2015 indiana dunes birding festival guide

Birding in the Indiana Dunes is the best the state has to o�er. With its rich biodiversi-ty, varying habitats, and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, the Indiana Dunes is a hotspot for migrant and resident birds.

The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is an event designed to celebrate the dunes area’s various birding habitats and bird watching opportunities Our mission is to create a positive impact on visitors and residents of the Indiana Dunes region through con-servation and environmental education.

The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is hosted by the Indiana Audubon Society whose mission is to promote birding throughout Indiana. For detailed information regarding Indiana birding locations, bird watching tips and membership privileges, please visit:www.indianaaudubon.org.

REGISTRATIONRegular registration is all inclusive for all festival activi-ties (except Flying WILD). Basic registration is all inclu-sive for all festival activities (except Flying WILD and the Saturday Keynote Dinner). Registration is easy. Simply visit www.indunesbirdingfesti-val.com to begin the process before May 4.

3/1-3/31 Youth AdultBasic RegFull Reg

4/1-5/4Basic RegFull Reg *Walk-in registrations limited to availability on days of festival.

ADDITIONAL COSTS Flying WILD is a hands-on educator workshop designed for teachers, educators, birders, or others wishing to learn techniques for teaching birds. This workshop, sponsored by the Great Lakes Education Center and hosted at the (Paul H.) Douglas Center for Environmental Education, has a $35 separate registration fee. Visit the festival website to learn more. Workshop date is Friday, May 8.

COVER PHOTO: Northern Parula at Indiana Dunes State Park by Brad Bumgardner.

IDBF LOGO: Black-crowned Night-Heron by Scott Arvin.

$20 $25$32 $47

$30 $35$42 $57

Indiana Dunes Birding FestivalWELCOME!WELCOME!

1 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival

PALM WARBER

REGISTRATIONRegular registration is all inclusive for all festival activi-ties (except Flying WILD). Basic registration is all inclu-sive for all festival activities (except Flying WILD and the Saturday Keynote Dinner). Registration is easy. Simply visit www.indunesbirdingfesti-val.com to begin the process before May 4.

3/1-3/31 Youth AdultBasic RegFull Reg

4/1-5/4Basic RegFull Reg *Walk-in registrations limited to availability on days of festival.

ADDITIONAL COSTS Flying WILD is a hands-on, educator workshop designed for teachers, educators, birders, or others wishing to learn tech-niques for teaching birds. This workshop, sponsored by the Great Lakes Education Center and hosted at the Dunes Learn-ing Center has a $35 separate registration fee. Visit the festi-val website to learn more. Workshop date isFriday, May 8.

Indiana Dunes Tourism Visitor Center

Table Of ContentsThursday, May 7th .......... 3-4Friday, May 8th ............... 5-6Saturday, May 9th ........... 7-9Sunday, May 10th .......... 10-12Plan Your Trip ...................

Event Sponsors .............. IAS & Birdathon ............

1213-1415-1617-18

Area Birding Map ..........

GROUP SIZESThere will be a maximum number of participants allowed for each car pool field trip. Signing up early is the best way to ensure you get the activities you want. Most trips begin at the Indiana Dunes Tourism Visitor Center. Field trips are marked with a (FT).

FESTIVAL TIMESIndiana Dunes follows Central Daylight Time (Chicago time).

FESTIVAL LOCATIONSFestival Headquarters:Indiana Dunes TourismVisitor Center1215 N State Road 49Porter, Indiana 46304

Festival Base Camp (East):Indiana Dunes State ParkNature Center1600 N 25 EChesterton, IN 46304

Festival Base Camp (West):Miller WoodsPaul Douglas Center 100 N Lake St. Gary, IN 46403

