Bird Fest

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If you don’t think every day is a good day – try missing a few. You’ll see.

You can create beautiful things – but you have to see them in your mind first. A beautiful little sunset.

Let’s make some happy little clouds in our world. The man who does the best job is the one who is happy at his job. Just make a decision and let it go.

Maybe there’s a happy little Evergreen that lives here.

Little short strokes. It all happens automatically. We must be quiet, soft and gentle. Only eight colors that you need.

You should get a pass!

This is an area for a call to action for things related to the topic, like donations, etc. or purchasing a pass.

LOCATION:

7840 West 56th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46254

CONTACT:

317-327-7110

ECPF@eaglecreekpark.org

HOURS:

Open Dawn to Dusk

Monday-Sunday 7:00am-8:30pm EST

WEBSITE:

EagleCreekPark.Org

Additional content goes here that is specific to the topic.

Special rules, regulations, and so forth.

 

If you don’t think every day is a good day – try missing a few. You’ll see.

You can create beautiful things – but you have to see them in your mind first. A beautiful little sunset.

Let’s make some happy little clouds in our world. The man who does the best job is the one who is happy at his job. Just make a decision and let it go.

Maybe there’s a happy little Evergreen that lives here.

ADD RELATED CONTENT BY CATEGORY BELOW

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Dock your boat at 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.

Ornithology Center

ORNITHOLOGY CENTER

Carson, Juvenile Bald Eagle

 

ADMISSION:

Included with Eagle Creek Park admission

LOCATION:

6515 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278

CONTACT:

317.327.2473 (BIRD)

HOURS:

Tuesday – Saturday

10:00am-5:00pm

Sunday

1:00pm-5:00pm

ORNITHOLOGY

Ornithology is the study of birds – Eagle Creek Park is a birding hotspot!

ABOUT THE Ornithology Center:

Every year, Eagle Creek Park’s Ornithology Center attracts from all over the U.S. and numerous countries worldwide!

Nestled just minutes away from downtown Indianapolis, visitors can find birds like bald eagles, great blue herons, double-crested cormorants, grebes, loons, and other amazing wildlife in the city.

The Ornithology Center sits on top of a bluff overlooking the bird sanctuary to the West – a large area of retained water separated from the reservoir by a cofferdam.

The facility is surrounded by a diverse habitat of deciduous woods, ponds, streams, grassland and wetlands, which makes birding rewarding at any time of year.

The Ornithology Center Fund, managed by the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, supports the care of raptor ambassadors, staff training, educational programming and much more.

Consider supporting the Ornithology Center Fund today!

Ornithology Center’s mission:

By providing exemplary care, husbandry, training, and enrichment for our Raptor Ambassadors, we hope to foster a sense of wonder, enthusiasm, and stewardship for the natural world and to inspire action towards conserving the species that visitors encounter. 

The Nation Audubon Society deems Eagle Creek Park an Important Bird Area, recognizing the Park’s important habitat for migratory and native birds alike. Check out their map of Important Bird Areas here.

OPERATING UNDER INDIANA DNR EDUCATION AND USFWS EAGLE EXHIBITION PERMITS.

 

Key Contributors to Ornithology Center

 

EAGLE CREEK PARK FOUNDATION
Amos Butler Audubon Society
Nature Sanctuary & Center, Inc
Wild Birds Unlimited
Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 

“Eagle Creek Park is excellent for spring songbird migration, with 30 species of warblers possible on a good day in the beautiful deciduous woods.”

 

– National Geographic’s Guide to Birding Spots of the United States

ACTIVITIES + EVENTS

Sunday Morning Bird Walks

Sundays, 9 – 11am 
Bird walks are led by members of the Amos W. Butler Audubon Society. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather! Walks take place rain or shine.

PLAN A FIELD TRIP

Call for available times
Please call 317-327-2473 or email to schedule. Scheduling happens mid-April with schedules available by mid-March at www.indyparks.org.

BUILDING FEATURES

Outdoor Migration Game

Follow the flyways of your favorite birds and face some obstacles along the way!

The Ornithology Center’s very own Kevin Carlsen designed this interactive educational area right outside of the Ornithology Center to supplement what children learn about migration in the classroom.

It’s a great way for families and children to gain a better understanding of the challenges birds face en route to their breeding ground.

The self-guided tour navigates by use of ropes, balance beams, climbing walls, and streams – all mimicking hazards birds might experience during their travels.

Observation Decks

There are three amazing observation decks at the Ornithology Center.

