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Birding Guide

Indiana Dunes Country

IndianaDunes.com

Reserve your Indiana Dunes Birding Backpack

Backpacks for Birders(800) 283-8687

Each backpack, which can be borrowed for free, includes two sets of binoculars, a birding basics book and a bird identification book, along with a list of top birds sited at each location. 3

Table of contentsBirding the Dunes 5Migration Sensation 5Birding Hot Spots 6Map—Birding Sites 16Viewing Tips 21Birding Ethics 21Indiana Dunes Country Birder’s Checklist 22

Green Heron

Yellow Warbler

American Kestrel

Planning your trip is easyat IndianaDunes.comReady to create your own, made-just-for-you trip to Indiana Dunes Country?

Visit our website to build your personalized itinerary, find interactive maps, make hotel reservations and find all sorts of money-saving deals and coupons.

Or, if you’re already in the area and want personalized help, talk to a knowledgeable destination concierge at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, located at 1215 N. State Road 49 in Porter, IN.

Indiana Dunes Tourism1215 N. State Road 49Porter, IN 46304IndianaDunes.com

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“The dunes are to the Midwest what the Grand Canyon is to Arizona…. They constitute a signature of time and eternity.”

Carl Sandburg

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Birding the DunesFew places in the Midwest rival Indiana Dunes Country for great birding. At least 369 bird species live or migrate through here, drawn to the open waters of Lake Michigan and to a landscape of beaches, dunes, woodlands, wet-lands, and prairie. We’re perhaps best known for our spectacular migrations, when you can witness more than 20,000 Sandhill Cranes in a single autumn afternoon, tally a hundred hawks soar-ing over the dunes in the springtime, or catch a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of a Whooping Crane. But here in Indiana Dunes Country, birding also offers year-round discoveries and adventures.

Migration SensationWhy do so many birds migrate through Indiana Dunes Country? It is because of Lake Michigan. This immense body of water profoundly affects the flight routes of migratory birds. In fall, migratory birds that have nested in the north follow the long shores of Lake Michigan south. They converge at the bottom of the lake, right here in the Indiana Dunes. Some simply stop here for a while to rest and feed. Others, including bay and sea duck species seldom recorded elsewhere in the Midwest, stay here for the winter on the open waters of the lake.

Migrating hawks and other raptors avoid flying over large bodies of open water, since the cool water does not cre-ate the thermal wind currents on which the raptors glide. When they fly north in springtime, they funnel along the edge of the lake, rather than flying over it, so that hundreds pass over the Indiana Dunes in a single day. Though autumn raptor migration is less dramatic, since their arrival is more dispersed, notable numbers of Peregrine Falcons stream through this region in early October.

*The Indiana Audubon Society website, indianaaudubon.org, provided much of the birding

information in this guide. Visit their website for more in-depth information on birds and birding in

the Indiana Dunes region.

Current bird sightings can be found at ebird.com or indianadunesbirding.wordpress.com.

Introducing the Beyond the Beach Discovery TrailExplore dozens of sites connecting Lake Michigan to the Kankakee River. Visit BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com and follow these signs to discover them all.

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Birding SitesBS Beverly ShoresHabitatLocated on the shore of Lake Michigan, this Important Bird Area includes both open water and beach habitat, but its most unique draw is its rare interdunal marsh. Interdunal marsh oc-curs between old dune crests, formed before the last glacial re-cession of Lake Michigan, and the current lakeside dune crests.

BirdsSeveral state-endangered species nest in the interdunal marsh, including King Rail, Virginia Rail, Common Moorhen, and Ameri-can Bittern. Other uncommon nesting species seen here include Willow and Alder flycatchers, Marsh Wren, Prairie Warbler, and Prothonotary Warbler. On the open water, watch for migrating loons, grebes, diving ducks, jaegers, and gulls. Birders consider this among the best lakefront locations for seeing Northern Shrike in winter and know it as “Shrike Alley.”

Access TipFree. Park in Lake View Picnic Area to bird the open water and beach. Bike or bird from your vehicle along Beverly Drive (particularly the west end), which bisects the interdunal habitat. Please observe no-parking rules on public roadways and respect private property boundaries.

Broadway Ave, Beverly Shores, IN 46301(219) 395-1882 • nps.gov/indu

CC Coffee Creek Watershed PreserveHabitatMother Nature meets Frank Lloyd Wright at this 157-acre preserve. Meander as long as you want on four and a half miles of trails and boardwalks. With areas for fishing, birding or just unwinding, you’ll be amazed how quickly an hour, or a day, will fly by.

Birds:Birders have identified 90 species within the preserve’s diverse ecological habitat. Yellow-rumped and Nashville warblers, American Woodcocks, Marsh Wrens, and Dickcissels all stop over in the spring. Bridges 2, 4, 5, and 7 have gained a reputa-tion as particularly good birding spots. Try Bridge 2, south of the pavilion, for a chance to see Baltimore Orioles and Warbling Vireos.

