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Owl Fest 2024

OWL FEST 2024

Obi the Barn Owl

 

Plan your 2024 Owl Fest
Vote in Raptor Election
Presenting Sponsor
Wild Birds Unlimited

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What is Owl Fest?

Owl Fest is two days of owl-themed fun and Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s largest fundraiser! All funds raised will go directly to support the Raptor Ambassadors at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center.

Besides fundraising, there is fun for the whole family! There are guided hikes called “Owl Prowls”, live animal programs, haunted hayrides, shirts, buttons, and more for sale!

In 2024 you can vote to elect your favorite raptor!

ADMISSION:

Included with Eagle Creek Park admission

LOCATION:

Ornithology Center >

6515 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278 >

Date and Time:

Sat. October 26th | 10:00am-5:00pm

Sun. October 27th | 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Support the Birds

The best way to support the Ornithology Center is to contribute directly to the Ornithology Center (OC) Fund. This fund, exclusive to the Ornithology Center and managed by the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, supports the care of raptor ambassadors, staff training, and much more. Consider supporting the OC Fund today!

Silent Auction
Vote in Raptor Election
Watch this Clip: Owl Fest 2023

Plan your visit

Parking at Owl Fest

Owl Fest is one of the busiest days of the year in the park – find a parking spot right near the fun!

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Owl Fest 2024 Schedule & Map

Plan your day, and find parking and locations for your favorite Owl Fest 2024 hikes, programs, and activities.

 

Owl Fest 2024 Detailed Schedule

Find hikes, events, bird programs, hayrides, and more! Fill your Fall with Owl Fest!

Vote for your favorite raptor!

Voting Page
Raptor

Carson

Bald Eagle

Vote for Carson

Freyja

Peregrine Falcon

Vote for freyja

Matilda “Tilly”

Turkey Vulture

Vote for Matilda

Hazel

American Kestrel

Vote for Hazel
Raptor

Minerva “Minnie”

Great Horned Owl

Vote for Minerva
Owl Fest

Obi

American Barn Owl

Vote for Obi

Reddington “Red”

Red-tailed hawk

Vote for Red

Nature Notes Season 2 Premiere

The OC Staff Talk Raptor Ambassadors

Listen to Podcast

Bilingual Naturalist Event

The Legend of the Owl! (no need to register)

Details and Registraton

Presenting Sponsor: Wild Birds Unlimited

Visit Wild Birds Unlimited>

Sponsor: Amos Butler Audubon Society

Visit Amos Butler >

 

Sponsor: Indiana Audubon

Visit Indiana Audubon >

Thank you Owl Fest sponsors!

Your generous support makes amazing events like Owl Fest possible at our beautiful park. 

< Owl Fest 2023

Waterfowl Sanctuary

Waterfowl Sanctuary

Waterfowl Sanctuary at Eagle Creek

 

The Iconic Hub of Eagle Creek

Jutting out from below the Ornithology Center >, looking west you’ll find the serene 125-acre Waterfowl Sanctuary. This special area, once a gravel pit, now a tranquil body of water surrounded by the old cofferdam, serves as a protected home and resting place for a diverse array of birdlife.

The iconic cofferdam trail hike> around the sanctuary is open to the public during park hours, offering a peaceful retreat for bird-watchers and nature lovers.

An amazing spot for birding >, you might spot resident Mallards, Wood Ducks, Cormorants, and the majestic Great Blue Heron. Frequent visitors can expect to see a Bald Eagle fly over with a little luck.

Fishing > is permitted from the bank with a valid Indiana State Fishing License, and the area is stocked with fish like bass, bluegill, and catfish, making it a quiet spot to cast a line.

 

A Foundation Pass Gives back.

For many, the bird sanctuary is their first experience with Eagle Creek Park. If you want to return over and over each season, we recommend a Foundation Pass. It grants unlimited gate entry and is the easiest way to give back to Eagle Creek Park.

Get A Pass

LOCATION:

6515 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN 46278 >

CONTACT:

317.327.2473 (BIRD) >

HOURS:

Monday-Sunday

Open Dawn to Dusk

WEBSITE:

EagleCreekPark.Org

Migratory Birds and More

Four white pelicans swimming in calm water with reflections visible.
Birding
Three pelicans flying in formation over a body of water at Eagle Creek Park.
Group of pelicans flying in a clear blue sky with minimal cloud coverage.
A group of white pelicans standing on a log in the water, with one pelican facing forward.

Pelicans? In Indiana?!

Each spring and fall, visitors can see migratory American White Pelicans

Indianapolis is located in the Mississippi Flyway, a lane for migrating birds of all kinds. American White Pelicans are one such example. They migrate between the Gulf Coast and Northern Canada by way of our wonderful Park.

About the American White Pelicans

Pelicans are striking birds—graceful in flight and impressively large. At Eagle Creek Park, they often arrive in flocks ranging from just a few to over 100, especially in spring and fall.