2Indiana Dunes Birding Festival

Indiana Dunes Birding Festival

Thursday, May 7thThursday, May 7th

3

6 AM Birding the Longshore Flight

7 AM Eastern Lakefront Tour

Dunes Migrant Tour

8 AM

Western Lakefront Tour

Beverly Shores Wetlands &Woodlands Tour

9 AMMiller Woods and West

Beach Birding

11 AM Wildlife and Restoration inthe Indiana Dunes Ecosystem

1 PM Peregrine Falcons:Cheetahs of the Sky!

2 PM Sandhill Cranes of Indiana

3 PMLake Michigan and the

Geology of the IN Dunes:Ups and Downs

4 PM Migration of Landbirds inthe Great Lakes Region

6:00 PM Birds and Brew at theCraft House - Ends 10PM

7:30 PM Whip Walk!at the Dunes State Park

5/7/2015 Dunes State Park Visitor Center Other LocationMiller Woods

All listed times are Central Daylight (Chicago)

Birding the Longshore Flight6am-10amJoin us any morning from atop the Indiana Dunes State Park birding platform (by the Beach West Lot) for the morning migration of thousands of birds per day. In conducive south winds, an assortment of migrants could be flying past in our o�cial longshore flight survey.

Eastern Lakefront Tour (FT)7am-11amThis car pool trip will cover the Lake Michigan shore east of Dunes State Park to the Michigan state line and beyond. We’ll also check for birds at Galien River County Park. This new park features a canopy walkway through the treetops to a marsh overlook tower.

Dunes Migrants Tour (FT)7am-10amThis special tour will explore the great migrant birding in the Indiana Dunes State Park. It’s famed Trail 2/10 loop is a treasure trove of hidden migrants, including the stretch of Trail 2 a�ec-tionately called, “Cerulean Alley.” The Wilson boardwalk area also plays host to Prothonotary Warblers, tanagers, and vireos.

Western Lakefront Tour (FT)8am-11amThis tour will take visitors to the popular migrant traps on the western lakefront. These locations are known to produce a large number and variety of migrants, including war-blers, thrushes, and other song birds. The group may also try for Monk Parakeets at a nearby location.

Indiana Dunes Birding Festival 4

Dunes Migrants Tour (FT)7am-10amThis special tour will explore the great migrant birding in the Indiana Dunes State Park. It’s famed Trail 2/10 loop is a treasure trove of hidden migrants, including the stretch of Trail 2 a�ec-tionately called, “Cerulean Alley.” The Wilson boardwalk area also plays host to Prothonotary Warblers, Tanagers, and Vireos.

Western Lakefront Tour (FT)8am-11amThis tour will take visitors to the popular migrant traps on the western lakefront. These locations are known to produce a large number and variety of migrants, including war-blers, thrushes, and other song birds. The group may also try for Monk Parakeets at a nearby location.

Woodlands and Wetlands Tour (FT) • 8am-11am This tour will hike through the woodlands and wetlands at the west end of Beverly Shores in pursuit of both nesting and migrant species. On this hike, warblers, vireos, thrushes and woodpeckers are possible. Also, anticipated are some marsh, wetland, and waterfowl species.

Miller Woods and West Beach Birding (FT) • 9am-11amDoug Stotz, from the Chicago Field Museum, will be your guide to the wetlands and black oak savanna of the Miller Woods area in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. An assortment of migrating warblers, vireos, and thrushes can be expected by this date. After-wards, if there is time, the group will car pool to the nearby NPS West Beach property as well.

Wildlife and Restoration in the Indiana Dunes Ecosystem 11am-12pmThe Indiana Dunes ecosystem is one of the most diverse in the country, with over 370 species of birds and 1,000+ plants. Join USGS scientists Noel Pavlovic and Ralph Grundel as they discuss vegetation changes in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore region, birds and invasive species dispersal, and native shrubs for habitat restoration. We’ll also explore the habitat relationships for birds in the gradient from prairie to savanna to forest.

Peregrine Falcons: Cheetahs of the Sky! • 1pm-2pmLearn more about the fastest animal on the planet and the e�orts underway to help these birds. You'll learn little known facts about Peregrines, watch their courtship dance, and find out more about the Peregrine Fund. You'll also learn about the incredible life history of a special Peregrine that Alexandra Forsythe has helped train and rehabili-tate.

Sandhill Cranes of Indiana2pm-3pmNo state hosts as many migrating Sandhill Cranes, east of the Mississippi. Explore the natural history of the Greater Sandhill Crane as it relates to Indiana, along with historical information including the comeback this species made in Indiana.

