Indiana Dunes Country
Birding
Guide
IndianaDunes.com
1
Table of contents
Birding the Dunes Migration Sensation
Birding Hot Spots
Map—Birding Sites
Viewing Tips
Birding Ethics
Indiana Dunes Country Birder’s Checklist
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5
6
16
21
21
22
American Kestrel
Planning your trip is easy
at IndianaDunes.com
Ready 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.
Green Heron
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.
Backpacks for Birders
Reserve your Indiana Dunes Birding Backpack
(800) 283-8687
2
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.
Yellow Warbler
3
Indiana Dunes Tourism
1215 N. State Road 49
Porter, IN 46304
IndianaDunes.com
“The dunes are to the Midwest what
the Grand Canyon is to Arizona….
They constitute a signature of time
and eternity.”
Carl Sandburg
Birding
the Dunes
Few 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, wetlands, 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 soaring over the dunes in the springtime, or catch a once-in-alifetime glimpse of a Whooping Crane. But here in Indiana
Dunes Country, birding also offers year-round discoveries
and adventures.
Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Migration Sensation
Introducing the Beyond
the Beach Discovery Trail
Explore dozens of sites connecting Lake Michigan to the
Kankakee River. Visit BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com
and follow these signs to discover them all.
Why 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 create 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.
4
5
Birding Sites
BS Beverly
Shores
Habitat
Located 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 occurs between old dune crests, formed before the last glacial recession of Lake Michigan, and the current lakeside dune crests.
Birds
Several state-endangered species nest in the interdunal marsh,
including King Rail, Virginia Rail, Common Moorhen, and American 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 Tip
Free. 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.
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 outstanding viewing. In this guide, we’ve detailed the birding opportunities 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 Area
Site designated by the National Audubon Society as providing
essential habitat for one or more species of birds. Sites are further designated as being of state, national, or global significance.
Note: WatchList
In 2007, the American Bird Conservancy and National Audubon Society teamed up to create the United States WatchList
of Birds of Conservation Concern, identifing species in greatest need of conservation attention.
6
Broadway Ave, Beverly Shores, IN 46301
(219) 395-1882 • nps.gov/indu
CC Coffee
Creek Watershed Preserve
Habitat
Mother 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 reputation 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 Village 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
7
g4
CB Cowles
Bog
Habitat
Considered a globally significant Important Bird Area, Cowles
Bog is actually a fen, not a true bog (which has no inflow or outflow of water, other than precipitation). The fen itself is off-limits
to the public, but trails traverse several uncommon habitats, including tamarack and white pine woodlands, black oak savanna,
interdunal wetlands, red maple and yellow birch lowland forest,
and a pristine beach along Lake Michigan.
Birds
The 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.
Short-eared Owl
Access Tip
Free.
North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304
(219) 395-1882 • nps.gov/indu
HS Hammond
Lakefront Park
and Bird Sanctuary
Habitat
Neotropical 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.
Birds
You’ll see a host of migrating songbirds here in spring and fall,
including wrens, thrushes, vireos, warblers, and sparrows. Specific 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 Tip
Free. Turn into the Horseshoe Casino entrance and take an immediate right at the end of the entrance ramp. The parking lot is gated
and visitors need to show identification. While there are three entrances 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/HammondLakefrontPark/tabid/181/Default.aspx
8
SP Indiana
Dunes State Park
Habitat
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.
Birds
On 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 observation area is known for several state record species counts
in the spring, including Blue Jay, Scarlet Tanager, and Baltimore
Oriole.
Access Tip
Entrance fee.
1600 North 25 East, Chesterton, IN 46304
(219) 926-1952 • in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm
9
“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 leisure 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)
KW
Kankakee Fish & Wildlife Area
Habitat
Over 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.
Birds
This 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 Tip
Free. 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
Great Blue Heron
10
11
JP Jasper-Pulaski
Fish & Wildlife Area
Habitat
8,062-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.
Birds
Jasper-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 rangerled, 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 migration in recent years. While cranes are obviously the biggest
draw, the site’s diverse habitats attract many other birds, including WatchList species like the Red-headed Woodpecker.