They can weigh up to 20 lbs (9 kg) with wingspans nearing 9 feet (2.9 m)—about the weight of 16 WNBA basketballs and the height of a basketball hoop!

During breeding season, some pelicans develop a bump or “plate” on their upper bill, which they shed afterward. Those without a plate are often juveniles, not yet old enough to mate.

Learn more about American White Pelicans >

Birding on the Bird Sanctuary

A blackbird perched among green leaves, partially hidden in the foliage.
A yellow warbler perched on a branch with green leaves and small fruits against a blue sky.
Two white swans swimming on a calm water surface, with reflections visible.
A yellow warbler bird sitting on a branch among green leaves against a blue sky.
Silhouette of a blackbird perched on a bare branch against a cloudy sky, showcasing nature's beauty and avian life.
Two egrets standing in shallow water at Wafterfowl Sanctuary with reflections in the water.
A heron perched on a branch near the water's edge, surrounded by greenery and reflections in the water.
Two Canada geese swimming in a body of water with visible ripples and greenery.
A vibrant bird perched on a branch, showcasing its colorful plumage against a blurred background of foliage.
Scenic view of a tranquil lake surrounded by autumn foliage, featuring a small island and scattered birds on the water.
Three individuals observing a white heron standing in a calm lake at Wafterfowl Sanctuary.
A bird perched on a branch surrounded by green leaves in a tree.

A Birding Hotspot

Because the Waterfowl (bird) Sanctuary is so popular with year-round and migratory birds, it’s also very popular with birders. You will often see folks donning binoculars, cameras, and guidebooks, seeking to cross birds off their list.

This massive, protected sanctuary is what makes Eagle Creek Park a hotspot for birding across the Midwest and around the world.

Looking to start your birding career?

The Ornithology Center has an incredibly knowledgeable staff that can give you tips and tricks for getting started. Also you’ll find birders hanging out at the center, so you may be able to get some advice from the robust birding community.

On the south side of the building, the Ornithology Center > keeps a running tally of which birds have been spotted each month, and it can be viewed even when the center is closed.

Other Offerings at Eagle Creek Park

Shelters

Shelters

Find and rent shelters throughout the park.

Marina

Marina

Launch your kayak or paddleboard from the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

Get in the water at the Boat Ramp at Eagle Creek Park.

Causeway

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Beach

Beach

Go for a swim at the beach at Eagle Creek Park!

Golf Club

Golf Club

Fore! Play a round at the Eagle Creek Golf Club.

Owl Fest 2023

OWL FEST 2023

Owl Fest 2023

 

In partnership with Indy Parks

For all Eagle Creek programs, please visit this Indy Parks page.

 

Owl Fest is one of the busiest days of the year in the park – check out the parking map below

 

What is Owl Fest?

Owl Fest is Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s largest fundraiser! All funds raised will go directly to support the Raptor Ambassadors at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center.

Besides fundraising, there is fun for the whole family. There are guided hikes called “Owl Prowls”, live animal programs, haunted hayrides, shirts, buttons, and more for sale!

FREE WITH PARK ADMISSION

Take me to Owl Fest 2024! >

LOCATION:

Ornithology Center

6515 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278 >

CONTACT:

317-327-2473 (BIRD)

Date and Time:

Saturday October 21st 10:00am-5:00pm

Sunday October 22nd 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Footage from 2023 Owl Fest

Introducing the Carlsen Aviary

Carlsen Aviary Opening

Owl Fest 2023 celebrated the opening of the Carlsen Aviary at the Ornithology Center. Pictured are designer and builder Kevin Carlsen (right), Center Manager Jenna McElroy (center), and Assistant Manager Donna Riner (left). Kevin, a long-time supporter and former Center naturalist, deserves a huge thanks, along with his team!

Learn More > 
Gallery Owl Fest 2023

Check out photos from Owl Fest 2023. Follow us on social media for more!

Scenic view of a tranquil lake surrounded by autumn foliage, featuring a small island and scattered birds on the water.
A wildlife educator engages with visitors at an outdoor animal exhibit, showcasing a bird of prey.
Visitors engaging with educators at a nature event, featuring an owl display and educational materials on wildlife.
Group of people observing a nature exhibit with educational displays about wildlife and conservation efforts in a natural setting.
A wildlife educator engages with children during a presentation about owls in a zoo setting.
Educator feeding an owl during a wildlife presentation to a group of children at a wildlife center.

Sponsor: Amos Butler Audubon Society

Copy for Amos Butler

Visit Amos Butler >

 

Sponsor: Indiana Audubon

Copy for Indiana Audubon

Visit Indiana Audubon >

Thank you Owl Fest sponsors!

Your generous support makes amazing events like Owl Fest possible at our beautiful park. 

Owl Fest 2024 >