Lake Michigan and the Geolo-gy of the Indiana Dunes: Ups and Downs • 3pm-4pmThe southern shore of Lake Michigan, often called the Indiana Dunes, has experienced a varied glacial and coastal history. This presentation will give a bird’s-eye view of this history from the retreat of glacial ice from the Indiana shore, to the rise and fall of lake level related to climate change and the removal of glacial ice opening and closing outlets to the basin.

Migration of Landbirds in the Great Lakes Region • 4pm-5pmThe Great Lakes region hosts high concentrations of migrants, especially near shorelines. This fascinating program explores where and why these concentra-tions take place and the importance of protecting and managing these sites with emphasis on land birds.

Birds and Brew at the Craft House! • 6pm-10pmOur signature evening event on Thursday and Friday night. Bring the entire family for food, drinks, prizes, birding network-ing, and more! Whether you spend the evening or just an hour, be sure to join us!

Whip Walk! •7:30pm-8:30pmAfter a short introduction, we’ll step outside to listen for our recently returned Whip-poor-wills. With a little luck, we’ll be doing some live banding tonight as well. Arrive early.

Thursday, May 7th continued...


Friday, May 8thFriday, May 8th

5

6 AM Birding the Longshore Flight

7 AM Dune Wetlands TourDunes Migrants Tour

Beginning Birding Photography

8 AM

Restoration Birding

12:30PM Flying WILD

1 PM

Spring Birdingthe Indiana Dunes

2:30 PM Indiana Big Year Redux

3 PM How NOT to be a Wildlife Parent

4 PM Pu�birds, Porpoises andJaguars: Birding Brazil

Beginning Birding PhotographyCapturing Nature’s Beauty

6:00 PM

Birds and Brew at theCraft House - Ends 10PM

7:30 PM Owl Prowl



Birding the Longshore Flight6am-10amJoin us any morning from atop the Indiana Dunes State Park birding platform (by the Beach West Lot) for the morning migration of thousands of birds per day. In conducive south winds, an assortment of migrants could be flying past in our o�cial long shore flight survey.

Dune Wetlands Tour (FT)7am-10amThe tour will explore Lake County wetland sites. The main location will be Grant Street Marsh. The site will put visitors on a raised gravel path looking down into the marsh. In May, this site typically has waterfowl, herons, egrets, moorhens, swallows, and, more recent-ly, Yellow-headed Blackbirds and King Rails. If time allows, the group may visit the similar Highland Heron Rook-ery or head over to 129th Street Marsh to look for shorebirds. The tour may also try for Monk Parakeets nearby.

Dunes Migrants Tour (FT)7am-10amThis special tour will explore the great migrant birding in the Indiana Dunes State Park. It’s famed Trail 2/10 loop is a treasure trove of hidden migrants, including the stretch of Trail 2 a�ectionately called, “Cerulean Alley.” The Wilson boardwalk area also plays host to Prothonotary Warblers, tanagers, and vireos.

Beginning BirdingPhotography7am-9:30amLocal photography expert, Pete Grube, will provide a discussion of basic camera settings followed by a photo session with a few Indiana Dunes bird specialties. The tour will have hopefully have photography time with the annual nesting Prothonotary Warblers.


Restoration Birding (FT)8am-12pmEcological restoration is more wide-spread and important than ever as invasive species and development continue to threaten the integrity of our natural areas. The group will tour habitat restoration projects in north-west Indiana to see examples of how habitat restoration benefits local bird populations. These communities have improved habitat for Marsh Wren, Virginia Rail, Sora, migrating warblers, and other at-risk bird species.

Flying WILD Workshop*12:30pm-4:30pmThrough activities involving language arts, social science and math experi-ences, coupled with community outreach and service learning applica-tions, Flying WILD o�ers a whole-school approach to environmen-tal education using birds as the focus. This special workshop is limited in space and perfect for any type of bird enthusiasts wishing to inspire birding to others. *Separate registration required.