Access Tips:Free public parking available on the streets along Village Point Road, near the Chesterton Amphitheater located at 2401 Vil-lage Point Road. Parking is also available in the Pavilion Parking lot (73 parking spots) located at 178 E. Sidewalk Road.

State Road 49 and Voyage, Chesterton, IN 46304(219) 926-1842 • coffeecreekwc.org

Birding Hot Spots While you can watch birds at dozens of natural areas within the Indiana Dunes region, a few of these sites offer truly outstand-ing viewing. In this guide, we’ve detailed the birding opportuni-ties at the region’s top 13 birding hot spots. In fact, ten of these are Audubon-designated Important Bird Areas and five are considered globally significant. (More about this is in the Watch List below).

Refer to the map on pages 16 and 17 to locate each site. Stop by the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to pick up a copy of the Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail guide, which provides driving directions to each site as well as information about dozens of other great sites.

Note: Important Bird AreaSite designated by the National Audubon Society as providing essential habitat for one or more species of birds. Sites are fur-ther designated as being of state, national, or global significance.

Note: WatchListIn 2007, the American Bird Conservancy and National Audu-bon Society teamed up to create the United States WatchList of Birds of Conservation Concern, identifing species in great-est need of conservation attention.

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CB Cowles BogHabitatConsidered a globally significant Important Bird Area, Cowles Bog is actually a fen, not a true bog (which has no inflow or out-flow of water, other than precipitation). The fen itself is off-limits to the public, but trails traverse several uncommon habitats, in-cluding tamarack and white pine woodlands, black oak savanna, interdunal wetlands, red maple and yellow birch lowland forest, and a pristine beach along Lake Michigan.

BirdsThe site supports several nesting wetland birds that are species of conservation concern in Indiana, including American Bittern, Sandhill Crane, Little Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Virginia Rail, American Black Duck, and a significant population of Marsh Wren. Other uncommon species seen here include Whip-poor-will, American Woodcock, Solitary Sandpiper, Sedge Wren, and Rusty Blackbird. Be sure to allow time to hike the trails, which will lead you through several distinct habitats.

Access TipFree.

North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304(219) 395-1882 • nps.gov/indu

HS Hammond Lakefront Park and Bird SanctuaryHabitatNeotropical songbirds hug the shore of Lake Michigan during migration and funnel through Hammond Lakefront Park and Bird Sanctuary in astonishing numbers. That’s why birders have long referred to this site as “The Migrant Trap.” Though just 16 acres in size and surrounded by industry, the park provides a critical stopover for migrants, offering a mix of grass, woodland, and beach habitats. It is part of the State Line/Calumet Region Important Bird Area.

BirdsYou’ll see a host of migrating songbirds here in spring and fall, including wrens, thrushes, vireos, warblers, and sparrows. Spe-cific species of note seen here include Connecticut Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Clay-colored Sparrow, LeConte’s Sparrow, Long- and Short-eared owls (rare), and Eared Grebe.

Access TipFree. Turn into the Horseshoe Casino entrance and take an imme-diate right at the end of the entrance ramp. The parking lot is gated and visitors need to show identification. While there are three en-trances to the site, two may be locked depending on time of year. The entrance on the far eastern end of the site is always open.

701 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, IN 46320(219) 659-7678 • indianaaudubon.org/Birds/BirdingSites/Ham-mondLakefrontPark/tabid/181/Default.aspx

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SP Indiana Dunes State ParkHabitat More than 2,000 acres of lake, beach, foredunes, dune forests, swamps, prairie, and savanna habitat make up this Important Bird Area. Of the park’s 16.5 miles of trails, trails 2 and 10 are birding favorites. Trail 2 circles the Great Marsh on a mile-long boardwalk. Trail 10 traverses dune, beach, woodland, and savanna habitats. The bird observation platform near the west parking lot offers spectacular views of longshore birds in the spring and fall.

BirdsOn Trail 2, watch for such woodland birds as Hooded Warbler, Veery, and Red-shouldered Hawk (a pair has nested here in the past near the Wilson Shelter). The park attracts breeding birds more commonly found farther south (including WatchList species Prairie Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush) as well as more northerly species (Canada and Blackburnian warblers). Migration sightings include such WatchList species as Kirtland’s, Golden-winged, and Bay-breasted warblers. The west lot ob-servation area is known for several state record species counts in the spring, including Blue Jay, Scarlet Tanager, and Baltimore Oriole.

Access TipEntrance fee.

