2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival Guide

Festival Guide
May 16-19, 2019

Welcome!
Central Ave Beach
Festival
Lake View Beach
Dunbar Beach
Kemil Beach
With its rich biodiversity, varying habitats, and

miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, the Indiana
Locations Porter Beach
Dunes are a hotspot for migrant and resident

birds. The 5th annual Indiana Dunes Birding Portage Lakefront
and Riverwalk
2 Glenwood
94
Festival celebrates the area’s various birding

1
Dunes Trail
West Beach
habitats and birding opportunities. Our mission is

4
1400 N
5/6
to positively impact visitors and residents of the 94
Indiana Dunes region through c onservation and

environmental education. 3 94
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
65
94
Festival Headquarters Birds and Brews Location

Birding the Dunes....................4 1 Indiana Dunes Visitor Center 5 The Spa Special Event Center
Planning your trip....................5 1215 N. State Road 49, Porter 333 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter
Schedule at a glance.............8
Wednesday...........................13
Thursday................................16 2 Presentation Location
Indiana Dunes State Park 6 Festival Host Hotel
Comfort Inn & Suites
Friday......................................23 Nature Center 1800 W. US 20, Porter
Saturday................................30 1600 N. 25 East,Chesterton
Sunday...................................38 Saturday Keynote Location
Sponsors...............................46 Presentation Location 7 Sand Creek Country Club
3 IN Dunes National Lakeshore 1001 Sand Creek Dr., Chesterton
Paul Douglas Center
100 N. Lake St., Miller
Presentation Location
4 Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk
1000 Riverwalk Dr., Portage
DON’T MISS RARE BIRD ALERTS

DURING THE FESTIVAL!
Sign up to receive alerts via text
by visiting bit.do/dunesbirdalert
2 | 2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival www.indunesbirdingfestival.com | 3

Meet our Artist Planning Your Trip
Kristina Knowski is a local illustrator and REGISTRATION
fine artist depicting primarily avifauna and
is best known for her portfolio of extinct All registrations include full access to presentations, headliners, evening
socials, Migration Marketplace, Youth and Family Birding Day, and free entry to
bird species. As a birder herself, Kristina
both the Indiana Dunes State Park and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Field
prefers to work from life and spends most
trips, Saturday night keynote, and workshops require an additional fee.
of her time sketching and researching
species in the field. Since graduating Registration is easy. Simply visit www.indunesbirdingfestival.com before
Valedictorian from the American Academy May 9. Priority registration for Indiana Audubon Society members runs
of Art in Chicago, Kristina has participated February 24 - March 2.
in numerous shows nationwide and has
expanded into holding bird drawing and Youth Adult
painting workshops to encourage using art Indiana Audubon priority 4-day registration $25 $35
Feb. 24
to enjoy nature. to Mar. 2 Keynote presentation and dinner $20 $26
Early bird 4-day registration $32 $44

Mar. 3
Single day registration $15 $25
to Apr. 6
Keynote presentation and dinner $20 $26
Regular 4-day registration $37 $49

Apr. 7
Single day registration $20 $26
to May 9
Keynote presentation and dinner $25 $35
Youth rates are for individuals 17 and younger. Please contact the birding
festival organizers for group rates of 10 or more. Walk-in registrations limited
to availability on days of festival.
Refund information is available on the festival website.
CONTACT US
For festival questions via phone, call: (219) 928-6905
Email us at: info@indunesbirdingfestival.com
Dunes Birds in Art email: art@indunesbirdingfestival.com
facebook.com/indunesbirdingfestival or twitter.com/indunesbirdfest
Find information about hotels, dining, and more on our website:

