Bird Fest

Bird Fest

Graphic for Birdfest 2025 featuring a yellow warbler and event details.

Celebrate Spring Migration

Bird Fest is an annual celebration held during the spring bird migration at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center >. Birds from all over the Western Hemisphere fly incredibly long distances to find their summer nesting spots.

Eagle Creek Park is located in the Mississippi Flyway which means hundreds of beautiful bird species pass through the Park! Visitors may see Red-Winged Blackbirds, Bluebirds, Sandhill Cranes, and warblers of many varieties!

The Ornithology Center staff plans hikes and other events, calling on experts and volunteers to make the event an unforgettable day (or weekend!) of birding fun. See full schedule >

Donate to the Birds

Besides being a weekend full of hikes, events, and family fun, Bird Fest is a fundraiser for Eagle Creek Park’s Ornithology Center. Click the button to donate to the Ornithology Center and support the work they do in caring for the Avian Ambassadors!

LOCATION:

Ornithology Center

6515 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN 46278 >

CONTACT:

317.327.2473 (BIRD) >

HOURS:

For 2025

Saturday 5/10 : 10 am – 5:00 pm

Sunday 5/11: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

WEBSITE:

Indy Parks >

Other Offerings at Eagle Creek 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.

Ornithology Center

ORNITHOLOGY CENTER

 

 

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.

Support the Ornithology Center

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

Consider supporting the Ornithology Center Fund today!

ADMISSION:

Included with Eagle Creek Park admission

LOCATION:

6515 Delong Road, 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!

Meet the Naturalists >

Ornithology Center’s mission:

By providing exemplary care, husbandry, training, and enrichment for our Avian 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
Bird Alliance of Central Indiana (formerly the 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 Bird Alliance of Central Indiana (formerly the Amos 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!

Indiana Birding Links

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 (she/her)

Jenna McElroy (she/her)

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. 

Kristin Bingham (She/Her)

Kristin Bingham (She/Her)

Naturalist, Ornithology Center

Kristin grew up in Indianapolis. From an early age, her happy place was being outside in nature.

More about

Kristin grew up in Indianapolis. From an early age, her happy place was being outside in nature. As a kid, she was always making small bucket habitats for toads, frogs, and insects at her family’s summer campground spot. Fishing, hiking, and exploring parks became the rhythm of her childhood and the start of a lifelong love of nature. 

She graduated from Purdue University in 2005 with a degree in Biology, focusing on ecology and evolution. While there, she developed a special interest in birds through her research on Carolina chickadees. 

Kristin spent the next nine years as a zookeeper at the Indianapolis Zoo, caring for African and Australian birds and mammals. Those years deepened not only her connection to the animals but also her passion for teaching others about wildlife and their ecosystems. During that time, she served on the Amos Butler Audubon Society board, worked at Wild Birds Unlimited, and spent countless hours birding and hiking around Eagle Creek Park. 

After several years at home raising her two children (while working part-time at Cool Creek Park Nature Center), Kristin became a full-time naturalist at Holliday Park. She worked there for three years before joining the Ornithology Center team in September 2025, where she continues to share her love of birds and helps people connect with the natural world. 

When she’s not at work, Kristin enjoys hiking, birding, gardening, camping with her husband and kids, visiting museums, and cooking. 

Ornithology Center Gallery

Owl Fest

OWL FEST 2026

Sponsored By Wild Birds Unlimited

Logo reading “Wild Birds Unlimited” with a stylized bird, feeder, and green botanical accents above the words “Nature Shop.”
A barred owl appears beside text announcing Owl Fest 2026 at Eagle Creek Ornithology Center on October 17 and 18.

ABOUT OWL FEST:

Free with Park admission, Owl Fest is the Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s largest fundraiser! Thank you to our 2026 sponsor, Wild Birds Unlimited!

Saturday, October 17th- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Sunday, October 18th – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center. For a full list of daily activites, times and locations, scroll down.

All funds raised will go directly to support the Avian Ambassadors at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center.

What’s included? Crafts, games, wildlife programs, an auction and more! all FREE with park admission, no ticket required.

The Owl Fest Silent Auction will run from October 13th through October 19th.  Please click on the link below to go to the auction site.

Owl Fest 2026 is scheduled for October 17th and 18th. Festival hours are 10am-5pm on Saturday and 1pm-5pm Sunday at the Ornithology Center (OC) (6515 Delong Rd) but some programs are scheduled before these hours. Mark Booth’s live owl presentations will be at Lilly Lake Shelter this year due to highly anticipated crowds.

Activites include owl pellet dissections, crafts, games, scavenger hunts, concessions, vendor tables, the silent auction display, and more will be set up at the Ornithology Center during festival open hours (moved indoors if raining). Visit the raptor ambassadors in their enclosures, learn about owls, try the migration obstacle course, and explore our exhibits.
All funds raised go to the Ornithology Center and our Avian Ambassadors! Thank you to our presenting sponsor, WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED, the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, and our other sponsors for making this event possible.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 17th

Ornithology Center open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm 

10:00 am – 5:00 pm         Activities, Crafts, & Tables at the Ornithology Center

Owl pellet dissections, crafts, games, scavenger hunts, concessions, vendor tables, silent auction display, and more will be set up at the Ornithology Center during festival open hours (moved indoors if raining). Visit our raptor ambassadors in their enclosures, learn about owls, try the migration obstacle course (ages 6-12), and explore our exhibits. Come in costume and get a free piece of candy or small prize! 