On the south end of the building, facing East there is a large outdoor observation deck and bird checklist with a detailed park map. Visitors can find out what birds have been spotted in the park, and learn how to locate them on a map.

From the back indoor observation room, facing East, you’ll find stunning views of the bird sanctuary, where it’s common to see a wide variety of birds, including up to 21 species of ducks, on their journey North.

From the North-facing indoor observation room, you can watch residents and migratory birds visit the bird feeders and hummingbird garden, and others, that find the water feature for a cool drink or quick bath.

Hands-On Exhibits

Inside of the air-conditioned building, there are displays and several hands-on kiosks.

Guests can learn more about individual birds, their calls, and migration patterns.

There is also an interactive detailed map of the park that shows where the best birding trails are located.

Support The Birds

The Ornithology Center Fund, managed by the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, supports the care of raptor ambassadors, staff training, and much more. Consider supporting the OC Fund today – Adopt A Raptor!

Indiana Birding Links

Special thanks to Ornithology Center donors Amos Butler Audubon, Nature Sanctuary & Center Inc, Wild Birds Unlimited and Nina Mason Pulliam.

Building History

The original building served as the private library of J.K. Lilly, and then transitioned into Eagle Creek Park’s Nature Center for 30 years.

In 2010, it reopened as the Ornithology Center to focus primarily on birds and birdwatching.The Foundation funded all of the equipment, materials, and taxidermy used for the renovation.

That same year, the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association recognized the Ornithology Center as an “Outstanding Facility” for notable buildings and recreation complexes completed that year (costing less than $250,000).

Part of the building revival included developing an 800-square-foot exhibit hall to feature four distinct habitats (forest, grassland, pond, and wetland), which displays approximately 100 taxidermy birds in their natural settings complete with tranquil sounds of nature. The birds showcased are native to Indiana and for the most part, can all be seen in the park.

Since then, around 3,000 students study the beauty and behavior of birds every year through live bird of prey programs at schools, or during field trips to the Ornithology Center.

In addition, 150+ public programs are offered throughout the year as well. A new bird game was introduced recently by the Ornithology Center’s very own Kevin Carlsen, right in front of the facility.

MEET THE NATURALISTS

Jenna McElroy

Jenna McElroy

Park Manager, Ornithology Center

Jenna has worked at Eagle Creek since 2015 and is now the manager of the Ornithology Center.

More about Jenna

Jenna grew up in Greenwood, Indiana and attended Center Grove High School where she was both a show choir geek and a science nerd. Her parents were nature lovers and instilled that passion in Jenna and her sister from a very young age. When Jenna was in middle school, their family got into birding. Bedtime stories now involved reading bird guides, and, instead of listening to music in the car, they would listen to bird song CDs – and Jenna loved it! She earned her bachelor’s in biology from the University of Indianapolis and master’s in environmental science from Indiana University, focusing in Fish and Wildlife Ecology.  

Jenna has worked at Eagle Creek since 2015 and is now the manager of the Ornithology Center. In 2021, she passed the exam to become a Certified Professional Bird Trainer through the International Avian Trainers Certification Board and loves working with the raptor ambassadors at the Ornithology Center. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, hanging out with her chickens, spending time with family, puzzles, camping, and attending show choir competitions with her husband – go North Central! 

Donna Riner (she/her)

Donna Riner (she/her)

Assistant Park Manager, Ornithology Center

Donna thrives in the outdoors, connecting with nature and guiding others as they explore & discover Indiana’s diverse ecosystems.

MORE about Donna

Although she never considered herself a birder before joining the Ornithology Center, she now finds joy in spotting birds wherever she goes! Donna began her journey at Eagle Creek Park as an Environmental Education Camp Counselor at the Earth Discovery Center during the summers of 2020 and 2021. In 2021, she became a Naturalist, and in 2022, she was promoted to Assistant Park Manager of the Ornithology Center. She is passionate about creating fun and memorable nature-based camp experiences for youth each summer. Donna’s favorite part about her job is working with the center’s naturalists because she is constantly inspired by their creativity, passion, & knowledge of the natural world!   

Recently certified as a Forest Therapy Guide, Donna integrates mental health awareness and the benefits of nature connection into all her programs, encouraging participants to foster relationships to place, each other, and themselves, while in nature. Advocating for language accessibility at Eagle Creek Park, Donna fosters connections with Spanish speaking visitors through bilingual nature programming and collaborates with ASL student interpreters to ensure inclusive community events are prioritized at the Ornithology Center.  