Spring Birding in the Dunes!1pm-2:30pmThe shores of Lake Michigan generate wonderful concentrations of migrating birds. Most spring migrants avoid, or at least pause, before flying across Lake Michigan. As a result on heavy flight days large bird numbers accumulate along the lakeshore. This avian pletho-ra provides a myriad of excellent birding opportunities for lakefront birders, but three are particularly rewarding: spring hawk flights, long-shore songbird flights, and the “migrant traps.” Dr. Ken Brock will highlight this amazing phenomenon and why the Indiana Dunes are a birding paradise.

Indiana Big Year Redux •2:30pm-4pmJohn Kendall holds the record for most birds seen in a single year in Indiana. His adventure, full of stories and experiences, is a fun tale of one man’s quest to find over 300 birds in Indiana in one year. This is his story.

How Not to Be a Wildlife Parent!3pm-4pmKim Hoover, from Hoots to Howls Wildlife Rehab, will cover the ins and outs of rehabilitation and what you can do to help injured or abandoned wildlife. Kim will have several species of live owls with her in this discussion, including a Snowy Owl.

Pu�birds, Porpoises, and Jaguars: Birding Brazil • 4pm-5pmIn 2010, Bob and Ann Walton explored three di�erent biomes in search of birds, mammals and unique natural beauty. This varied, vast venture resulted in one of the most memorable of all their many momentous South American meander-ings.

Beginning Bird Photography: Captur-ing Nature’s Beauty • 4pm-5pmUsing her own photos as examples, Barb will demonstrate 12 tips for capturing amazing bird photographs. Equipment, shooting techniques, steps to develop your skills, ways to share your work with others and more will be covered.

Birds and Brew at the Craft House!6pm-10pmBring the entire family for food, drinks, prizes, birding networking, and more! Whether you spend the evening or just an hour, be sure to join us!

Owl Prowl! • 7:30pm-8:30pmFor beginning birders, learn about the owls of the Indiana Dunes, and how to increase your odds at finding one in your next owl walk. If we’re lucky, we’ll hoot one in for possible owl banding. Arrive early!

Friday, May 8th continued...


Saturday, May 9thSaturday, May 9th

7

6 AM Longshore Flight Survey

7 AM Eastern Lakefront Tour

Kankakee Sands Car Pool TourBeginning Birding Photography

8 AM

Dunes Wetlands TourWestern Lakefront Tour

9 AM

10 AM

IYBC Youth Fun Day

Beginning Birds TourShorebirds at McCool Basin

Bluebird Trails Birdingat Co�ee Creek

11 AM IYBC Hike: BeginnerBirders Walk (Spanish)

IYBC Hike:Beginners & Family Bird Hikes

IYBC Program:The Depth of Ornithology

IYBC Program:Birding! There’s an App for that!

1 PM Raptor Experience

3 PM

N. Indiana’s Local Birdsand How to Feed Them

NIPSCO and Birds

2 PM

5/9/2015 Dunes State Park Visitor Center Other Location

4 PMOne of America’s Most

Famous but ForttenNaturalists

6 PMNot Your Grandma’s

Audubon by James CurrieKEYNOTE

Miller Woods



Eastern Lakefront Tour (FT)7am-11amThis car pool trip will cover the Lake Michigan shore east of Dunes State Park to the Michigan state line and beyond. We’ll also check for birds at Galien River County Park. This new park features a canopy walkway through the treetops to a marsh overlook tower.

Kankakee Sands Car Pool Tour (FT) • 7am-11amThis unique ecosystem hosts birds typically rare in the immediate dunes, including Upland Sandpiper, Blue Grosbeak, and Western Meadowlarks. Other grassland birds such as Henslow’s Sparrows, Dickcissels, and Bobwhites may be found. Participants will car pool to this site for a few hours of prime birding. Afterwards, native plants will be available to purchase for your own landscaping projects.

Dunes Wetlands Tour (FT) 8am-11amThe various swamps, marshes, fens, and bogs that are scattered among the dunes host a variety of birds. Seek out herons, cranes, rails, moorhens, and more during this special car pool tour of the dunes’ best wetland sites.


Beginning BirdingPhotography • 7am-9:30amLocal photography expert, Pete Grube, will provide a discussion of basic camera settings followed by a photo session with a few Indiana Dunes bird specialties. The tour will hopefully have photography time with the annual nesting Prothonotary Warblers.

