If you need an incentive to get outside mid-winter, join ABAS Field Trip chair Chuck Anderson as he leads you to several local parks in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) worldwide event.  At each park, we will record the species and number of all birds seen and submit that list to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology via eBird. To get more information on the GBBC, go to birdcount.org.

We will meet at 9:00 am in the parking lot next to the entrance to the Zionsville Community High School football stadium located at 1000 Mulberry St., Zionsville.  The parks that we plan to visit are Turkeyfoot Nature Park in Zionsville, Starkey Park in Zionsville, Central Park in Carmel, and Daubenspeck Community Nature Park in Indianapolis.  Time permitting we may add a 5th park.  We will caravan to each park and all participants will receive driving directions prior to February 13.

One of the parks has 70 stairs which we will walk down then climb up.  Restrooms will be available at Central Park, our 3rd planned stop. Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather conditions and don’t forget your binoculars.

The field trip is free but limited to 10 participants. Registration is required. Priority registration is available to local ABAS members through January 10, 2021.  After that date, if any open spots remain, non-members may register.  To sign up email Chuck Anderson at chucka1999@aol.com or text Chuck at (317) 767-5438.

Masks will be required for the majority of the trip when birding.  There may be times when we can spread out and get a break from the masks.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.