodpecker, Winter Park Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and White-throated Sparrow. Address: 8400 Mann Road, Indianapolis, IN 46221 SW-02 Contact: (317) 327-7056, Indy Parks Glenns Valley Hours of Operation: Open dawn to dusk, year round Nature Park Amenities: Parking, shelter, play Address: 8015 South Bluff Road, structure, trails Indianapolis, IN 46217 Site Description: A 310 acre Contact: (317) 881-7429, Indy Parks regional park, Southwestway owes Hours of Operation: Open dawn its defining natural features of the to dusk, year round White River and Mann Hill to the last so u thwest Amenities:Parking, playground, and

glacial period. Mann Hill at 828 feet walking trails. above sea level is the second highest point in Marion County. The park’s Site Description: This park sits on trails, some of which are shared with 30 acres of land with walking trails mountain bikers, meander through leading along tall grass prairie and the floodplain and upland areas. through hardwood habitats. Birds to Watch: Start at the ball Birds to Watch: Mourning Dove, diamond parking lot and take the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, paved path to the north to find Red-bellied Woodpecker,Downy breeding species such as Indigo Woodpecker, Eastern Wood- Bunting, Common Yellowthroat, Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher, Red- Song Sparrow, Field Sparrow, and eyed Vireo, Carolina Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker. In winter, look Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted for sparrows along this same path. Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue- If you are adventuresome, head gray Gnatcatcher, American east out of the parking lot to one of Robin, Gray Catbird, Cedar two trails that will take you to the Waxwing, Yellow-throated forested floodplain. Mountain bikes Warbler, Eastern Towhee, share some trails so be careful. In Chipping Sparrow, Northern the floodplain in summer expect Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Brown- Northern Parula, Yellow-throated headed Cowbird, House Finch and Prothonotary Warblers, Wood and American Goldfinch. www.in dy.gov/birdindy 32 so u thwest

Glenns Valley Nature Park

help Support parkS For a greener Indy, donate & volunteer at indyparksfoundation.org 317-860-3250

33 www.in dy.gov/birdindy 465

W 86th St 69 Zionsville Rd Ke ys tone Av

65 e

Binford Blvd Meridian

College

for an online map of all sites go to: LAWRENCE http://goo.gl/maps/IxWSp 465

Av

W 86th St 69 St

e Zionsville Rd Ke ys

tone 38th St 38th St Av

65 e 38th St Binford Blvd Meridian College LAWRENCE

Av L I A R T N O N O M St

e 38th St 38th St 38th St

74 L I A R T N O N O M 74

W 21st St 70 W 16th St 16th St

W 10th St 10th St

St Washington WARREN

Rockville Rd Sout heas SE-02 St tern Brookville RdSE-01 Washington Av SE-03 e 70 W 21st St 70