Access Tip
Free. 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 Sands
Habitat
Owned 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 community.
Birds
Many 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. Sightings include Wilson’s Phalarope, Upland Sandpiper, King Rail,
and American Bittern.
Access Tip
Free. 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
Bobolink
MP Marquette Park
Habitat
Part of an Important Bird Area, Marquette Park is considered
one of the most critical sites for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, 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.
Birds
Three 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 Woods
Habitat
Black Oak savanna dominates this nearly 1,000-acre Important 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.
Birds
Many neotropical species stop here during migration, including 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
12
13
TA Taltree Arboretum & Gardens
Habitat
The stewards of this 330-acre site have conserved and restored
a mix of native habitats, including oak-hickory woodlands, savanna, wetlands, and prairie.
Birds
Taltree is one of the best sites to view woodpeckers, including
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy and Red-headed Woodpecker. 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 Tip
Entrance fee. First Tuesday of each month is free.
450 West 100 North, Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 462-0025 • taltree.org
WB West
PI
Port of Indiana
Habitat
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.
Birds
Spring, fall, and winter offer the best viewing at the port. Birders 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.
Beach
Habitat
The 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 forest), savanna, emergent marsh, panne (interdunal pond fed by
groundwater), and lake habitat.
Birds
Though you can see a variety of birds year-round at West Beach,
fall and winter provide some of the best viewing. Indiana Audubon 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 Tip
National Park Service site, fee in summer.
North County Line Road, Portage, IN 46368
(219) 395-1882 • nps.gov/indu
Access Tip
Free. 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
14
15
Long
Beach
212
Michigan City
12
35
53
Griffith
met
Ave
130
149
150
55
30
d
ak R
Westville
Valparaiso
2
400
Evans Ave
421
Kingsfor
Heights
300
30
750
Porter County
Municipal
Airport
0W
Merrillville
N 50
65
Crown Point
50
Wanatah
2
800
231
TA
725
30
39
Winfield
N
350
Cedar Lake
W
2
E
0
231
map data ©2010
Tele Atlas
S
0
Lake
Dalecarlia
30
Alt
P O RT E R C O U N T Y
100
Lakes of
the Four
Seasons
5 miles
2.5
2.5
5 kilometers
Hebron
49
LAKE
COUNTY
2
NW
ozni
49
6
51
St. John
La Porte
Municipal
Airport
Kin
700
W 500 N
Calu
73
L A P O RT E
COUNTY
35
Hobart
Schererville
Hitchcock St
M e r idi a n R d
A i r p o rt R d
200
450
600
Ohio St
80
CC
400
Portage
La Porte
1100
80
Willowcreek Rd
6
N 500 E
Waverly Rd
125
Campbell St
Dyer
Stone Ave
E 1 0 t h St
Griffith-Merrillville
Airport
41
37th Ave
White Oak Ave
Sheffield Ave
Munster
N Lake Park Ave
Highland
E
C o u n t y L in e R d
Cline Ave
New
Chicago
94
1275
Portage Ave
Central Ave
80
400
S Wozniak Rd
Lake
Station
275
600
1400
Chesterton
1225
20
Hammond
152
1350
Porter
12
