Bird Fest | Eagle Creek

Ornithology Center open 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Crafts, coloring, scavenger hunts, and interactive tables will be set up at the Ornithology Center (moved indoors if it’s raining) for all ages! Visit the raptor ambassadors, try the Migration Obstacle Course (ages 6-12), learn about the birds that visit the feeders, and explore our exhibits. We will also have Mother’s Day Crafts throughout the day so come celebrate with us! Guests such as the Amos Butler Audubon Society, International Crane Foundation, Bird Safe Indy/Renewal by Anderson, and other Eagle Creek Park Partners will have booths as well. Thank you so much to our event sponsor, the Eagle Creek Park Foundation!

9:00-11:00 am Hideaway Hike with Aidan Rominger Location: Eagle’s Hideaway

Pre-registration required at indyparks.org – program #32322

Join Aidan for this spring migrant hike, starting at Eagle’s Hideaway parking lot and hiking down the main hideaway access road, to the water in search of any spring migrant species we can find! FREE but pre-registration is required. Bring your own binoculars if you have them! If not, we will have a limited supply.

Trail: 4.5 miles, moderate, woods and fields, not ADA or stroller accessible

9:00-11:00 am Amos Butler Audubon Society Birdwalk Location: Ornithology Center

Join a group of new and experienced birders for a brisk morning bird walk! Meets every Sunday morning at 9:00 am at the Ornithology Center, led by ABAS, rain or shine. Young birders welcome!

Trail: various, depending on the group size and preference

11:00 am – 12:45 pm Forest Bathing Walk  Location: Starts at the Ornithology Center

Pre-registration required at indyparks.org – program #32239

Join Certified Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (ANFT) Guide & Ornithology Center Assistant Manager, Donna Riner, for a guided Forest Bathing Walk. During the walk, we will use our senses to “bathe” in our surroundings, using eyes, ears, hands, nose, body, and heart to experience the world around us. We will meet at the Ornithology Center at 11:00am and we will conclude around 12:45pm. Preregistration required, walk is limited to 15 participants, cost $15/person. Youth ages 7 and older are welcome to participate, and they must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm Birding with Nick Kiehl Location: Skating Pond

Join Indy birder, Nick at the Skating Pond to have a chance at seeing multiple spring migrants. This could include migrant warblers, thrushes, flycatchers and more! Meet at the Skating Pond parking area to start the hike. Bring your own binoculars if you have them! If not, you can pick up a pair to borrow before the hike at the Ornithology Center.

Trail: 1 mile, easy, grass and forest, could be wet/muddy

1:00-1:30 pm Owls of Indiana Location: Ornithology Center

Learn about the different owls that can be found in Indiana, see some owl taxidermy up close, and watch a feeding demonstration with our two Owl Ambassadors.

1:00-2:30 pm  Mother Tree Hike Location: Ornithology Center

Park volunteer and retired ecosystems scientist, Marty Risch, will lead you to view “Mother Trees” of many species visible from the park trails. Learn about the Eagle Creek Park Big Tree Registry and discover how historic land use affected today’s forests.

Trail: 1 mile, easy, forest, old paved road with bumps but pretty accessible for strollers and wheelchairs

1:30-3:00 pm  Spring Warbler ID Workshop Location: Ornithology Center

Join Aidan and get to know how to properly identify all 35 expected warbler species found in Indiana! We will cover how to identify them by sight, sound, and behavior! All skill levels welcome!

2:30-3:00 pm  Meet a Raptor Location: Ornithology Center

Meet Freyja, the Peregrine Falcon ambassador! Learn about her and the peregrine conservation success story from her trainer and park volunteer, Donna McCarty. Spanish-speaking naturalist, Donna Riner, will also be available to translate and answer questions as needed.

3:00-4:00 pm  Spring Migrant Walk with the Nawrocki’s Location: Ornithology Center

Join the Dr. Stephen Nawrocki and his family on a spring migrant hike where we will be targeting thrushes, vireos, warblers, flycatchers, and more on the trails around the Ornithology Center.

Trail: 1 mile, easy, forest, could be wet/muddy

3:30-4:30 pm  Family Bird Feeder Workshop Location: Ornithology Center

Pre-registration required at indyparks.org – program #32321

Sign up the whole family for a winter bird feeder craft time! All supplies will be provided. $10/bird feeder (2-4 people expected), only one adult per bird feeder needs to pre-register and pay. Pre-registration required. Park admission included!

4:30-5:00 pm  Raptor Training Tour Location: Ornithology Center

Join bird trainer and OC manager, Jenna, on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Raptor Ambassador enclosures and learn about how the naturalists at the OC care for and train them. You may also get to watch some of them eat!

5:00-7:00 pm Nature Open Mic & Campfire Location: Ornithology Center

Step up to the mic and share a story, poem, song, or any performance art piece inspired by nature. This is a family friendly event; all ages are welcome to perform and attend. No registration required – performers will add themselves to a cue at the open mic. Bring your own dinner and join us around the campfire! We will also be selling hotdogs, chips, and s’mores while supplies last. All proceeds go to our Raptor Ambassador Fund!

EAST SIDE

Ornithology Center (OC) – 6515 Delong Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46278

Earth Discovery Center (EDC) – 5901 Delong Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46254

Skating Pond – square shaped pond on Reed Rd. south of 62nd St.

39.86447N, 86.29009W

Marina – 7602 Walnut Point Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46254

Spring Pond/SE Fields – Off Big Pine Drive: 39.85849N, 86.28530W

Overflow parking at Mt Pleasant Shelters: 39.85843N, 86.29015W

WEST SIDE

Eagle’s Hideaway 8901 W 65th St. Indianapolis, IN 46278