~Live animal programs: touching or holding of our Animal Ambassadors will NOT be permitted.

10:00 am – 12:00 pm       Feminist Bird Club Morning Bird Hike

“The Feminist Birding Club is for LGBTQ+, disabled folks, BIPOC & women with chapters across the so-called US, Canada & Europe.”  Join the Feminist Bird Club of Indianapolis for a 2-mile hike around the Coffer Dam. Rain or shine. All genders, ages, and levels of experience are welcome.

Trail: 2 miles, moderate, north half of the loop is accessible, but the south half is not

10am – 10:30 am             Owl Trainer Chat~

Have you ever wondered how the Ornithology Center trains their Avian Ambassadors? Learn about animal behavior and contemporary training methods from OC Manager Jenna McElroy while she feeds our two owl ambassadors, Obi the Barn Owl and Minerva the Great Horned Owl, in their enclosures.

10:30 am – 11:00 am        Pigeon Playtime~ (late admission not allowed)

Come learn about our Rock Pigeon Ambassador, Albert, who is usually behind-the-scenes here at the Ornithology Center. You will get to learn about pigeons while Albert flies and explores freely around the classroom (playtime for him!). Albert may choose to land on you during the program, his trainers will be there to facilitate safety, photo-ops, and education. However, Albert does NOT like being touched so direct touching or petting is not allowed. Inside the OC classroom, limited to the first 25 participants.  

11:00 am – 5:00 pm         Campfire

Enjoy a calming, fall campfire experience amongst the bustle of Owl Fest! Hot dogs and s’mores supplies will be available for purchase at the Eagle Creek Park Foundation concession stand during this time and roasting sticks will be available around a campfire. You are also welcome to bring your own food to cook or enjoy around the campfire! 

11:00 am – 12:00 pm       Not So Spooky Animals~

Bats and skunks, spiders and snakes! Meet some of the Earth Discovery Center’s “spooky” Animal Ambassadors and prepare to be…unafraid. Outside at the Ornithology Center’s outdoor classroom, weather permitting.   

12:00 – 12:30 pm            Storytime & Trot

Join Naturalist Kristin Bingham for storytime and then a trot. We will start at the OC, read a story at the Outdoor Classroom (weather permitting), and then take a short trot outside to explore. Designed for ages 2-6 and their caregiver, but all ages welcome.

12:30 – 1:00 pm              Fall Leaf Owl Craft

Come by the Ornithology Center Outdoor Classroom to pick up a bag, then go for a stroll to collect leaves that you will bring back to make an owl craft! All ages welcome. (Inside if raining.)

1:00 – 5:00 pm                Face Painting

Fly on by to our artist Tiphanny’s booth, to make your face-painting dreams a reality! Free, but donations/tips accepted.

1:00 – 2:30 pm                Lilly Lake Ridge Hike

Join the Nawrocki family for a bird hike from the Ornithology Center around Lilly Lake, south along the ridge to the Floating Wetlands (Fisherman’s Cove), and then back north to the building. This trail has scenic views of the water, a variety of birding habitats, and of course, fall leaves! Binoculars provided.

Trail: moderate, 1.5-2 miles 

2:30 – 3:00 pm                Raptor Feeding Time~

Watch one of the naturalists feed the birds of prey in their enclosures at the Ornithology Center. They eat quickly so don’t be late! 

3:00 – 4:00 pm                Big Trees & Owl Habitat Hike

Eagle Creek Park is home to trees that were living before colonizers arrived in the 1800s! During this hike, you will explore a forest containing champion-size trees of several species and their connected family groves. This forest ecosystem near the Ornithology Center has experienced less disturbance historically than other areas in the park, preserving important habitat for owls. Led by Eagle Creek Park Volunteer Marty Risch. Trail: 1 mile, easy, fairly accessible.

4:00 – 4:30 pm                Conservation Success Stories~

Back in the mid-1900s, Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons were in serious trouble—a chemical called DDT was thinning their eggshells, and their numbers were crashing. DDT was finally banned in 1972. Today, these birds, and their populations, are soaring again! Join OC Assistant Manager, Donna, for a discussion about Bald Eagle & Peregrine Falcon conservation, featuring both Carson the eagle & Freyja the falcon!

5:00 – 5:15 pm                Owls vs. Vultures ~

Owls and vultures have so many unique adaptations! See our vulture and owl ambassadors in their aviaries and learn about what makes them so different. We will have skulls and feathers for you to compare and will also be giving the vultures their end-of-day food enrichment!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

SUNDAY OCTOBER 18th

Ornithology Center open 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm           Activities, Crafts, & Tables at the Ornithology Center

Owl pellet dissections, crafts, games, scavenger hunts, concessions, vendor tables, silent auction display, and more will be set up at the Ornithology Center during festival open hours (moved indoors if raining). Visit our raptor ambassadors in their enclosures, learn about owls, try the migration obstacle course (ages 6-12), and explore our exhibits. Come in costume and get a free piece of candy or small prize! 

