ABAS Event Calendar
Featured Events
A Season on the Wind – Spring Migration through the Midwest
Holliday Park Nature Center 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, United StatesEvery spring, billions of birds go sweeping northward across North America. This vast parade of small migrants was the subject of Kenn Kaufman's book A Season on the Wind, published in April 2019. Although the book focused on the concentrations of migratory birds in the Magee Marsh area of northern Ohio, in this program Kenn will talk about larger patterns of spring bird movements throughout the Midwest, including central Indiana.
A Season on the Wind – Spring Migration through the Midwest
Holliday Park Nature Center 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, United StatesEvery spring, billions of birds go sweeping northward across North America. This vast parade of small migrants was the subject of Kenn Kaufman's book A Season on the Wind, published in April 2019. Although the book focused on the concentrations of migratory birds in the Magee Marsh area of northern Ohio, in this program Kenn will talk about larger patterns of spring bird movements throughout the Midwest, including central Indiana.
Beers with Birders
Field Brewing 303 East Main Street, Westfield, IN, United StatesJoin the ABAS for an evening at Field Brewing in Westfield. We will meet from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm to collectively share our birding experiences and adventures at this informal gathering. This event is open to the public. Please email info@amosbutleraudubon.org if you plan to join us so we can be aware of how many will be attending.
Woodcock Walk – Carmel West Park
West Park 2700 W 116th St, Carmel, IN, United StatesJoin Chuck Anderson, ABAS Field Trip Chair, for a trip to West Park in Carmel. Listen for the “peenting” sounds of a male woodcock as it attempts to court a female during the mating season. Watch the male perform an aerial display and listen to the sound of its twittering wings as it tries to attract a female.
Newfields Bird Hike
Virginia B Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres at Newfields 1550 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN, United StatesABAS is excited to partner with The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields for bird hikes on this beautiful property along the White River and Central Canal. The first hike will be led by ABAS President Rob Ripma. Meet at Lake Terrace in the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres. The hike is free and open to the public. Registration is requested by emailing us at info@amosbutleraudubon.org. Join us as we explore the nesting species of this wonderful property.
Woodcock Walk – Daubenspeck Community Nature Park
Daubenspeck Nature Park 8900 Ditch Rd, Indianapolis, IN, United StatesJoin ABAS Board member Brian Cunningham for an evening walk at Daubenspeck Community Nature Park (DCNP), a great spot to view displaying American Woodcocks. Woodcocks have a very acrobatic mating display that they perform at dusk known as the sky dance. While waiting for woodcocks, we will check the prairie and nearby woods for birds that may be going to roost in the park for the evening.
Canceled – Woodcock Walk – Strawtown Koteewi Park
Strawtown Koteewi Park 12308 Strawtown Avenue, Noblesville, IN, United StatesUnusual, weird, romantic, and unique are all words used to describe the American Woodcock. Come experience this rite of spring for yourself as male woodcocks perform their aerial courtship displays for the females in the prairie at dusk! An indoor presentation will take place inside the Taylor Center at 7:30 pm for those interested in knowing more about the life history of this bird. Those interested in seeing the aerial display should meet the group inside the Taylor Center and will be led by a Naturalist from Hamilton County Park starting at about 8:00 pm.
Canceled – Smith’s Longspur Field Trip – Lye Creek Prairie Burn
Lye Creek Prairie Burn – Meet at Denny's in Lebanon 1524 West South Street, Lebanon, IN, United StatesJoin Shari McCollough, Indiana Audubon Society Membership Chair, and host Clint Murray on a field trip to the Lye Creek Prairie Burn (aka “The Burn”) in search of migrating Smith’s Longspurs. The Burn is located in Montgomery County and is the most reliable place for viewing Smith’s Longspurs in Indiana, as the property is managed specifically for them. While in the area, we will also seek out any raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds that may be present. Registration is required.
Canceled – Bird Rehabilitation
Holliday Park Nature Center 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, United StatesJoin Liz Hatton for an informative discussion of bird rehabilitation. Located in Westfield, Liz has been a DNR permitted wildlife rehabilitator since 1995. Her husband, Chris, joined her in 1991. Last year they registered over 800 birds for rehabilitation. She will have a few live birds that aren't candidates to be released and will demonstrate feeding techniques with some young birds if possible.
