Just like the birds we love, our blog is migrating to a new home! We’re excited to continue sharing stories, insights, and the latest in birding at https://indianaaudubon.org/lakemichigansurveys Be sure to bookmark the new site and follow along as we spread our wings in a fresh space. Thank you for being part of this journey—see … Continue reading Our Migration Continues!
Several years ago, as a newer birder in Steuben County, I had the chance to chase a report of a Yellow-crowned Night Heron. We knew the exact location and had permission to search, but unfortunately, we couldn’t spot it ourselves. However, the original observer had provided photos, so we knew it had been there. Not … Continue reading Celebrating Dr. Kenneth Brock: A Legacy of Birding and Conservation in the Indiana Dunes
Over the past few weeks, birders at Indiana Dunes have witnessed a fantastic variety of species during the peak of fall migration. However, the weather has been more hit and miss, with some great weather days recently that haven't produced notable flights. The September 2024 trip report on eBird lists over 100 species observed, highlighting … Continue reading Quack Quack
Birding at Miller Beach along the southern shores of Lake Michigan offers many rewards, but one of the most thrilling challenges we've written about lately has been spotting and identifying jaegers. These sleek seabirds, cousins to gulls, are known for their aggressive behavior and impressive aerial maneuvers as they chase other birds to steal their … Continue reading The Star of the Show
When you lie on the southern tip of a 300 mile long lake, the direction of that north wind is not too important for pouring birds towards you at Miller Beach. Any north wind is going to bring remarkable daily counts of many migrating species. This is not the case just 15 miles east and … Continue reading August Waterbird Highlights
We're back! The 2024 fall waterbird survey began this week, and boy did it start with a bang! You couldn't have asked for more ideal late August conditions to start this year. Last year the beaches were packed with swimmers, and we sweltered in upper 80s and humidity. This year's kick off was nearly perfectly … Continue reading Let’s Kick This Thing Off!
210 species later, the 2024 spring longshore flight count is in the books. A single Semipalmated Plover was the last species for the year, recorded on May 23. It was another great season to explore and revel in the spring bird migration through the Indiana Dunes. The official total is 244,043 birds counted. This is … Continue reading A Single Semi Plover
We've been notably tardy providing a survey update. The last 10 days have been a whirlwind of peak migration in the Dunes. It's also been a period of sharing this migration with over 1,000 birders, birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and a few non-birding spouses to the marvel of the Indiana Dunes bird migration. New Longshore Flight … Continue reading Nearing the Finish Line
It's been a crazy week, but it's that time of year again.... Bird Fest! That's right! Over 1,000 birders, birdwatchers, birder enthusiasts, and even some non-birders are on there way to the Indiana Dunes for a weekend of great spring migration. May is always an interesting time of year. No matter the winds, birds are … Continue reading It’s Bird Fest Time!
Through the years, nearly 3 million birds have been counted flying past the longshore tower at Indiana Dunes State Park. Some morning flights are simply mind-blowing, as literally tens of thousands of birds fly past on gusty south wind. Each one winging its way, "elbow to elbow", seeking out the prime nesting grounds just a … Continue reading How big is 250,000?
Indiana Dunes Migration Birding 