1600 North 25 East, Chesterton, IN 46304

(219) 926-1952 • in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm

Short-eared Owl

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KW Kankakee Fish & Wildlife AreaHabitatOver 4,000 acres of riparian woodlands, wetlands, marsh, and farmland surround roughly six miles of the Kankakee River within this globally significant Important Bird Area. Though the river was channelized and much of the surrounding wetlands drained for farming in the late 1800s, managers have worked to restore native habitat here.

BirdsThis diverse site supports breeding birds typically found farther south (like Acadian Flycatcher, and Yellow-throated and Prothonotary warblers) as well as birds typical of northern locales (Rose-breasted Grosbeak, American Redstart, and Chestnut-sided Warbler). Watch for migrant ducks and shorebirds along Ten Mile Road in spring, and even nesting Bald Eagles. Sightings here include Sora, Wilson’s Phalarope, American Golden-plover, Pectoral Sandpiper, and Whooping Crane.

Access TipFree. One-way Ten Mile Road starts at the North Entrance and follows the Kankakee River, offering great birding along its length. It may be closed in spring if flooding is severe. Best birding between January and July, as autumn is hunting season.

4320 West Toto Road, North Judson, IN 46366(574) 896-3522 • in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3090.htm

“These Dunes of ours know the birds of the four winds. Out of the North in winter the redpolls and crossbills drive; from the East soar with summer the prairie warbler and the acadian flycatcher; up from the South on wings of lei-sure drift the Bewick’s wren and titmouse; from the broad West, flying far, come the willet and the Henslow’s sparrow”

Edward Ford, ornithologist, Reminiscences of Birds of the Dunes Country (1935)

Great Blue Heron

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JP Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife AreaHabitat8,062-acre Jasper-Pulaski forms the core of a globally significant Important Bird Area that covers some 30,000 acres. This state fish and wildlife area has a mix of wetlands, fields, oak flats, and savanna.

BirdsJasper-Pulaski is renowned in the Midwest for its spectacular fall congregations of Sandhill Cranes. On the Indiana Dunes State Park’s annual Sandhill Crane Field Trip, birders will learn about the cranes’ history and view up to 28,000 birds returning to Jasper-Pulaski for the evening roost. The field trip is ranger-led, and is held annually in late November. Check IndianaDunes.com/Birding for more information. Critically endangered Whooping Cranes have also stopped at this site during fall mi-gration in recent years. While cranes are obviously the biggest draw, the site’s diverse habitats attract many other birds, includ-ing WatchList species like the Red-headed Woodpecker.

Access TipFree. An observation tower provide good views of cranes in autumn. Visitors must check in at the headquarters office.

5822 North Fish and Wildlife Lane, Medaryville, IN 47957(219) 843-4841 • in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3091.htm

KS Kankakee SandsHabitatOwned and managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), 7,209-acre Kankakee Sands forms the core of the globally significant Kankakee Sands Important Bird Area. TNC is working to restore the native mosaic of marsh wetlands and prairie here. This includes wet sand prairie, a globally significant natural com-munity.

BirdsMany grassland species nest here, including Henslow’s and Grasshopper sparrows, Dickcissel, Bobolink, and Eastern Meadowlark. Springtime flooding draws migratory shorebirds, including American Golden-plover and Marbled Godwit. Sight-ings include Wilson’s Phalarope, Upland Sandpiper, King Rail, and American Bittern.

Access TipFree. Site maps available at the Kankakee Sands Project office at the address below.

3294 North US Highway 41, Morocco, IN 47963(219) 285-2184 • nature.org/kankakeesands

MP Marquette ParkHabitatPart of an Important Bird Area, Marquette Park is considered one of the most critical sites for migrating waterfowl, shore-birds, and waterbirds in Indiana. Migratory birds flying primarily from the west side of Lake Michigan funnel through this site, which provides open water, beach, and oak woodland habitat.

BirdsThree kinds of jaegers stop here—Parasitic, Pomarine, and Long-tailed—making it one of the best jaeger-viewing sites in the Midwest. In autumn, all four expected tern species (see bird list), plus an occasional rare tern, congregate here. Diving ducks and loons gather by the thousands off-shore. WatchList shorebirds like Piping Plover, Red Knot, Hudsonian Godwit, and Buff-breasted Sandpiper migrate through here as well.

Access Tip Free.

1 North Grand Boulevard, Gary, IN 46403(219) 866-7099 • www.gary.in.us/parks

MW Miller WoodsHabitatBlack Oak savanna dominates this nearly 1,000-acre Impor-tant Bird Area. This fire-dependent mosaic of oaks and prairie habitat is now uncommon in the region. The site also includes interdunal ponds, marsh, high dunes, and lagoons. Because of its location at the extreme southern tip of Lake Michigan, as well as the lack of habitat in surrounding industrial sites, Miller Woods draws great concentrations of migratory birds funneling along the edge of Lake Michigan, especially in autumn.