BEECH GROVE 65 74 W 16th St 16th St SE-06

DECATUR S Eas SE-05 FRANKLIN t St 37 SE-04 W 10th St 10th St

St Washington WARREN

Rockville Rd Sout heas SE-02 St tern Brookville RdSE-01 Washington Av SE-03 e 70

BEECH GROVE 65 74

SE-06

DECATUR S Eas SE-05 FRANKLIN t St 37 SE-04

465

W 86th St 69 Zionsville Rd Ke ys tone Av

65 e

Binford Blvd Meridian

College

LAWRENCE so u theast ma p

Av St

e 38th St 38th St 38th St

74 L I A R T N O N O M

W 21st St 70 W 16th St 16th St

W 10th St 10th St

St Washington WARREN

Rockville Rd Sout heas SE-02 St tern Brookville RdSE-01 Washington Av SE-03 e 70

BEECH GROVE 65 74

SE-06

DECATUR S Eas SE-05 FRANKLIN t St 37 SE-04

SE-01 Hours of Operation: Open dawn Paul Ruster Park to dusk, year round Amenities: Wetlands, Prairie Lands, Address: 11300 East Prospect 0.75 mile trail Street, Indianapolis, IN 46214 Site Description: Raymond Park Contact: (317) 327-0143, Indy Parks is a 35.8 acre city park with a high Hours of Operation: Open dawn quality wetland prairie restoration to dusk, year round area. It also contains a high quality Amenities: Parking wood lot which provides homes for numerous birds and mammals. Site Description: This park is comprised of 82 acres of diverse Birds to Watch: Wooded and habitat including a riparian forest, wet prairie habitats make this a high-quality upland woods, a pond, worthwhile birding destination. wet woods, and a constructed prairie. In spring and summer, expect Eastern Bluebird, Great-crested Birds to Watch: A variety of Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, and so u theast habitats make this a productive Field Sparrow. Look for a variety of birding spot year-round. Look sparrows using the prairie during for sparrows, such as Lincoln’s migration in April and October. and Swamp, during migration in Overhead, you may see Red-tailed April and October and warblers Hawk year-round and Turkey in May and September and Vulture in spring through fall. October. Nesting species include Hairy Woodpecker, Great-crested Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, SE-03 Garfield Park and Brown Thrasher. In winter, Address: 2505 Conservatory Drive, check along Buck Creek for Brown Indianapolis, IN 46203 Creeper, Winter Wren, Yellow- Contact: (317) 327-7221, Indy Parks rumped Warbler, and Golden- crowned Kinglet. Hours of Operation: Open dawn to dusk, year round SE-02 Amenities: Parking, family center, Raymond Park arts center, pagoda shelter, sunken gardens and conservatory, corporate Address: 8300 East Raymond shelter, sports fields, playground, Street, Indianapolis, IN 46239 shelters and paved trails. Contact: (317) 862-6876, Indy Parks Site Description: Consisting www.in dy.gov/birdindy 36 so u theast

Gray Park of 123 acres, Garfield Park was Site Description: Gray Park is established in 1881. It contains an 7.5 acres of land with trails running art center and sunken gardens/ through a riparian corridor it mostly conservatory. Pleasant Run and consists of shrubby prairie bordering Bean Creek converge in Garfield a wooded area along Buck Creek. Park and significant restoration Birds to Watch: Coopers is occurring along these riparian Hawk, Great Blue Heron, Downy corridors. Woodpecker, White Breasted Birds to Watch: Sparrows, Nuthatch, Red-eyed Vireo, Common Swallows, Woodpeckers and Yellowthroat, Indigo Bunting, multiple species of warblers. American Goldfinch, Carolina Wren and Tufted Titmouse. SE-04 Gray Park Address: Southport Road & SE-05 Franklin Sherman Drive Township Park Contact: (317) 327-PARK Indy Parks Address: 8801 East Edgewood Hours of Operation: Open dawn Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46239 to dusk Contact: (317) 327-7806, Indy Parks Amenities: Natural resource area, Hours of Operation: Open dawn trails to dusk, year round

37 www.in dy.gov/birdindy SE-06 Address: 5624 South Carroll Road, Indianapolis, IN 46163 Contact: (317) 861-5167, Indy Parks Hours of Operation: Open dawn to dusk, year round Amenities: Parking, nature center, restrooms, playground, multi-use paved and unpaved trails, shelters and picnic sites. Site Description: Southeastway is a 188 acre regional nature park with a mix of habitat areas including