249
300
d
90
12
WB
W 400 N
1500
nR
20
Ogden Dunes
MP
MW
50
W Pahs Rd
421
nso
Jo h
Gary
Gary-Chicago
International
Airport
PI
Visitor
Center
Trail Creek
W
CB
Burns
Harbor
312
SP
20
Rd
Dune Acres
Indiana Dunes National
Lakeshore
r
20
12
Lake Michigan
912
rly D
E Coolspring Ave
son
HS
BS E Beve
East Chicago
J o hn
Whiting
39
Michigan
City Municipal
Airport
E Barker Ave
Greenwood Ave
41
94
Tryon Rd
Springland Ave
Kouts
8
8
La Crosse
421
65
Lowell
KW
41
39
JASPER
COUNTY
55
Schneider
North
Judson
San
Pierre
De
Motte
231
KS
10
Wheatfield
Kankakee
River
JP
Roselawn
900
16
17
Y
N
Best Western Indian Oak
$$$ 62
IP
Y
N
898 North 350 E. Chesterton
219-728-1325
athomeinthewoodsbb.com
FB
558 Indian Boundary Rd. Chesterton
219-926-2200
indianoak.com
$$
Blackhawk Motel
20 OP
PN
3651 W. Dunes Highway Michigan City (Pines)
219-872-8656
blackhawkmotel.webs.com
$$
Comfort Inn & Suites
70
IP
FB
Y
N
1800 W US 20 Porter
219-787-1400
choicehotels.com
$$$
DunesWalk Inn
5
Y
N
1491 North Furnleigh Lane Chesterton
219-728-6393
duneswalkinn.com
$
Dunewood Campground
78
P
(National Park Service)
US 12 & Broadway Beverly Shores
219-395-1882 nps.gov/indu
$$
Econo Lodge
41
CB
Y
P
713 Plaza Drive Chesterton
219-929-4416
choicehotels.com
Donna Jo Campground
X
X
X
X
X
X
$$$
8
FB
Hilton Garden Inn
$$$ 120 IP
Y
PN
Y
N
X
P
X
Y
N
X
Y
N
X
350 Indian Boundary Rd. Chesterton
219-926-5781 • 800-521-5127
graygooseinn.com
501 Gateway Boulevard Chesterton
219-983-9500
chesterton.hgi.com
$
140
Inspiration Wood
$$$
7
Quality Inn
$$
49
Riley’s Railhouse
$$$
Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
(Department of Natural Resources )
IN-49 North of US 12 Chesterton
866-622-6746
camp.in.gov
1199 N. 650 E. Westville
219-983-9922
inspirationwood.com
CB
418 Council Drive Chesterton
219-929-5549
qualityinn.com
2
FB
Y
N
X
Y
PN
X
123 N 4th Street Chesterton
219-395-9999
rileysrailhouse.com
$
Sandcreek Campground
150 OP
(Independently owned)
1000 North 350 E. Chesterton
219-926-7482
smsccg.com
Spring House Inn
$$$ 50
IP CB
Y
N
X
Waterbird Lakeside Inn
$$$ 22
IP CB
Y
N
X
303 North Mineral Springs Rd. Porter
219-929-4600
springhouseinn.com
18
75 OP
P
X
Portage
Best Western Portage Hotel
& Suites
$$ 100 IP CB
Y
N
X
Comfort Inn
$$$ 52
CB
Y
PN
X
Country Inn & Suites Portage
$$$ 100 IP CB
Y
N
X
Days Inn
$$ 111 IP CB
Y
P
X
Dollar Inn
$
P
X
6200 Melton Rd. Portage
219-734-6727
bestwestern.com
2300 Willowcreek Rd. Portage
219-763-7177
choicehotels.com
1630 Olmsted Drive Portage
219-764-0021
countryinns.com/portagein
6161 Melton Rd. (US 20) Portage
219-762-2136
daysinn.com
6140 Melton Rd. (US 20) Portage
219-763-6601
Gray Goose Inn
556 Indian Boundary Rd. Chesterton
888-957-3529
waterbirdinn.com
$
(Independently owned )
1255 South 350 E. Kouts
219-766-2186
donnajocampground.com
Accessible
OP FB
Pets Allowed (P) Non-Smoking (N)
3
High Speed Internet (Y)
$$$
Full/Continental Breakfast (FB/CB)
At Home in the Woods
Kouts
3221 W. Dunes Highway Michigan City (Pines)
219-872-9131 • 219-872-9132
alandsallysmotelinc.com
Indoor/Outdoor Pool (IP/OP)
N
# Rooms/Campsites
Y
Price Range
$-less than $50, $$-$50-$100, $$$-$100+
16 OP
Accessible
Pets Allowed (P) Non-Smoking (N)
$$
Duneland Communities
Indoor/Outdoor Pool (IP/OP)
Al and Sally’s Motel
Sleep 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.