BirdsMany neotropical species stop here during migration, includ-ing such WatchList species as Wood Thrush, Golden-winged Warbler, and Canada Warbler.

Access Tip Free. Parking for Miller Woods is at the Paul Douglas Center.

20 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403(219) 395-1882 • nps.gov/indu

Bobolink

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PI Port of IndianaHabitat The highly industrial nature of this site provides a totally unique, non-traditional birding experience. The breakwalls and other structures around the harbor make a good resting spot for birds. In winter, this site provides one of the most reliable locations in the region for viewing bay ducks, which are drawn to the port’s deep waters. Twelve steel processors form the backdrop to the birding experience at this site. Due to high security, photography is prohibited.

BirdsSpring, fall, and winter offer the best viewing at the port. Bird-ers note particularly good sightings here on windy days during fall migration, when waterfowl stream over the port’s public access area. Watch for White-winged, Black, and Surf scoters in autumn. In winter, you’ll usually see bay ducks as long as open water is available. Look for Harlequin Ducks near the outer breakwalls. Birders consider the Port one of the best sites in the region to see Great Black-backed Gulls in winter. Watch for them on the breakwalls, where Snowy Owls have also been seen in winter.

Access TipFree. Because the site is located within the Port of Indiana, most of the area is off-limits to the public. Visitors to the one-acre public access point must check in at the security gatehouse, show identification, and bird only from the parking lot.

Steel Drive, Portage, IN 46368 portsofindiana.com

TA Taltree Arboretum & GardensHabitatThe stewards of this 330-acre site have conserved and restored a mix of native habitats, including oak-hickory woodlands, sa-vanna, wetlands, and prairie.

BirdsTaltree is one of the best sites to view woodpeckers, including Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy and Red-headed Woodpeck-er. In the prairie area, watch and listen for nesting Bobolink, Eastern Bluebird, and Cooper’s Hawk. Look for the resident Great Blue Heron and Trumpeter Swans in the wetlands area. The savanna area often yields Whip-poor-will, American Woodcock, owls, and many warbler species.

Access TipEntrance fee. First Tuesday of each month is free.

450 West 100 North, Valparaiso, IN 46383(219) 462-0025 • taltree.org

WB West BeachHabitatThe West Beach Important Bird Area includes nearby Inland Marsh and Long Lake, encompassing 1,500 acres of deep water, beach, dunes, woodlands (including an uncommon jack pine for-est), savanna, emergent marsh, panne (interdunal pond fed by groundwater), and lake habitat.

BirdsThough you can see a variety of birds year-round at West Beach, fall and winter provide some of the best viewing. Indiana Audu-bon describes West Beach as “typically the only location in the state” to see Long-eared Owl, Red Crossbill, and Common Redpoll on a late fall or winter day.

Watch for large congregations of Red-breasted Merganser and Common Loon, as well as less common waterbirds like Red-throated Loon and Western Grebe. Many raptors migrate through here as well, including Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned and Red-shouldered hawks, and Peregrine Falcon.

Access TipNational Park Service site, fee in summer.

North County Line Road, Portage, IN 46368(219) 395-1882 • nps.gov/indu

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AccommodationsSleep out under the stars, snuggle up at a bed

& breakfast, or get pampered at a hotel and

spa. Whatever the choice, your only lament

will be realizing you have to go home.

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Duneland CommunitiesAl and Sally’s Motel3221 W. Dunes Highway Michigan City (Pines)219-872-9131 • 219-872-9132alandsallysmotelinc.com

$$ 16 OP Y N

At Home in the Woods 898 North 350 E. Chesterton 219-728-1325athomeinthewoodsbb.com

$$$ 3 OP FB Y N

Best Western Indian Oak558 Indian Boundary Rd. Chesterton219-926-2200 indianoak.com

$$$ 62 IP FB Y N X

Blackhawk Motel3651 W. Dunes Highway Michigan City (Pines)219-872-8656blackhawkmotel.webs.com

$$ 20 OP PN X

Comfort Inn & Suites1800 W US 20 Porter219-787-1400choicehotels.com

$$ 70 IP FB Y N X

DunesWalk Inn1491 North Furnleigh Lane Chesterton219-728-6393 duneswalkinn.com

$$$ 5 Y N X

Dunewood Campground (National Park Service) US 12 & Broadway Beverly Shores219-395-1882 nps.gov/indu

$ 78 P X

Econo Lodge713 Plaza Drive Chesterton219-929-4416 choicehotels.com

$$ 41 CB Y P X

Gray Goose Inn350 Indian Boundary Rd. Chesterton219-926-5781 • 800-521-5127 graygooseinn.com

$$$ 8 FB Y PN

Hilton Garden Inn501 Gateway Boulevard Chesterton219-983-9500 chesterton.hgi.com

$$$ 120 IP Y N X

Indiana Dunes State Park Campground(Department of Natural Resources )IN-49 North of US 12 Chesterton866-622-6746 camp.in.gov