Spring – Migrant Field Trip – Morgan and Monroe Counties
Meet at Walmart in Camby 8191 Upland Bend, Camby, IN, United StatesJoin Scott Enochs on a trip to various spots in Morgan and Monroe Counties. The hike will target migrating warblers, vireos, tanagers, and flycatchers. More specifically, this trip will target Kentucky, Hooded, and Worm-eating Warblers. The trip will consist of various terrains which could include steep hillsides, so appropriate footwear should be considered. We will meet at 6:30 am at the Walmart in Camby. Registration is requested
Canceled – The Dark Side of Lepidoptera
Holliday Park Nature Center 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, United StatesJoin Amanda Smith, Superintendent of Natural Resources and Education for the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department, for an informative discussion about the dark side of Lepidoptera, specifically moths. They make up 90% of the Order of Lepidoptera, however, they share very little of the excitement or appreciation that surrounds their more popular cousins, the butterflies. Moths are critical to the food webs, extremely diverse, understudied, and many are more striking than the prettiest butterfly. In this program we will discuss moth identification, their importance in the ecosystem, how to attract them, tips on moth photography, and provide connections to resources and projects geared to helping people learn about these fascinating and yet often overlooked insects.
Newfields Bird Hike
Virginia B Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres at Newfields 1550 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN, United StatesABAS is excited to partner with The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields for bird hikes on this beautiful property along the White River and Central Canal. The first hike will be led by ABAS President Rob Ripma. Meet at Lake Terrace in the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres. The hike is free and open to the public. Registration is requested by emailing us at info@amosbutleraudubon.org. Join us as we explore the nesting species of this wonderful property.
Canceled – Garfield Park Swift Watch
IN, United StatesLearn about Chimney Swifts as the sun sets with ABAS education chair and park naturalist Jessica Helmbold. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, binoculars or scopes to observe an active colony at Garfield Park Arts Center, plus several other bird species that are active at dusk
Canceled – Fountain Square Swift Watch
IN, United StatesJoin ABAS education chair and park naturalist Jessica Helmbold for bites, drinks, and Chimney Swifts at Fountain Square Theatre. From the Rooftop Garden Cocktail Lounge, mingle with ABAS members while observing an active swift colony, plus Common Nighthawks.
Fall Warblers – Strawtown Koteewi Park
Strawtown Koteewi Park 12308 Strawtown Avenue, Noblesville, IN, United StatesPossible Travel Detour – Click into the post for details. Join well-respected birder and field trip leader Terry Ballenger as we look for migrating fall warblers as well as local resident birds in this 800-acre park. The fall migration should be well underway and we should expect to see several species of warblers. We’ll meet at the Taylor Center of Natural History building parking lot at 8:30 am and bird on foot from there. Masks will be required for the majority of the hike. There may be times when we can spread out and get a quick break from the masks.
Canceled – Bird Rehabilitation
Holliday Park Nature Center 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, United StatesJoin Liz Hatton for an informative discussion of bird rehabilitation. Located in Westfield, Liz has been a DNR permitted wildlife rehabilitator since 1995. Her husband, Chris, joined her in 1991. Last year they registered over 800 birds for rehabilitation. She will have a few live birds that aren't candidates to be released and will demonstrate feeding techniques with some young birds if possible.
Conner Prairie Fall Migration Field Trip
Conner Prairie 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN, United StatesRegistration is full. Join accomplished birders Becky Lomax-Sumner and Laurie Voss for a morning of birding at Conner Prairie. It should be prime time viewing for fall warblers and other migrating birds as well as local, year-round residents. The trip is limited to 10 participants, and registration is required. Masks will likely be required for the majority of the hike. There may be times when we can spread out and get a quick break from the masks.
Newfields Bird Hike
Virginia B Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres at Newfields 1550 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN, United StatesABAS is excited to partner with The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields for bird hikes on this beautiful property along the White River and Central Canal. The first hike will be led by ABAS President Rob Ripma. Meet at Lake Terrace in the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres. The hike is free and open to the public. Registration is requested by emailing us at info@amosbutleraudubon.org. Join us as we explore the nesting species of this wonderful property.
The Dark Side of Lepidoptera
Holliday Park Nature Center 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN, United StatesJoin Amanda Smith, Superintendent of Natural Resources and Education for the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department, for an informative discussion about the dark side of Lepidoptera, specifically moths. They make up 90% of the Order of Lepidoptera, however, they share very little of the excitement or appreciation that surrounds their more popular cousins, the butterflies. Moths are critical to the food webs, extremely diverse, understudied, and many are more striking than the prettiest butterfly. In this program we will discuss moth identification, their importance in the ecosystem, how to attract them, tips on moth photography, and provide connections to resources and projects geared to helping people learn about these fascinating and yet often overlooked insects.
Fall Birding at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge
Muscatatuck NWR 12985 East US Highway 50, Seymour, IN, United StatesJoin ABAS Education Chair Jessica Helmbold for a day of celebrating the best of fall. Southern Indiana fall colors, fall waterfowl migration, and lunch after the outing. Duck migration should be well underway and many species are expected to be present in the refuge. Meet at the Muscatatuck Visitors Center. Lunch will be at a local eatery with the location to be determined. There will be no fee for the field trip and it's open to the public. Registration is not required but greatly appreciated. Masks will be required for the majority of the hike. There may be times when we can spread out and get a quick break from the masks.