# Rooms/Campsites
High Speed Internet (Y)
Full/Continental Breakfast (FB/CB)
Price Range
$-less than $50, $$-$50-$100, $$$-$100+
Accommodations
50
Hampton Inn
$$$ 60
IP CB
Y
N
X
Holiday Inn Express
$$
76
IP
FB
Y
PN
X
Super 8 Motel
$$
65
CB
Y
PN
X
Woodland Village RV Lots
$
70
P
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp Resort
$
926 OP
P
6353 Melton Rd. (US 20) Portage
219-764-1919
hamptoninn.com
2323 Willowcreek Rd. Portage
219-762-7777
hieportage.com
6118 Melton Rd. Portage
219-762-8857
super8.com
(Within mobile home park)
5757 U.S. 20 Portage
219-762-6578
wvmhp.com
5520 Old Porter Rd. Portage
800-558-2954 #128
campjellystone-portage.com
Bed & Breakfast
Campgrounds
Hotels/Motels
Cottages
19
X
# Rooms/Campsites
Full/Continental Breakfast (FB/CB)
High Speed Internet (Y)
Pets Allowed (P) Non-Smoking (N)
$$
53
FB
Y
N
X
Country Inn & Suites Valparaiso
$$$ 59
IP CB
Y
N
X
Courtyard by Marriott
$$$ 111 OP FB
Y
N
X
760 W. Morthland Drive Valparaiso
219-850-1100
bestwestern.com
2020 LaPorte Avenue Valparaiso
219-476-0000
countryinns.com/valpoin
2301 E. Morthland Drive Valparaiso
219-465-1700
courtyard.com/vrpcy
IP
1. Early morning is optimal bird-viewing time. Evening is also
good. Bird activity drops during midday hours.
Accessible
Indoor/Outdoor Pool (IP/OP)
Price Range
$-less than $50, $$-$50-$100, $$$-$100+
Best Western University Inn
Valparaiso
Viewing Tips
Fairfield Inn & Suites
$$$ 63
IP CB
Y
N
X
Hampton Inn & Suites
$$$ 77
IP
Y
N
X
2101 East Morthland Drive Valparaiso
219-465-6225
fairfieldinn.com/vrpfi
1451 Silhavy Rd. Valparaiso
219-531-6424
hamptoninn.com
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
1251 Silhavy Rd. Valparaiso
219-464-9395 888-897-0084
hiexpress.com
$$$ 85
IP
FB
FB
Y
PN
X
2. Binoculars and a good birding field guide are essential. A
spotting scope can be very useful as well, particularly for
viewing waterfowl and shorebirds.
3. Birding by ear is a helpful skill, especially for identifying
songbirds. You can hone your skills with any number of
audio recordings and downloadable software.
4. Join a local birding outing. Contact Indiana Dunes State
Park, Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, Indiana Audubon
Society, or Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore for information.
Indiana Dunes State Park 219-926-1390, in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center 800-283-8687, indianadunes.com
Indiana Audubon Society indianaaudubon.org
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 219-395-1882, nps.gov/indu
5. Current bird sitings can be found at:
ebird.com
indianadunesbirding.wordpress.com
Birding Ethics
Inn at Aberdeen
$$$ 11 OP FB
3158 S. State Rd. 2 Valparaiso
219-465-3753
innataberdeen.com
Mink Lake Campground
$
(Independently owned)
658 N. Calumet Avenue Valparaiso
219-462-9570
Y
30
PN
X
2. In no-hunt areas, blend in with your surroundings. Wear
neutral-colored clothing and move slowly and quietly.
P
(RV)
Pikk’s Tavern (B&B rooms above)
62 W. Lincolnway Valparaiso
219-476-7455
pikkstavern.com
$$$
2
Y
1. Respect wildlife homes. Leave nests and their occupants
as you found them.
3. Avoid the use of recordings, calls, or whistles to attract birds, as they can disrupt the birds’ normal feeding, mating, and brood-rearing activities.
N
4. View birds from a distance to avoid disturbing them.
Songbird Prairie
$$$
174 North 600 W. Valparaiso
219-759-4274 877-SONGBRD
songbirdprairie.com
5
FB
Y
5. Stay on trails. Respect private property.
N
6. Share your lunch only with other humans.
Super 8 Motel
$$
3005 John Howell Drive Valparaiso
219-464-9840
super8.com
58
IP CB
Y
N
X
7. If possible, leave pets at home.
Weather Watch
Bed & Breakfast
Campgrounds
Hotels/Motels
Cottages
20
Migrating 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.