$ 140 P X

Inspiration Wood1199 N. 650 E. Westville219-983-9922inspirationwood.com

$$$ 7 Y N X

Quality Inn418 Council Drive Chesterton219-929-5549qualityinn.com

$$ 49 CB Y N X

Riley’s Railhouse123 N 4th Street Chesterton219-395-9999rileysrailhouse.com

$$$ 2 FB Y N X

Sandcreek Campground(Independently owned) 1000 North 350 E. Chesterton 219-926-7482 smsccg.com

$ 150 OP Y PN X

Spring House Inn303 North Mineral Springs Rd. Porter219-929-4600 springhouseinn.com

$$$ 50 IP CB Y N X

Waterbird Lakeside Inn556 Indian Boundary Rd. Chesterton888-957-3529 waterbirdinn.com

$$$ 22 IP CB Y N X

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KoutsDonna Jo Campground(Independently owned )1255 South 350 E. Kouts219-766-2186 donnajocampground.com

$ 75 OP P X

PortageBest Western Portage Hotel & Suites6200 Melton Rd. Portage219-734-6727bestwestern.com

$$ 100 IP CB Y N X

Comfort Inn2300 Willowcreek Rd. Portage219-763-7177 choicehotels.com

$$$ 52 CB Y PN X

Country Inn & Suites Portage1630 Olmsted Drive Portage219-764-0021 countryinns.com/portagein

$$$ 100 IP CB Y N X

Days Inn6161 Melton Rd. (US 20) Portage219-762-2136 daysinn.com

$$ 111 IP CB Y P X

Dollar Inn6140 Melton Rd. (US 20) Portage219-763-6601

$ 50 P X

Hampton Inn6353 Melton Rd. (US 20) Portage219-764-1919hamptoninn.com

$$$ 60 IP CB Y N X

Holiday Inn Express2323 Willowcreek Rd. Portage219-762-7777 hieportage.com

$$ 76 IP FB Y PN X

Super 8 Motel6118 Melton Rd. Portage219-762-8857 super8.com

$$ 65 CB Y PN X

Woodland Village RV Lots(Within mobile home park)5757 U.S. 20 Portage219-762-6578wvmhp.com

$ 70 P

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp Resort5520 Old Porter Rd. Portage800-558-2954 #128 campjellystone-portage.com

$ 926 OP P X

Bed & Breakfast Campgrounds

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ValparaisoBest Western University Inn760 W. Morthland Drive Valparaiso219-850-1100bestwestern.com

$$ 53 FB Y N X

Country Inn & Suites Valparaiso2020 LaPorte Avenue Valparaiso219-476-0000countryinns.com/valpoin

$$$ 59 IP CB Y N X

Courtyard by Marriott2301 E. Morthland Drive Valparaiso219-465-1700courtyard.com/vrpcy

$$$ 111 OP

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Fairfield Inn & Suites2101 East Morthland Drive Valparaiso219-465-6225fairfieldinn.com/vrpfi

$$$ 63 IP CB Y N X

Hampton Inn & Suites1451 Silhavy Rd. Valparaiso219-531-6424hamptoninn.com

$$$ 77 IP FB Y N X

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites1251 Silhavy Rd. Valparaiso219-464-9395 888-897-0084hiexpress.com

$$$ 85 IP FB Y PN X

Inn at Aberdeen3158 S. State Rd. 2 Valparaiso219-465-3753innataberdeen.com

$$$ 11 OP FB Y PN X

Mink Lake Campground(Independently owned)658 N. Calumet Avenue Valparaiso219-462-9570

$ 30

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Pikk’s Tavern (B&B rooms above)62 W. Lincolnway Valparaiso219-476-7455pikkstavern.com

$$$ 2 Y N

Songbird Prairie 174 North 600 W. Valparaiso219-759-4274 877-SONGBRD songbirdprairie.com

$$$ 5 FB Y N

Super 8 Motel3005 John Howell Drive Valparaiso219-464-9840 super8.com

$$ 58 IP CB Y N X

Bed & Breakfast Campgrounds

Hotels/Motels Cottages

1. Early morning is optimal bird-viewing time. Evening is also good. Bird activity drops during midday hours.

2. Binoculars and a good birding field guide are essential. A spotting scope can be very useful as well, particularly for viewing waterfowl and shorebirds.

3. Birding by ear is a helpful skill, especially for identifying songbirds. You can hone your skills with any number of audio recordings and downloadable software.

4. Join a local birding outing. Contact Indiana Dunes State Park, Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, Indiana Audubon Society, or Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore for infor-mation.