Western Lakefront Tour (FT)8am-11amThis tour will take visitors to the popular migrant traps on the western lakefront. These locations are known to produce a large number and variety of migrants, including warblers, thrushes, and other songbirds. The group may also try for Monk Parakeets at a nearby location.

Beginning Birds Tour (FT)9am-10:30amFor those new to birding, we'll take a leisurely stroll through the woods and wetlands near the Dunes State Park Nature Center to identify woodland and feeder birds such as warblers, woodpeckers and if we’re lucky we’ll see birds of prey flying overhead. You’ll gain valuable tips for spotting birds, making quick field IDs and birding by ear. This tour is o�ered both Saturday and Sunday morning. Shorebirds at McCool Basin (FT) • 9am-12pmJoin us for a look at the hard to find shorebirds in NW Indiana. The tour will visit some more reliable spots for migrating shorebirds, such as the annually good McCool Pond Basin. Other sites will depend on current weather conditions and shorebird availability. Be prepared for visiting multiple sites if necessary.

Indiana Young Birders Youth and Family Day! • 10am-4pm

Join the IYBC for a full day of birding activities, including special youth birder speakers, hands on activities, new birder walks, bird hikes in Spanish, bird games, bird quizes, bird banding and more! Win your own field guide or get a chance to build your own bluebird box to take home. All activities take place at the State Park Nature Center throughout the day. See below for specific presentations.IYBC Beginner and Family Bird Walk10am-11amJoin Landon Neumann and Matthias Benko of the IYBC at the front doors of the nature center for a great opportunity to see some of the cool birds that live in and around the Indiana Dunes.IYBC Beginner Birders Walk (Spanish)11am-12pmDo you enjoy being outside and like watching birds but don't speak English or you prefer speaking Spanish? John Velasquez will be our guide to take us around the Indiana Dunes in search of common species that frequent the dunes.Raptor Experience1pm-2:30pm (Visitor Center)Join the Lake Milton Raptor Center for this close up look at some of the live birds of prey migrating through the dunes right now. This fun and educational look will feature many of the hawks, falcons, and even eagles that can be seen in the field this week at the festival. IYBC Program: The Depth of Ornithology2pm-3pmWhy do birds make such a big di�erence in our lives? The answer is as crystal clear as a tropical stream. We see something in a bird that helps us find ourselves. By learning about birds and where they live, we can grow closer to nature and discover an emotional bond. Ornithology is profound; therefore, we cannot help but view birds as life changing. Join young birder Matthias Benko to explore this depth.

Saturday, May 9th continued...

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Indiana Dunes Birding Festival9

Indiana Young Birders Youth and Family Big Day Cont.IYBC Birding: There’s an App for That! • 3pm-4pmJoin Alex Forsythe as we explore the wide variety of apps for Apple and Android that can help you identify and find birds, keep a field notebook and checklist, and learn more about our feathered friends! Hands-on demonstrations will allow you to try these apps yourself. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced birder, you'll be amazed how much apps can help you!

N. Indiana’s Local Birds and How to Feed Them • 3pm-4pmBird feeding is a multibillion dollar business. The assortment of feeders and seed types can be confusing for the new bird watcher. Learn from the bird feeding experts the common feeder birds to expect and how you can better accommodate them in your own backyard.

NIPSCO and Birds • 4pm-5pmUtility rights-of-way (ROWs) often traverse public and private lands managed for natural resource values and/or areas with high ecological value. ROWs, if managed correctly, can provide important habitat for many types of plants and wildlife. The presentation will cover basic ROW management issues, various habitat conditions possible on utility corri-dors, avian protection plans, and integrated planning and partnership approaches.

One of America’s most Famous and ForgottenNaturalists • 4pm-5pmGene Stratton-Porter is Indiana's most widely read female author. Nearly 100 years ago, her best-selling novels and nature studies were translated into multiple languages and later trans-formed into movies. But is she being forgotten in today’s fast paced times?