so u theast floodplain woods, successional fields, prairie, wetland, and pond. Franklin Township Park Birds to Watch: A paved trail Amenities: Parking, sheltered meanders throughout the park and pavilion with seating, walking trails, offers good exercise and good birding. In open prairie and wetland spring and summer watch for Chipping Site Description: This park Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird, Indigo contains a pond filled with white Bunting, Brown Thrasher, and Eastern water lilies, prairie, and wooded Towhee. In winter, the paved trail is a area with walking trail. place to look for sparrows, woodpeckers, Birds to Watch: Saunter around and cardinals. Venturing on a trail near the pond in spring and summer to the creek in summer will reward you with observe Mallard, Eastern Kingbird, Northern Parula, Prothonotary Warbler, and possibly Wood Duck and and Acadian Flycatcher. Feeders at other waterbirds. In open areas, the Nature Center draw in common look for Blue Jay, Barn Swallow, species year-round and occasionally Chimney Swift, and American Purple Finch and Pine Siskin in winter. Robin. Walking through the woods The park is an outstanding place to look will turn up Eastern Wood-Pewee, for migrating warblers in spring and fall. Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, Looking skyward at any time of the year and House Wren. may reward you with a hawk. www.in dy.gov/birdindy 38 bird trail guide ad.indd 3 RECONNECT TO 9/3/2013 12:47:09 PM WATERFOWL

NOT FOUL WATERFRONTS

#mywaterwayswish @ourwaterways

39 465

W 86th St 69 Zionsville Rd

65

Binford Blvd

Michigan

College Meridian

O N O M EAGLE CREEK LAWRENCE St N

RESERVOIR R T

Av

L I A St Ke

e ys 38th St 38th St 38th St tone

Av

74 e CE-04 W 21st St CE-03 70

W 16th St 65 16th St 70

W 10th St CE-01 Meridian 10th St

St St Market St Washington WARREN for an online mapRoc ofkville all sites Rd go to: Washington St http://goo.gl/maps/IxWSp 465

W 86th St 69 Zionsville Rd CE-02 Sout 65 heas Binford Blvd

Michigan

College Meridian

O N O M tern EAGLE CREEK LAWRENCE St N

RESERVOIR R T

Av St

L I A St Ke

e

ys Brookville Rd 38th St 38th St 38th St tone Av

Av 74 e ashington e WCE-04 W 21st St CE-03 70

W 16th St 65 16th St 70 W 10th St CE-01 Meridian 10th St 70

St St Market St Washington Rockville Rd WARREN Washington St

CE-02 Sout heas St tern Av Brookville Rd Washington 70 e

BEECH GROVE 65 74 BEECH GROVE

DECATUR S Eas FRANKLIN t St 37 74 65

DECATUR S Eas FRANKLIN t St 37

465

W 86th St 69 Zionsville Rd

65

Binford Blvd

Michigan

College Meridian

O N O M center ma p EAGLE CREEK LAWRENCE St N

RESERVOIR R T

Av

L I A St Ke

e ys 38th St 38th St 38th St tone

Av

74 e CE-04 W 21st St CE-03 70

W 16th St 65 16th St 70

W 10th St CE-01 Meridian 10th St

St St Market St Washington Rockville Rd WARREN Washington St

CE-02 Sout heas St tern Av Brookville Rd Washington 70 e

BEECH GROVE 65 74

DECATUR S Eas FRANKLIN t St 37

(Concert Series), NCAA® Hall of Champions & Headquarters, Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, Historic Military Park, segway tours, bike and boat rentals, and Wishard Growing Places Indy Slow Food Garden, and more. Site Description: is over 250 acres and Indiana’s only urban state park