~Live animal programs: touching or holding of our Animal Ambassadors will NOT be permitted. 

9:00 – 11:00 am              Bird Alliance of Central Indiana Sunday Morning Bird Hike

Join a group of new and experienced birders for a brisk morning bird walk! Meets every Sunday morning at 9:00 am, led by the Bird Alliance of Central Indiana (formerly known as the Amos Butler Audubon Society), rain or shine.

Trail: various, depending on the group size and preference.

10:00 am – 11:30 am        Intro to Wildlife Track & Sign

Pre-registration required at indyparks.org – program #39888, cost $10/participant (gate admission included) (ages 10+)

Join OC Assistant Manager Donna (Level II Certified Cybertracker North America) for a family-friendly introduction to finding, identifying, and interpreting wildlife track & sign. We will hike to the north end of the park from the Ornithology Center, looking for birds and evidence of wildlife, stopping to unravel wildlife mysteries along the way. No experience needed, although a small notebook, writing utensil, and measuring device may be useful for sketching/photographing what we find.

Trail: 2-2.5 miles, easy, flat, but may be muddy/wet. Crouching/bending over to look at on-ground evidence may be difficult for those with mobility considerations.

11:30 – 11:45 am            Owl Hike to Lilly Lake (from the Ornithology Center)

Planning to watch Mark Booth’s Owl Program at 12:00 pm at Lilly Lake? You can either park around Lilly Lake or at the Ornithology Center! If you are at the Ornithology Center around 12:30, we will be hiking over to Lilly Lake as a group with binoculars to enjoy the fall leaves and birds we see along the trail.

Trail: 0.5 miles, easy, fairly accessible 

12:00 – 1:00 pm              Live Owls with Mark Booth (Take Flight!) *at the Lilly Lake Shelter: 6358 Eagle Creek Pkwy

One of our most popular Owl Fest programs! Local falconer and wildlife educator, Mark Booth, will teach you all about the amazing nocturnal adaptations of owls, with a little help from his live owl coworkers. 

1:00 – 2:00 pm                Barn Owl Blitz Field Game *at the Lilly Lake Shelter: 6358 Eagle Creek Pkwy

One of our most popular Owl Fest programs! Local falconer and wildlife educator, Mark Booth, will teach you all about the amazing nocturnal adaptations of owls, with a little help from his live owl coworkers.

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm          Face Painting

Fly on by to our artist Tiphanny’s booth, to make your face-painting dreams a reality! Free, but donations/tips accepted. 

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm           Campfire

Enjoy a calming, fall campfire experience amongst the bustle of Owl Fest! Hot dogs and s’mores supplies will be available for purchase at the Eagle Creek Park Foundation concession stand during this time and roasting sticks will be available around a campfire. You are also welcome to bring your own food to cook or enjoy around the campfire! 

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm           Pigeon Playtime~ (late admission not allowed)

Come learn about our Rock Pigeon Ambassador, Albert, who is usually behind-the-scenes here at the Ornithology Center. You will get to learn about pigeons while Albert flies and explores freely around the classroom (playtime for him!). Albert may choose to land on you during the program, his trainers will be there to facilitate safety, photo-ops, and education. However, Albert does NOT like pets so direct touching will not be allowed. Inside the OC classroom, limited to the first 25 participants.  

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm           Fall Migrant Hike: Coffer Dam

Join Ornithologist, Aidan Rominger on a birding hike around the bird sanctuary in search of fall bird species within the park! We will target a variety of gulls, shorebirds, pelicans, warblers, and more! This is a great opportunity for beginner birders to get hands on identification experience in the field with an experienced birder. The majority of the program will be hiking so dress accordingly for the weather. Binoculars will be provided to those that need them!

Trail: 2 miles, moderate 

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm           Meet a Raptor~

Meet Freyja, the Peregrine Falcon ambassador! Learn about Freyja and the peregrine conservation success story from her trainer and park volunteer, Donna McCarty. (Outside unless bad weather. If moved indoors, it will be limited to the first 15 people.) 

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm          Owl Feeding Time~

Learn about the owls of Indiana and watch one of the naturalists feed our two Owl Ambassadors, Obi the Barn Owl and Minerva the Great Horned Owl, in their enclosures at the Ornithology Center. They eat quickly so don’t be late!

4:00 pm – 4:30 pm           Eagle Enrichment~

Watch one of the raptor trainers at the Ornithology Center give a food enrichment box to our Bald Eagle Ambassador, Carson! Learn about his rescue story, eagle conservation, and fun facts about raptors. (Outside rain or shine.)

5:00 pm – 5:15 pm           Not So Scary Scavengers~

Scavengers, such as vultures, get a bad rap, but they’re really nature’s immune system! You might also be surprised to learn that Bald Eagles, while known for their amazing fishing ability, also regularly scavenge for food. Come watch Matilda the Turkey Vulture and Beaker the Black Vulture get their end-of-day food enrichment and learn about how scavengers are important for healthy ecosystems!