Indiana Dunes State Park 219-926-1390, in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htmIndiana Dunes Visitor Center 800-283-8687, indianadunes.com Indiana Audubon Society indianaaudubon.org Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 219-395-1882, nps.gov/indu

5. Current bird sitings can be found at:ebird.comindianadunesbirding.wordpress.com

Birding Ethics1. Respect wildlife homes. Leave nests and their occupants

as you found them.

2. In no-hunt areas, blend in with your surroundings. Wear neutral-colored clothing and move slowly and quietly.

3. Avoid the use of recordings, calls, or whistles to attract birds, as they can disrupt the birds’ normal feeding, mat-ing, and brood-rearing activities.

4. View birds from a distance to avoid disturbing them.

5. Stay on trails. Respect private property.

6. Share your lunch only with other humans.

7. If possible, leave pets at home.

Weather WatchMigrating birds tend to fly during fair weather, especially when they have a good wind helping them along. In autumn, you’ll often see especially high numbers of migrating songbirds and water birds during or immediately following the passage of a cold front through the Indiana Dunes region. In spring, you’ll tend to see the most migrating raptors on days with a strong southerly wind.

Viewing Tips

21

Prothonotary Warbler

Indiana Dunes Country Birder’s Checklist

Seasonal Abundance Codes:A = Abundant: Often observed and widespread

C = Common: Frequent in appropriate habitat

U = Uncommon: Infrequent in appropriate habitat and season

R = Rare: Unlikely, but possible in right season

V = Very Rare: Not seen every year, only a few records

Habitat CodesB-BEACH: Lake Michigan beach.

D-DUNES: Sand dunes located immediately inland of Lake Michigan beaches.

F-FIELD: Cultivated and roadside field, open area, and/or prairie.

FL-FLIGHT: Observed in flight.

L-LAKE: Lake Michigan.

M-MARSH: Wetland with predominantly grassy (non-woody) vegetation.

P-POND: Permanent body of water, including small lakes, ponds, and wetlands.

S-SWAMP: Wetland with more trees and shrubs than a marsh.

U-URBAN: Urban area.

W-WOODS: Treed area.

WE-WOODED EDGES: The interface between woods and another habitat.

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*State endangered SPRI

NG

SUM

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Swans, Geese & Ducksq Snow Goose U U Vq Ross's Goose R Rq Cackling Goose R Rq Canada Goose A A A C L,M,Pq Mute Swan C C C C L,Pq Trumpeter Swan V V V Vq Tundra Swan U U R Lq Wood Duck A C C R P,Sq Gadwall C R C R M,Pq American Wigeon C R C R M,Pq American Black Duck C R C U M,Pq Mallard A A A C M,Pq Blue-winged Teal C U C Vq Northern Shoveler C R U Rq Northern Pintail U V U R M,Pq Green-winged Teal C R U R L,P,Mq Canvasback U V U U M,Pq Redhead C V U U L,Pq Ring-necked Duck C R C R M,Pq Greater Scaup U U U L,Pq Lesser Scaup C C U L,Pq Harlequin Duck V V Rq Surf Scoter R U Vq White-winged Scoter R U R Lq Black Scoter R U R Lq Bufflehead C V C C Lq Common Goldeneye C C C Lq Hooded Merganser U R U R Lq Common Merganser U U C Lq Red-breasted Merganser C V A U L,Pq Ruddy Duck C R U R L,PGamebirdsq Northern Bobwhite R R R R F,WEq Ring-necked Pheasant U U U U Fq Wild Turkey U U U U F,WLoons & Grebesq Red-Throated Loon U U R Lq Pacific Loon V V Vq Common Loon C V C R Lq Pied-billed Grebe C C C R M,Pq Horned Grebe U C R L,Hq Red-necked Grebe V R Vq Eared Grebe V Vq Western Grebe V V VCormorants & Pelicansq Double-crested Cormorant C U C R Lq American White Pelican R R VBitterns & Heronsq American Bittern* U R U Mq Least Bittern* R R V Mq Great Blue Heron A A C R M,Pq Great Egret C U C Mq Snowy Egret V V Vq Little Blue Heron R V Rq Green Heron C C C M,Pq Black-crowned Night Heron* U U R Mq Yellow-crowned Night Heron* V V V MVulturesq Turkey Vulture A A C V FLEagles & Hawksq Osprey* U R U Lq Bald Eagle* U R U R FLq Northern Harrier* U R U R Fq Sharp-shinned Hawk C R C U WE,Wq Cooper’s Hawk C C C C WE,Wq Northern Goshawk V V V Wq Red-shouldered Hawk U R U U WEq Broad-winged Hawk U R U Wq Red-tailed Hawk C C C C F,WEq Rough-legged Hawk U U U F,Mq Golden Eagle R V R

