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.

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.