Not your Grandma’s Audubon by James Currie. Keynote Presentation • 6pm-10pmAs our keynote speaker, we welcome James Currie, host of Nikon’s Birding Adventures TV. The show airs on NatGeo Wild and is now entering it’s 5th season. This exciting birding program follows James' birding encounters on his travels throughout the US. It focuses on the spirit of adventure and destination birding, while touching on conservation and the importance of preserving birdlife.

James, a life long birder and native of South Africa, has led birding and wildlife tours for more than 12 years. His many travels include places such as the Amazon, Australia, Africa, and Mada-gascar. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in African Language and a Masters Degree in Sustainable Environmental Manage-ment. From 2004 to 2007, James worked for Africa Foundation as the Managing Director. There he worked to uplift communities surrounding Africa’s wildlife areas. James and his family recently immigrated to the US and now reside in West Palm Beach, FL.

Evening Events Schedule: Doors open at 6pm Dinner at 7pm Presentation at 8:15pm Owl calling out back afterwards Silent Auction and Vendor Tables

Saturday, May 9th continued...


Sunday, May 10thSunday, May 10th

10

6 AM Longshore Flight Survey

7 AM

7:30 AM

Beverly Shores

Great Marsh Tour

8 AM

Birds & Blooms of the Rookery

9 AM

10 AM

Kankakee Sands Car Pool TourDupont Natural Area Tour

Beginning Birds Tour

Beginning WildflowerPhotography

11 AM What Warbler Was That? Gull ID in the Great Lakes

Birds of Prey Live

Successful Regional BirdConservation: Projects & Opportunities

Radar Ornithology

Gardening for the birds

1 PM

3 PM

2 PM




Beverly Shores Great Marsh Tour (FT) • 7am-10amThis short walking tour will allow participants the opportunity to experi-ence one of the most productive nesting areas for birds in the state. The Great Marsh is a marvelous blend of wetland and mixed woodland habitats. Besides supporting a wide range of nesting species, the area can be a vital rest stop for countless migrants. It will be a leisurely pace as we make a short loop along the marsh, stopping constantly to look and listen for water-fowl, waders, rails, and a wide range of passerines.

Birds and Blooms of the Rookery (FT) • 7:30am-11amNamed for the Great Blue Herons that formerly nested in colonies at this inland property, the Heron Rookery is well known for its outstanding display of spring wildflowers and is also an excellent place to find uncommon migrating songbirds such as Winter Wren and Yellow-throated Warbler. Scott Namestnik will lead this hike through mesic upland forest and floodplain forest communities.

Kankakee Sands Car Pool Tour (FT) • 8am-12pmThis unique ecosystem hosts birds typically rare in the immediate dunes, including Upland Sandpiper, Blue Grosbeak, and Western Meadowlarks. Other grassland birds such as Henslow’s Sparrows, Dickcissels, and N. Bobwhites may be found. After-wards, native plants will be available to purchase for your own landscaping projects.

Indiana Dunes Birding Festival11

DuPont Natural Area Tour8am-11amThis tour of the 170-acre DuPont Natural Area provides an opportunity to see Virginia Rails, Soras, Least Bitterns, Red-headed Woodpeckers, migrating warblers and other at-risk species in globally imperiled dune and swale habitat that will astound tour participants with its beauty amidst a former industrial site. This natural area gem contains a relatively intact mosaic of habitats ranging from dry and mesic sand tallgrass prairies to black oak savannas inter-mixed with stands of lupine and more than 206 native plant species.

Beginning Birds Tour (FT)9am-10:30amFor those new to birding, we'll take a leisurely stroll through the woods and wetlands near the Dunes State Park Nature Center to identify woodland and feeder birds such as warblers, woodpeckers and if we’re lucky we’ll see birds of prey flying overhead. You’ll gain valuable tips for spotting birds, making quick field IDs and birding by ear. This tour is o�ered both Saturday and Sunday morning.

Beginning WildflowerPhotography (FT)9am-10:30amAs part of this special Mother’s Day program, Pete Grube returns for a discussion of basic camera settings followed by a photo session with a few of the Indiana Dunes wildflower specialties. Ending with a photo critique and Photoshop tips for improving images post production, Pete will highlight specialty flowers found nowhere else in Indiana! The group will car pool to the state park for this session.