*State endangered SPRI

NG

SUM

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FALL

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BIT

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Rails, Coots, & Cranesq King Rail R V Rq Virginia Rail* U U U V Mq Sora C U U Mq Common Gallinule R R R Mq American Coot A C A U M,P,Lq Sandhill Crane C U C R F,Mq Whooping Crane VPloversq Black-bellied Plover U U B,Pq American Golden Plover C U B,Pq Semipalmated Plover U U B,Pq Piping Plover* V R Bq Killdeer A A C R M,D,FSandpipers & Other Shorebirdsq Spotted Sandpiper C U C M,Sq Solitary Sandpiper C U U Mq Greater Yellowlegs U R R M,Pq Lesser Yellowlegs U U U M,Pq Willet R R Uq Upland Sandpiper R R Vq Whimbrel R R Rq Marbled Godwit R R Rq Ruddy Tumstone U R U Bq Red Knot R R Bq Sanderling R C C V Bq Semipalmated Sandpiper U R C B,Pq Least Sandpiper U U C B,Pq Baird’s Sandpiper V R U Bq Pectoral Sandpiper C R U M,Pq Purple Sandpiper R R R Bq Dunlin U R U V B,Pq Buff-breasted Sandpiper V Rq Short-billed Dowitcher R R R Pq Long-billed Dowitcher R R Rq Wilson's Snipe U R U V M,Pq American Woodcock C U U S,Wq Wilson's Phalarope U R Rq Red-necked Phalarope Rq Red Phalarope R L,BGulls, Terns & Jaegersq Black-legged Kittiwake R U R Lq Sabine’s Gull R R q Bonaparte’s Gull C R C R L,Bq Little Gull R R R Lq Laughing Gull R R R Lq Franklin's Gull R Uq Ring-billed Gull A C A C L,Bq Herring Gull A U C A L,Bq Thayer’s Gull R R U L,Bq Iceland Gull R R R Lq Lesser Black-backed Gull R R Uq Glaucous Gull U R U L,Bq Great Black-backed Gull U R U C Lq Caspian Tern C U R L,Bq Black Tern* R R U M,Bq Common Tern C V U L,Bq Forster’s Tern U R U L,Bq Pomarine Jeager R V L,Bq Parasitic Jaeger R L,Bq Long-tailed Jaeger RPigeons & Dovesq Rock Pigeon C C C C Uq Eurasian Collared-Dove R R R Rq Mourning Dove C C C C F,WCuckoosq Yellow-billed Cuckoo U U U WEq Black-billed Cuckoo U R R WE

*State endangered SPRI

NG

SUM

MER

FALL

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HA

BIT

AT

CO

DES

Owlsq Eastern Screech Owl C C C C Wq Great Horned Owl U U U U Wq Snowy Owl V R R Bq Barred Owl C C C C Sq Long-eared Owl R R Vq Short-eared Owl R R U F,Mq Northern Saw-whet Owl R R V RWNightjarsq Common Nighthawk U U U WE,Fq Eastern Whip-poor-will C U U WSwiftsq Chimney Swift C C C UHummingbirdsq Ruby-throated Hummingbird C C C F,WEKingfishersq Belted Kingfisher C C C R M,PWoodpeckersq Red-headed Woodpecker C C C U Wq Red-bellied Woodpecker C C C C Wq Yellow-bellied Sapsucker C V U R Wq Downy Woodpecker A C C C W,WEq Hairy Woodpecker U U U U Wq Northern Flicker C C C U Wq Pileated Woodpecker U U U U WFalconsq American Kestrel C C C C Fq Merlin U U Rq Peregrine Falcon* C U C U FLFlycatchersq Olive-sided Flycatcher U R U Sq Eastern Wood Pewee C A C Wq Yellow-bellied Flycatcher U V R Wq Acadian Flycatcher C C R Wq Alder Flycatcher U R R Mq Willow Flycatcher C U R Mq Least Flycatcher C R C W,WEq Eastern Phoebe C C U F,W,WEq Great-crested Flycatcher C C U Wq Eastern Kingbird C C U F,MShrikesq Loggerhead Shrike V Vq Northern Shrike R R RVireosq White-eyed Vireo U R U Wq Bell's Vireo R R Rq Yellow-throated Vireo C U U Wq Blue-headed Vireo U R U Wq Warbling Vireo C C U WE,Pq Philadelphia Vireo U U Wq Red-eyed Vireo C C C WJays & Crowsq Blue Jay A C A A W,WEq American Crow A C A A ALLLarksq Horned Lark C U U FSwallowsq Purple Martin C C C F,Pq Tree Swallow A A C F,Mq Rough-winged Swallow U U U F,Mq Bank Swallow C C U B,Dq Cliff Swallow U R R Fq Barn Swallow A A C FChickadees & Titmiceq Black-capped Chickadee A C C C Wq Tufted Titmouse A C C C WNuthatchesq Red-breasted Nuthatch U V U R Wq White-breasted Nuthatch A C C C W

