Nine birders gathered at Washington Park in Michigan City at 8:00 am local time on January 8. The temp was in the mid-teens and a strong wind was out of the southeast, but at least we didn’t get sandblasted. All were greeted by Eric and Tina Rosier, the field trip leaders. After brief introductions, we began birding. Highlights at Washington Park were a Common Loon and two Herring Gulls. From there we caravanned to Beverly Shores where we picked up a Red-headed Woodpecker and a Black-capped Chickadee.
We made a run to the Port of Indiana. In addition to good numbers of duck species, we located a Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Peregrine Falcon. Then it was on to Portage Lake Front where we saw multiple Great Black-backed Gulls and a late-season Bonaparte’s Gull.
Our final stop was Ogden Dunes Pinery where we saw more Great Black-backed Gulls. Just offshore we had great looks at a Glaucous Gull, the bird of the day.
We wrapped it up and headed back to the Indy area with hopes of beating the impending sleet storm.
All the birders had a great time and several got lifers thanks to the wonderful leadership of Eric and Tina.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.