Successful Regional BirdConservation: Projects and Opportunities 10am-11amLearn about birds of conservation concern in our region and the projects and studies that use local monitoring data to improve their habitat. The focus is on migratory land birds and breeding grassland, shrubland and savanna birds, and information about how you can become a monitor.

What Warbler Was That!?11am-12pmMay is the peak of songbird migration in Indiana with members of the warbler family often stealing the spotlight from other less-colorful birds. Hoosiers are fortunate that 35 of the 37 eastern wood warblers migrate through or nest in the state each year. Warblers form a large family of birds with many of the males displaying dazzling colors and having lively songs. Spring is the perfect time to learn how to identify warblers by sight and sound. This workshop will present both visual and auditory techniques for identifying warblers in the field.

Gull ID in the Great Lakes11am-12:30pmGulls have earned a love-hate relation-ship with birders. Among them are some of the most coveted bird species on the planet, and some that simply defy every concept of a species. Amar Ayyash will explain some of the often ignored, but essential, elements of gull identification (including feather topog-raphy, molt and aging). Amar will also provide us with a unique photo study to help us learn the key identification field marks of the gulls found in the Great Lakes region.

Sunday, May 10th continued...


Birds of Prey Live1pm-2pmBirds of prey amaze and astound both birders and non-birders. Join the Upper Wabash Interpretive Services Sta� to see which birds are visiting the dunes this weekend, and their amazing stories of survival.

Radar Ornithology2pm-3pmState Park Naturalist Brad Bumgard-ner will introduce you to the world of bird migration tracking using your weather radar at home or from your mobile device. Learn the ins and outs of interpreting radar movements to plan your next birding outing.

Gardening for the Birds3pm-4pmGardening is one of the most popular pastimes in America, but how are our home landscapes a�ecting bird populations? In this program, we'll examine traditional and non-tradition-al methods of "birdscaping," with an emphasis on science, ecology and the food chain. Attendees will learn how making better informed, more responsible landscaping choices will promote birds and biodiversity right in their own neighborhoods.

Festival MerchandiseVisit the Dunes Birding Festival online store for t-shirts, hats, stickers, art prints, and more!

Planning Your TripListed below are locations that will help make your stay in the Indiana Dunes the best that is possible. We have several preferred lodging, camping, and dining options to choose from. Many are chosen for their distance to the event as well as speed of service for on the go birders. For more lodging, camping, and eateries, visit the festival website.

BreakfastThird Coast Spice Cafe761 Indian Boundary Road, ChestertonBob Evans475 Gateway Boulevard, ChestertonSunrise Family Restaurant475 Sand Creek Drive, Chesterton

Lunch & DinnerRolling StonebakerBroadway & US 12, Beverly ShoresEl Saltos Mexican Restaurant757 Indian Boundary Road, ChestertonGeorge's Gyro Spot315 North Calumet Road, ChestertonDuneland Pizza520 Broadway, ChestertonWagner's Ribs520 Broadway, ChestertonThe Craft House711-2 Plaza Dr, ChestertonShoreline Brewery208 Wabash Street, Michigan City

Sunday, May 10th continued...

Rolling Stonebaker


Dunes Area BirdingDunes Area Birding

13

MICHIGAN CITY HARBOR HIGH DUNES SITES

THE INDIANA DUNES AREADunes Area

A. ChicagoB. Hammond

C. GaryD. Miller BeachE. West Beach

F. Dunes State ParkG. Beverly ShoresH. Michigan City

THE WOLF LAKE AREA

Lake Michigan

The following section of map data describes specific locations within the Dunes Area that have consistently provided reliable birding. Each site is among the better birding locations in the region. The following maps provide a general overview. The Indiana Dunes Country Birding Guide provides a more detailed site description and species checklists, as well as directions to each productive spring birding location. Maps courtesy of Brock’s Birds of Indiana Dunes.


Map data continued...

Without a doubt the presence of Lake Michigan a�ects the movement and distribution of birdlife in the Dunes more than any other single factor. The shores of this enormous lake pro-vide leading lines that control flight paths of migrants, and the vast open waters draw legions of transitory and wintering birds. Both north and southbound birds following the shores are ultimately guided into the Dunes Area. This avian convergence at the bottom of Lake Michigan is termed the “funnel e�ect.”