24 25

*State endangered SPRI

NG

SUM

MER

FALL

WIN

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HA

BIT

AT

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DES

Creepersq Brown Creeper C V C U WWrensq House Wren C C C WE,Uq Winter Wren U R U R Wq Sedge Wren* U R R F,Mq Marsh Wren* U U U Mq Carolina Wren U U U U WE,UGnatcatchers & Kingletsq Blue-gray Gnatcatcher C U R Wq Golden-crowned Kinglet C V C R Wq Ruby-crowned Kinglet C C R WThrushesq Eastern Bluebird C C C U F,WEq Veery U U U Wq Gray-cheeked Thrush U U Wq Swainson’s Thrush U A Wq Hermit Thrush C C R Wq Wood Thrush U U U Wq American Robin A A C U F,WMimicsq Gray Catbird A C C R WEq Northern Mockingbird U U U R F,WEq Brown Thrasher C C C R WEStarlingsq European Starling A A A A ALLPipitsq American Pipit U U RWaxwingsq Bohemian Waxwing V V Vq Cedar Waxwing A U C U W,MLongspurs & Alliesq Lapland Longspur R R U Bq Smith's Longspur Rq Snow Bunting R U U F,BWarblersq Ovenbird C C U Wq Worm-eating Warbler R V Vq Louisiana Waterthrush U U R Sq Northern Waterthrush U R U WE,Mq Golden-winged Warbler* R V R WEq Blue-winged Warbler U U R WEq Black and White Warbler C R C Wq Prothonotary Warbler U U Rq Tennessee Warbler C C Wq Orange-crowned Warbler R U Wq Nashville Warbler C C Wq Connecticut Warbler R Rq Mourning Warbler R V R WEq Kentucky Warbler R R Rq Common Yellowthroat C C C Mq Hooded Warbler U R R Sq American Redstart C U C Wq Cape May Warbler C C Wq Cerulean Warbler U U R Wq Northern Parula U R R Wq Magnolia Warbler C C Wq Bay-breasted Warbler U U Wq Blackburnian Warbler U R U Wq Yellow Warbler C C R WE,Mq Chestnut-sided Warbler C R U W,WEq Blackpoll Warbler C C Wq Black-throated Blue Warbler U Uq Palm Warbler C C WE,Mq Pine Warbler U R Uq Yellow-rumped Warbler C C R W,Mq Yellow-throated Warbler R R Rq Prairie Warbler U R R Dq Black-throated Green Warbler C R C Wq Canada Warbler U R U Wq Wilson’s Warbler U U Wq Yellow-breasted Chat U R R M,WE

*State endangered SPRI

NG

SUM

MER

FALL

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TER

HA

BIT

AT

CO

DES

Sparrowsq Eastern Towhee C C C R WEq American Tree Sparrow C C A F,WEq Chipping Sparrow C C C F,WE,Dq Clay-colored Sparrow R R q Field Sparrow C C C R F,D,Mq Vesper Sparrow U U U F,Dq Lark Sparrow R R Rq Sanannah Sparrow U U U F,Dq Grasshopper Sparrow U U U Fq Henslow's Sparrow R R Rq LeConte's Sparrow R Rq Nelson's Sparrow R Rq Fox Sparrow U U R WEq Song Sparrow C C C U M,WEq Lincoln’s Sparrow U U Wq Swamp Sparrow C C C U M,Sq White-throated Sparrow A A R WEq White-crowned Sparrow C C R WEq Dark-eyed Junco C C A WECardinals & Alliesq Summer Tanager U U R Wq Scarlet Tanager C C U Wq Northern Cardinal A A A A F,WEq Rose-breasted Grosbeak C U C Wq Blue Grosbeak R R Rq Indigo Bunting C C C F,WEq Dickcissel U U U FBlackbirds & Oriolesq Bobolink C C R Fq Red-winged Blackbird A A A R F,M,Sq Eastern Meadowlark C C C R Fq Western Meadowlark R R R Fq Yellow-headed Blackbird* R R R Mq Rusty Blackbird U U R Sq Common Grackle C C C U M,Fq Brown-headed Cowbird C C C U W,WEq Orchard Oriole U U U W,WEq Baltimore Oriole C C U W,WEFinchesq Purple Finch U U U Wq House Finch A C A A Uq Red Crossbill R R Rq White-winged Crossbill R R Rq Common Redpoll R R U WEq Hoary Redpoll Vq Pine Siskin R R U WEq American Goldfinch A C A A F,WE,Uq Evening Grosbeak R R R WEOld World Sparrowsq House Sparrow A A A A U

Eastern Bluebird

26 27

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