21
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 Codes
B-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.
Prothonotary Warbler
22
Swans, Geese & Ducks
Snow Goose
q
Ross's Goose
q
Cackling Goose
q
Canada Goose
q
Mute Swan
q
Trumpeter Swan
q
Tundra Swan
q
Wood Duck
q
Gadwall
q
American Wigeon
q
American Black Duck
q
Mallard
q
Blue-winged Teal
q
Northern Shoveler
q
Northern Pintail
q
Green-winged Teal
q
Canvasback
q
Redhead
q
Ring-necked Duck
q
Greater Scaup
q
Lesser Scaup
q
Harlequin Duck
q
Surf Scoter
q
White-winged Scoter
q
Black Scoter
q
Bufflehead
q
Common Goldeneye
q
Hooded Merganser
q
Common Merganser
q
Red-breasted Merganser
q
Ruddy Duck
q
Gamebirds
Northern Bobwhite
q
Ring-necked Pheasant
q
Wild Turkey
q
Loons & Grebes
Red-Throated Loon
q
Pacific Loon
q
Common Loon
q
Pied-billed Grebe
q
Horned Grebe
q
Red-necked Grebe
q
Eared Grebe
q
Western Grebe
q
Cormorants & Pelicans
Double-crested Cormorant
q
American White Pelican
q
Bitterns & Herons
American Bittern*
q
Least Bittern*
q
Great Blue Heron
q
Great Egret
q
Snowy Egret
q
Little Blue Heron
q
Green Heron
q
Black-crowned Night Heron*
q
Yellow-crowned Night Heron*
q
Vultures
Turkey Vulture
q
Eagles & Hawks
Osprey*
q
Bald Eagle*
q
Northern Harrier*
q
Sharp-shinned Hawk
q
Cooper’s Hawk
q
Northern Goshawk
q
Red-shouldered Hawk
q
Broad-winged Hawk
q
Red-tailed Hawk
q
Rough-legged Hawk
q
Golden Eagle
q
U
R
R
A
C
V
U
A
C
C
C
A
C
C
U
C
U
C
C
U
C
V
R
R
R
C
C
U
U
C
C
R
U
U
U
V
C
C
U
V
V
V
23
HABITAT
CODES
WINTER
FALL
*State endangered
SUMMER
SPRING
Indiana Dunes Country
Birder’s Checklist
C
C
V
R
R
R
R
U
C
V
R
R
R
U
U
R
U
U
R
V
R
R
C
C
R
C
U
R
L,M,P
L,P
V
R
U
R
R
A
C
V
U
C
C
C
C
A
C
U
U
U
U
U
C
U
C
V
U
U
U
C
C
U
U
A
U
R
U
U
R
U
U
R
U
U
F,WE
F
F,W
U
V
C
C
C
R
V
V
R
V
R
R
R
V
L
R
V
A
C
V
C
R
R
R
A
U
R
V
R
V
V
R
V
R
V
C
C
R
U
C
R
U
R
A
C
V
R
C
U
V
R
R
A
U
V
V
C
U
V
U
V
C
C
V
R
C
R
V
A
A
C
U
U
U
C
C
V
U
U
C
U
R
R
R
R
R
C
U
U
U
C
C
V
U
U
C
U
V
R
R
C
V
L
P,S
M,P
M,P
M,P
M,P
M,P
L,P,M
M,P
L,P
M,P
L,P
L,P
L
L
L
L
L
L
L,P
L,P
L
M,P
L,H
V
R
L
M
M
M,P
M
M,P
M
M
V
R
R
U
C
V
U
C
U
R
FL
L
FL
F
WE,W
WE,W
W
WE
W
F,WE
F,M
U
C
U
V
A
C
C
U
U
R
R
R
R
U
R
R
U
U
V
C
R
U
V
R
R
U
C
U
R
R
C
R
R
R
A
A
R
R
R
U
U
C
R
C
U
24
A
U
U
R
U
R
R
R
R
R
C
R
U
R
R
R
R
R
R
U
R
R
R
C
U
R
U
R
V
R
U
U
U
R
C
C
U
R
U
U
V
R
R
U
R
C
C
C
U
U
R
U
R
R
R
U
U
R
R
R
U
R
C
R
R
U
A
C
R
R
R
R
U
R
U
U
U
R
R
R
C
R
C
C
R
C
C
R
C
U
U
U
R
U
R
R
B,P
B,P
B,P
B
M,D,F
M,S
M
M,P
M,P
V
R
V
B
B
B
B,P
B,P
B
M,P
B
B,P
P
V