Her background in environmental sciences includes forest research in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and studying soil ecology in the cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica. She also gained hands-on experience in farming, teaching, and beekeeping while apprenticing with an urban farmer in Indianapolis. Donna graduated from DePauw University with a degree in Environmental Biology in 2020. In her free time, Donna loves attending concerts, gardening, practicing Spanish, skiing (both snow and water), playing volleyball, and cooking on a campfire amongst friends. 

Aidan Rominger (he/him)

Aidan Rominger (he/him)

Naturalist, Ornithology Center

Aidan was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, and has been visiting Eagle Creek his entire life.

More About Aidan

Since the young age of 4, he was fascinated with animals, with a particular fascination for birds. He started seriously birding when he was 11, after receiving his first pair of binoculars and a digital camera. Aidan always credits former Eagle Creek Ornithology Center naturalist, Kevin Carlsen, for kickstarting his birding career, acting as his birding mentor early on. At the age of 14, Aidan became the youngest birder in Indiana to see over 300 species of birds! Following his big year, he was awarded Indiana young birder of the year in 2015.  

Aidan has also participated in multiple breeding bird surveys including two for Eagle Creek (2017 & 2019) in which he added 3 new species to the park’s breeding bird species list: Chestnut-sided warbler, Veery, and Fish Crow. 

During his senior year of high school, Aidan was also asked by Purdue ornithologist Barny Dunning to conduct breeding bird surveys for Purdue’s Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment at the Hoosier National Forest, for which he added three new breeding bird species: Blue-headed Vireo, Ruffed Grouse, and Black-billed Cuckoo.  

In 2022, Aidan graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology. 

In 2024, Aidan received a grant from the Amos Butler Audubon Society to manage the habitat surrounding the Ice Skating Pond at Eagle Creek Park, his goal is to transform the habitat from a bottomland swamp habitat to a new wetland/marsh habitat. One of his major goals is to bring back a species extirpated from central Indiana since the 1980’s, King Rails, which nested on the pond at this time. His main goal is to increase the overall bird species biodiversity within the area by transforming this area into a much-needed marsh habitat. 

Frank Brown (he/him)

Frank Brown (he/him)

Naturalist, Ornithology Center

Frank grew up in Indianapolis, where his love for the outdoors began at a young age, inspired by countless hours spent exploring nature.

More about Frank

His passion for sharing that experience with others led him to pursue a degree in Education, graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Fisk University in 2019. 

Frank has been part of the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center team since 2023, where he specializes in environmental education. He believes that fostering a deep connection to nature is key to inspiring future generations of conservationists. Through his engaging programs, Frank shares his enthusiasm for the natural world with visitors of all ages, creating hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity and stewardship. 

While he enjoys all aspects of outdoor education, Frank is particularly passionate about connecting people to nature in a way that feels accessible and transformative. He continuously seeks new ways to bridge the gap between people and wildlife, helping them understand the value and wonder of Indiana’s natural ecosystems. 

In his free time, Frank practices martial arts, creates tabletop role-playing games, and enjoys hiking the trails around Eagle Creek Park. 

Zach Dankert (he/him)

Zach Dankert (he/him)

Naturalist, Ornithology Center

Zach is the newest member of the Ornithology Center team and is excited to learn about caring for the raptors!

More about Zach

Zach grew up in Cicero, just north of Indianapolis, and went to college in Holland, MI. Though always having a love of animal care, it was in college he discovered a complimentary enjoyment in environmental education. These interests have led to positions at various educational facilities and most recently to the role of Seasonal Naturalist at the Ornithology Center!  

Zach is also an aspiring poet, and his passions of writing and the outdoors have merged through Nature Writing Workshops he facilitates through the Ornithology Center. While working at Eagle Creek Park, he hopes to help guests learn, enjoy, and protect this invaluable natural space. He also is excited to gain experience in raptor care! While not at the park, Zach enjoys reading, going to coffee shops, and attending literary events around the city. One of these days he hopes to attend a dance class.  

Ornithology Center Gallery

Owl Fest

OWL FEST

Owl Fest at Ornithology Center

 

In partnership with Indy Parks

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

 

ABOUT 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!

Check out the schedules on this page to plan your visit for Owl Fest!

ADMISSION:

Included with Eagle Creek Park admission

LOCATION:

5901 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN 46254

CONTACT:

317-327-7148

Date:

Typically on Saturday & Sunday in the last two weeks of October. 

Owl Fest 2024 details >

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Owl Fest 2023

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