center located in . It

contains open green spaces, urban gardens, native landscaping and a Waterfront Walkway along the White River. A scenic outcrop along the White River overlooks a newly developed cross-country arena where White River State Park connected trails to Indy Greenways Trails lead through tall river prairie CE-01 White River grasses down to the waterfront. State Park Birds to Watch: The best Address: 801 West Washington birding locations at this unordinary Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 state park are Military Park, the pedestrian bridge, and the White Contact: (800) 665-9056 www. River Wapahani Trail sections WhiteRiverStatePark.org on either side of the river. Expect Hours of Operation: Open dawn to see Golden-crowned kinglet, to dusk, year round Brown Creeper, warblers, and other Amenities: Parking garage, and songbirds during migration at Military above ground parking, visitor center, Park. The pedestrian bridge and brochures, concert listings, maps, trails along the river provide views of year round programming information, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, drinking fountains, vending options, Cliff Swallow, Northern Rough- restrooms, Eiteljorg Museum, IMAX® winged Swallow, and American Theater, , Goldfinch. In summer, watch for Indianapolis and White River Black-crowned Night Heron at dusk Gardens, Farm Bureau Insurance and keep an eye on the sky for Bald Lawn at White River State Park Eagles which nest nearby. www.in dy.gov/birdindy 42 center CE-02 Soldiers and Sailors Monument Address: 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Contact: (317) 232-7615 Hours of Operation: Civil War Museum, Gift Shop and Observation Deck open Wednesday-Sunday from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM May to October, Friday-Sunday from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM November to April, grounds open dawn to dusk year round Amenities: Street parking, Free Admission to Civil War Museum (located in the South West Quadrant), Gift Shop and Observation Deck Soldiers and Sailors Monument (located in South Quadrant) to fly and hunt. By fall, the adults chase the young away as they would Site Description: Located in the otherwise compete for the same food center of downtown Indianapolis and nesting spot. Peregrines are this 284 foot Monument made powerful fliers that snatch other birds of Indiana Oolitic limestone was out of the air for food. A scattering of constructed during 1889 to 1901 a flock of Rock Pigeons is a sign that and was dedicated in 1902. The a Peregrine may be around. Besides Monument commemorates the valor pigeons, Peregrines eat a remarkably of Indiana’s Veterans of all wars wide array of bird species. prior to World War I. Birds to Watch: Peregrine Falcons CE-03 have been nesting in downtown Spades Park Indianapolis since 1995. Adults are Address: 1800 Nowland Avenue, year-round residents and can often Indianapolis, IN 46201 be seen perched on Market Tower Contact: (317) 327-7463, Indy Parks (look for the red key at the top of Hours of Operation: Open dawn the building), where the nest box to dusk, year round is located, or other tall buildings. Chicks hatch in May and spend the Amenities: Shelter, play structure summer growing and learning how and chimney swift tower.

43 www.in dy.gov/birdindy CE-04 Brookside Park Address: 3500 Brookside Parkway South Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46218 Contact: (317) 327-7179, Indy Parks Hours of Operation: Open dawn to dusk, year round Amenities: Parking, recreational facilities including a family center center

and disc-golf course. Site Description: Brookside Park Spades Park is on 108 acres of wooded green Site Description: Designated as space in between Spades Park a newly created bird sanctuary, and Forest Manor Park, all along Spades Park is being managed to Pogue’s Run. promote native plants and wildlife Birds to Watch: Brookside Park, in a 31 acre park along Pogue’s as well as Spades Park to the west, Run Waterway. A 2.5 acre short lies along the banks of Pogue’s grass prairie in the park will provide Run, one of Indianapolis’ important habitat for ground dwelling species. waterways. In summer, walk Birds to Watch: Spades Park, as along the paved path or the grass well as Brookside Park to the east, to find Yellow-throated Warbler, lies along the banks of Pogue’s Belted Kingfisher, Chipping Run, one of Indianapolis’ important Sparrow, and Red-eyed Vireo. waterways. In summer, walk along Listen for the “sweeet-sweeet- the paved path or the grass to find sweeet” song of the Prothonotary Warbling Vireo, Yellow-throated Warbler which occasionally nests Warbler, Belted Kingfisher, and along the waterway. Look to the Carolina Wren amongst the sky in hopes of seeing Red- permanent resident birds. Look to tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and the sky in hopes of seeing Red-tailed Chimney Swift. During migration, Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and Chimney look for warblers and sparrows Swift. During migration, look for along the wooded banks of Pogue’s warblers and sparrows along the Run and in winter check the grass wooded banks of Pogue’s Run. for sparrows.

www.indy.gov/44 birdindy 45 www.in dy.gov/birdindy n o t e s

46 n o t e s

47 48