M,P
S,W
L,B
R
L
R
R
L,B
L
L
C
A
U
R
U
U
C
V
C
R
C
L,B
L,B
L,B
L
L,B
L
L,B
M,B
L,B
L,B
L,B
L,B
U
F,W
WE
WE
SUMMER
SPRING
C
U
R
C
R
R
R
C
U
R
C
V
U
V
W
W
B
S
C
U
V
C
R
R
R
C
U
U
C
U
U
U
U
WE,F
W
C
C
C
U
C
C
C
F,WE
C
C
C
R
M,P
C
C
C
A
U
C
U
C
C
V
C
U
C
U
C
C
U
C
U
C
U
U
C
R
C
U
U
U
W
W
W
W,WE
W
W
W
C
U
C
C
C
R
U
F
U
C
U
C
U
C
U
C
U
C
C
C
C
C
R
A
V
C
R
U
R
C
C
C
U
C
R
R
R
R
C
U
U
U
C
V
R
25
HABITAT
CODES
U
R
M
M
M
M,P,L
F,M
Owls
Eastern Screech Owl
q
Great Horned Owl
q
Snowy Owl
q
Barred Owl
q
Long-eared Owl
q
Short-eared Owl
q
Northern Saw-whet Owl
q
Nightjars
Common Nighthawk
q
Eastern Whip-poor-will
q
Swifts
Chimney Swift
q
Hummingbirds
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
q
Kingfishers
Belted Kingfisher
q
Woodpeckers
Red-headed Woodpecker
q
Red-bellied Woodpecker
q
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
q
Downy Woodpecker
q
Hairy Woodpecker
q
Northern Flicker
q
Pileated Woodpecker
q
Falcons
American Kestrel
q
Merlin
q
Peregrine Falcon*
q
Flycatchers
Olive-sided Flycatcher
q
Eastern Wood Pewee
q
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
q
Acadian Flycatcher
q
Alder Flycatcher
q
Willow Flycatcher
q
Least Flycatcher
q
Eastern Phoebe
q
Great-crested Flycatcher
q
Eastern Kingbird
q
Shrikes
Loggerhead Shrike
q
Northern Shrike
q
Vireos
White-eyed Vireo
q
Bell's Vireo
q
Yellow-throated Vireo
q
Blue-headed Vireo
q
Warbling Vireo
q
Philadelphia Vireo
q
Red-eyed Vireo
q
Jays & Crows
Blue Jay
q
American Crow
q
Larks
Horned Lark
q
Swallows
Purple Martin
q
Tree Swallow
q
Rough-winged Swallow
q
Bank Swallow
q
Cliff Swallow
q
Barn Swallow
q
Chickadees & Titmice
Black-capped Chickadee
q
Tufted Titmouse
q
Nuthatches
Red-breasted Nuthatch
q
White-breasted Nuthatch
q
WINTER
V
*State endangered
FALL
R
U
U
R
A
C
V
HABITAT
CODES
V
U
U
R
C
U
WINTER
R
U
C
R
A
C
FALL
SUMMER
Rails, Coots, & Cranes
King Rail
q
Virginia Rail*
q
Sora
q
Common Gallinule
q
American Coot
q
Sandhill Crane
q
Whooping Crane
q
Plovers
Black-bellied Plover
q
American Golden Plover
q
Semipalmated Plover
q
Piping Plover*
q
Killdeer
q
Sandpipers & Other Shorebirds
Spotted Sandpiper
q
Solitary Sandpiper
q
Greater Yellowlegs
q
Lesser Yellowlegs
q
Willet
q
Upland Sandpiper
q
Whimbrel
q
Marbled Godwit
q
Ruddy Tumstone
q
Red Knot
q
Sanderling
q
Semipalmated Sandpiper
q
Least Sandpiper
q
Baird’s Sandpiper
q
Pectoral Sandpiper
q
Purple Sandpiper
q
Dunlin
q
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
q
Short-billed Dowitcher
