Wings Over Goose Pond: A Big Day Birding Weekend

Wings Over Goose Pond: A Big Day Birding Weekend!

In 2025, Indiana Audubon returns for a Big Day birding weekend at Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) and nearby properties to gain appreciation for the diverse breeding birds that call Goose Pond FWA and the surrounding habitat home. While a single day can see many bird species in early to mid-May, this trip aims to observe the full suite of amazing birds found in the area. The goal is to log well over 100 species on what is also the World Migratory Bird Day, promising the ultimate Goose Pond migration experience.

Goose Pond FWA, and the nearby Greene-Sullivan State Forest, boast nearly 20,000 acres of prairies, wetlands, and forest land. The ongoing habitat restoration at Goose Pond FWA has created a wildlife mecca, quickly becoming one of the state’s best birding areas and hosting an amazing array of rarities since its creation. As part of the birding, two evening bird excursions are planned for woodcocks, nightjars, and/or owls.

Saturday starts early, meeting at the Goose Pond Visitor Center, and will include a full day of birding, including a boxed lunch in Linton, followed by afternoon birding. If major targets are missed, birding early Sunday may be a possibility. Your trip leader is Richard Garrett, Indiana Audubon member and guide, with extensive experience birding both Goose Pond and around the state.

Some of the specialty species we hope to see or hear during the weekend include: Bald Eagle, Northern Bobwhite, Chuck-will's-widow, King Rail, Black-necked Stilt, Black Tern, Least Tern, American Bittern, American Barn Owl, Bell’s Vireo, Marsh Wren, Grasshopper Sparrow, Yellow-breasted Chat, Prothonotary Warbler, Orchard Oriole, and more.

Registration is required, as Indiana Audubon trips usually fill well in advance of the trip date. Registration fees include all guiding via caravan and Subway boxed lunch on Saturday. Participants are responsible for transportation, lodging (if needed), and other meals during the trip.

For trip logistics questions, don’t hesitate to ask Richard Garrett ([email protected]). Indiana Audubon's recommended lodging is at the Days Inn Sullivan. Birding Friday and Saturday night can go past 10pm ET.

Birding Pace: Moderate Day Trips. Two early starts, with one longer day in the field. Seeing a diversity of birds will be of interest, while remaining fun and relaxed.

Physical Requirements: Light. Much of Goose Pond is birded near the various roadside pull offs, with 1/4 mile or less walking. Participants are never far from their vehicle.

Birding Skill Level: Beginner-Mid-Level. Extended looks at both common and uncommon species will be available to study identification and for photography. May brings the possibilities for new species that can challenge mid-level birders as well.

• Indiana Audubon coordination and trip logistics before and during the trip.
• Professional bird guiding throughout Goose Pond FWA and nearby sites Friday evening, Saturday, including evening birding, and Sunday morning.
• Box lunch on Saturday.
  

• Indiana Audubon Member: $145.00 per person*
• Non-IAS Member: $175.00 per person*

Photo: Black-necked Stilt by Ryand Sanderson. Dickcissel by Shari McCollough

• Full refunds are provided for Indiana Audubon events, field trips, and public programs canceled due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.
• Events, field trips, and public programs under $10 per person (excluding processing fees) are non-refundable, as proceeds support our work.
• Refunds for events, field trips, and programs over $10 per person (excluding processing fees) require 30-day advance notice, minus a 25% administrative fee.
• Refunds for Indiana Master Naturalist programs at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary require 30-day advance notice, minus a 25% administrative fee.
• Separate cancellation policies apply to the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival and field trips, events, and public programs co-hosted by other organizations.

Host or Publisher Indiana Audubon Society