Scores of avian species have been observed migrating along the shores of Lake Michigan, more or less parallel to the beach. Of special interest are the diurnal flights of land birds along the lake-front, usually tracking the crest line of the High Dunes. These flights are most frequently noted in the spring. Large passerine movements are often detected by observers at the hawk-watch sites; counts exceeding several hundred individuals have been tabulated within a few hours in May, including species such as Eastern Kingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Blue Jay, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Baltimore Oriole, and American Goldfinch. The state park bird observation platform (West Lot) is a great site to witness this Great Lakes migration phenomenon.

Festival HQ


Festival SponsorsFestival Sponsors

15

The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival could not have been possible without the support from our partners and sponsors. If you see a representative from any of the following businesses and organiza-tions, please feel free to thank them as well.

Special thanks to our Avocet level sponsors.

INDIANA DEPARTMENT OFNATURAL RESOURCES

FESTIVAL PARTNERS

EVENT SPONSORAvocet Level


Sponsors continued...

Special thanks to our Willet level sponsors.

EVENT SPONSORWillet Level

Special thanks to our Sanderling level sponsors.

EVENT SPONSORSanderling Level

The South Bend-ElkhartAudubon Society

Save the Dunes CouncilThe Craft HouseShirley Heinze Land TrustIzaak Walton LeagueWild Birds UnlimitedCo�ee Creek Watershed PreserveHammond Port AuthorityWhiting Parks and Recreation Dept LaPorte County Soil andWater Conservation District


Thank You!Thank You!

17

Thank you very much for joining us for the 2015 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival. We hope you enjoy your visit to the Duneland area and get to observe some great brids while you are here!

Our festival host, the Indiana Audubon Society, would like to extend an invitation to join their organization. If you would like to join the IAS, please fill out the following form and mail it in.

Membership Form

Today’s Date:

Indiana Audubon Society, Inc 12284 Daugherty Drive

Zionsville, IN 46077 [email protected]

www.indianaaudubon.org Member Information

First Name: Last Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip Code: County:

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2015 Birdathon2015 Birdathon

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T he Northwes t Indiana Migratory Bird As s ociation will s et out for another Birdathon in 2 0 1 5 ! On Saturday, May 1 6 th our team will be s tarting at 2 : 3 0 am for owls , whippoorwills , and nighthawk s , and race towards the

T he full lis t of birds will be s ent to all that pledge. Previous Birdathons help s upport the new Indiana Dunes Birding Fes tival, May 7 - 1 0 , 2 0 1 5 .

How can you help rais e money for dunes area bird cons ervation? It’ s eas y! Simply f ill out the form on the bottom and s end it in by May 1 1 th (do it today, while it is on your mind!). Las t year our team found a team record 1 6 5 s pecies of birds . If you had pledged a dime for each s pecies , you would have $ 1 6 . 5 0 …you get the idea! If you want to challenge our team with an ex tra $ 5 . 0 0 for a s pecific bird, maybe your favorite rare bird, pleas e do s o. It’ s a fun way to rais e money for a very good caus e.

f inis h line, after dark , pick ing up raptors , s horebirds , and warblers along the way.

Tear Here Yes, I would like to pledge $ _____________ You will be noti�ed of our success and your for each species of bird seen on May 16 by pledge amount after the May 16, 2015 event. the Dunes Birdathon Team! All donors will receive a full list of all birds seen. Favorite Bird Pledge (extra $5.00) Thanks for helping bird conservation in Indiana!

MAIL TO: Name: __________________________________ Dunes Birdathon Address: ________________________________ Indiana Dunes State Park City: ____________________________________ 1600 N 25 E State: ______________ Zip: ________________ Chesterton, IN 46304 Email (optional): _________________________

_____________________________________________

MAY 7-10 For more informationwww.INDunesBirdingFestival.comfacebook.com/indunesbirdingfestivalINDIANA DUNES

2015 visit us on the web at:

2015 indiana dunes birding festival guide

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