q
Long-billed Dowitcher
q
Wilson's Snipe
q
American Woodcock
q
Wilson's Phalarope
q
Red-necked Phalarope
q
Red Phalarope
q
Gulls, Terns & Jaegers
Black-legged Kittiwake
q
Sabine’s Gull
q
Bonaparte’s Gull
q
Little Gull
q
Laughing Gull
q
Franklin's Gull
q
Ring-billed Gull
q
Herring Gull
q
Thayer’s Gull
q
Iceland Gull
q
Lesser Black-backed Gull
q
Glaucous Gull
q
Great Black-backed Gull
q
Caspian Tern
q
Black Tern*
q
Common Tern
q
Forster’s Tern
q
Pomarine Jeager
q
Parasitic Jaeger
q
Long-tailed Jaeger
q
Pigeons & Doves
Rock Pigeon
q
Eurasian Collared-Dove
q
Mourning Dove
q
Cuckoos
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
q
Black-billed Cuckoo
q
SPRING
*State endangered
V
R
R
R
U
R
C
F,M
RW
FL
S
W
W
W
M
M
W,WE
F,W,WE
W
F,M
R
U
R
C
U
C
U
C
C
U
R
U
U
U
U
C
W
A
A
C
C
A
A
C
U
U
F
C
A
U
C
U
A
C
A
U
C
R
A
C
C
U
U
R
C
F,P
F,M
F,M
B,D
F
F
A
A
C
C
C
C
C
C
W
W
U
A
V
C
U
C
R
C
W
W
W
W
WE,P
W
W
A
A
W,WE
ALL
26
W
C
U
U
U
U
C
R
R
U
U
C
U
R
U
U
C
C
C
U
V
R
C
C
C
U
U
U
C
U
A
C
U
U
A
C
U
U
A
C
U
C
U
F,WE
W
W
W
W
W
F,W
A
U
C
C
U
C
C
U
C
R
R
R
WE
F,WE
WE
A
A
A
A
ALL
U
R
V
C
V
U
W,M
R
U
B
U
U
F,B
U
V
A
U
R
R
R
C
R
U
U
R
U
C
U
C
R
C
R
R
R
C
U
C
C
U
U
C
U
U
C
C
C
U
C
U
C
R
U
C
U
U
U
C
V
U
R
V
U
R
U
V
R
C
R
U
U
R
R
C
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
U
V
R
U
R
R
C
R
C
U
C
R
R
R
C
R
C
C
R
R
C
U
U
R
U
C
U
C
U
C
R
R
C
U
U
R
U
WE,U
W
F,M
M
WE,U
R
R
W
W
W
R
U
R
W
S
WE,M
WE
WE
W
W
W
W
WE
M
S
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
WE,M
W,WE
W
Sparrows
Eastern Towhee
q
American Tree Sparrow
q
Chipping Sparrow
q
Clay-colored Sparrow
q
Field Sparrow
q
Vesper Sparrow
q
Lark Sparrow
q
Sanannah Sparrow
q
Grasshopper Sparrow
q
Henslow's Sparrow
q
LeConte's Sparrow
q
Nelson's Sparrow
q
Fox Sparrow
q
Song Sparrow
q
Lincoln’s Sparrow
q
Swamp Sparrow
q
White-throated Sparrow
q
White-crowned Sparrow
q
Dark-eyed Junco
q
Cardinals & Allies
Summer Tanager
q
Scarlet Tanager
q
Northern Cardinal
q
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
q
Blue Grosbeak
q
Indigo Bunting
q
Dickcissel
q
Blackbirds & Orioles
Bobolink
q
Red-winged Blackbird
q
Eastern Meadowlark
q
Western Meadowlark
q
Yellow-headed Blackbird*
q
Rusty Blackbird
q
Common Grackle
q
Brown-headed Cowbird
q
Orchard Oriole
q
Baltimore Oriole
q
Finches
Purple Finch
q
House Finch
q
Red Crossbill
q
White-winged Crossbill
q
Common Redpoll
q
Hoary Redpoll
q
Pine Siskin
q
American Goldfinch
q
Evening Grosbeak
q
Old World Sparrows
House Sparrow
q
C
C
C
R
C
U
R
U
U
R
R
R
U
C
U
C
A
C
C
R
W,M
D
W
W
W
M,WE
Eastern Bluebird
27
C
C
U
R
U
U
R
C
C
C
C
C
R
C
U
R
U
U
R
R
R
U
C
U
C
A
C
C
U
C
A
C
R
C
U
U
C
A
U
R
C
U
R
U
A
C
R
C
U
C
A
C
R
R
U
C
C
U
C
C
A
C
R
R
R
A
C
R
R
U
C
C
U
U
U
A
R
R
R
WE,M
C
C
C
U
C
R
A
WE
F,WE
F,WE,D
R
F,D,M
F,D
F,D
F
R
U
U
R
R
A
A
WE
M,WE
W
M,S
WE
WE
WE
W
W
F,WE
W
F,WE
F
R
R
R
U
U
R
A
R
C
R
A
R
U
A
R
R
U
V
U
A
R
A
A
A
A
C
U
A
R
R
R
HABITAT
CODES
U
WINTER
HABITAT
CODES
C
FALL
WINTER
V
*State endangered
SUMMER
FALL
C
SPRING
SUMMER
Creepers
Brown Creeper
q
Wrens
House Wren
q
Winter Wren
q
Sedge Wren*
q
Marsh Wren*
q
Carolina Wren
q
Gnatcatchers & Kinglets
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
q
Golden-crowned Kinglet
q
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
q
Thrushes
Eastern Bluebird
q
Veery
q
Gray-cheeked Thrush
q
Swainson’s Thrush
q
Hermit Thrush
q
Wood Thrush
q
American Robin
q
Mimics
Gray Catbird
q
Northern Mockingbird
q
Brown Thrasher
q
Starlings
European Starling
q
Pipits
American Pipit
q
Waxwings
Bohemian Waxwing
q
Cedar Waxwing
q
Longspurs & Allies
Lapland Longspur
q
Smith's Longspur
q
Snow Bunting
q
Warblers
Ovenbird
q
Worm-eating Warbler
q
Louisiana Waterthrush
q
Northern Waterthrush
q
Golden-winged Warbler*
q
Blue-winged Warbler
q
Black and White Warbler
q
Prothonotary Warbler
q
Tennessee Warbler
q
Orange-crowned Warbler
q
Nashville Warbler
q
Connecticut Warbler
q
Mourning Warbler
q
Kentucky Warbler
q
Common Yellowthroat
q
Hooded Warbler
q
American Redstart
q
Cape May Warbler
q
Cerulean Warbler
q
Northern Parula
q
Magnolia Warbler
q
Bay-breasted Warbler
q
Blackburnian Warbler
q
Yellow Warbler
q
Chestnut-sided Warbler
q
Blackpoll Warbler
q
Black-throated Blue Warbler
q
Palm Warbler
q
Pine Warbler
q
Yellow-rumped Warbler
q
Yellow-throated Warbler
q
Prairie Warbler
q
Black-throated Green Warbler
q
Canada Warbler
q
Wilson’s Warbler
q
Yellow-breasted Chat
q
SPRING
*State endangered
F
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F
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W,WE
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FREE
*
Feeder ($9 Value) with purchase
of 3 Stackables® for $14.97
*Valid only at the store listed below.
Offer not valid on previous
purchases; one per person.
2902 North Calumet Ave. Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 465-0508 www.wbu.com/valparaiso
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BIRD FOOD • FEEDERS • GARDEN ACCENTS • UNIQUE GIFTS