www.indunesbirdingfestival.com

CONNECT
WITH
NATURE
EXPLORE.
GET OUTSIDE!
Watch birds, explore trails, and
enjoy the natural world at
Nature Conservancy preserves.
Visit nature.org/indiana
Great egret © Em’rynn Artunian/The Nature Conservancy
Thursday, May 16 Friday, May 17
Time Program Description Location Time Program Description Location
6am-4pm Exhibition Dune Birds in Art Visitor Center 6am-4pm Exhibition Dune Birds in Art Exhibition Visitor Center
6-10am Big Sit Dunes Longshore Flight Count Dunes State Park 6-10am Big Sit Dunes Longshore Flight Count Dunes State Park
6-10am Presentation Bird Banding 101 Dunes State Park 6-10am Presentation Bird Banding 101 Dunes State Park
6-10am Boat Tour Lake Michigan Pelagic on the Emita II Visitor Center 6am-12pm Van Tour Dunes Big Morning Visitor Center
6am-12pm Van Tour Dunes Big Morning! Visitor Center 6-10am Van Tour Michiana Marsh Meander Visitor Center
6:30-11am Van Tour Lake County Wetlands Visitor Center 6:30-10:30am Van Tour Northern Lake County Migrant Traps Tour Visitor Center
6:30-10:30am Car Pool DuPont Natural Area Visitor Center 6:30-10:30am Car Pool Dunes Warbler Tour Visitor Center
6:30-10:30am Car Pool Dunes Warbler Tour Visitor Center 6:30-10:30am Van Tour Pinhook Bog Tour Visitor Center
7-11am Car Pool Cowles Bog Tour Visitor Center 7-11am Van Tour Kingsbury Fish and Wildlife Area Tour Visitor Center
7-11am Car Pool Cowles Bog Tour Visitor Center
7-11am Car Pool Indiana Dunes State Park Tour Visitor Center
7-11am Car Pool Indiana Dunes State Park Tour Visitor Center
7-11am Van Tour Seidner Dune and Swale Tour Visitor Center
7:30-11am Car Pool Dunes Migrants with Rockjumper Birding Visitor Center
7:30-11am Car Pool Dunes Migrants with Rock Jumper Birding Visitor Center
7:30-11am Car Pool Walner Nature Preserve Tour Visitor Center
7:30-11am Van Tour Dunes Area Shorebird Search Visitor Center
7:30-11am Car Pool DuPont Natural Area Tour Visitor Center
8-11:30am Car Pool Heron Rookery Tour Visitor Center
8-11:30am Car Pool Dunes Heron Rookery Tour Visitor Center
8-11:30am Car Pool Beverly Shores Birding Tour Visitor Center
8-11:30am Car Pool Beverly Shores Birding Tour Visitor Center
8-11:30am Car Pool Reynolds Creek Wetlands and Prairie Tour Visitor Center
8-11:30am Car Pool Indiana Dunes State Park II Tour Visitor Center
9-11:30am Car Pool Carol Cook Overlook and Reynolds Creek Visitor Center
8-11:30am Car Pool Reynolds Creek Wetlands and Prairie Tour Visitor Center
9-11am Workshop Beginning Birding with a Park Ranger Visitor Center
9-11:30am Car Pool Coffee Creek Watershed Tour Visitor Center
11:30am-12:30pm Headliner Changing Birds of the Chicago Region Visitor Center
9-11:00am Workshop Beginning Birding with a Park Ranger Visitor Center
1-2pm Presentation A US Owl Big Year: 19 Owls Visitor Center
10am-4pm Marketplace The Migration Marketplace Visitor Center
1-2pm Presentation Dragonflies of the Great Lakes Douglas Center
11:30am-12:30pm Headliner In Search of the Cuban Ivory Bill Visitor Center
1-4pm Workshop Shorebird ID Workshop St. Pk. Nature Cntr
1-4pm Workshop Spring Warbler ID Workshop Visitor Center
2-4:30pm Car Pool West Beach in the Afternoon Visitor Center
1-2pm Presentation Raptors Live! Visitor Center
2-4:30pm Car Pool Cowles Bog in the Afternoon Visitor Center
1-2pm Presentation Digital Darkroom Primer Douglas Center
2-4:30pm Car Pool Dunes State Park Afternoon Warblers Visitor Center
2-4:30pm Car Pool Cowles Bog 50 Species Birdathon Visitor Center
2:30-3:30pm Presentation Jaegers of Lake MIchigan Visitor Center 2-4:30pm Car Pool West Beach in the Afternoon Visitor Center
2:30-3:30pm Presentation Worldwide Birding with Rockjumper Tours Douglas Center 2-4:30pm Car Pool Afternoon Shorebird Search Visitor Center
3-5pm Workshop Wine and Waders with Kristina Knowski Speakeasy at Spa 2:30-3:30pm Presentation Why Bird Feeding Makes a Difference Visitor Center
6-8pm Social Young Birders Family Social Country Inn/Suite 2:30-3:30pm Presentation Saw-whet Owl Banding Douglas Center
6-9pm Social Informal Birders Social at the Speakeasy Speakeasy at Spa 3-5pm Workshop Pine Signs Bird Art Workshop Spa Event Center
7:30-9pm Car Pool Owl Prowl Tour Visitor Center 4-5pm Presentation Bird Brains? Visitor Center
8-9:30pm Car Pool Woodcock Dance Tour Visitor Center 4-5pm Presentation The Kirtland’s Warbler Douglas Center
8-9:30pm Car Pool Whip-poor-will Wander Tour Visitor Center 6-9pm Social Birds and Brews at the Spa Event Center Spa Event Center

Saturday, May 18 Sunday, May 19
Time Program Description Location Time Program Description Location
6am-4pm Exhibition Dune Birds in Art Exhibition Visitor Center 6am-4pm Exhibition Dune Birds in Art Exhibition Visitor Center
6-10am Big Sit Dunes Longshore Flight Count Dunes State Park 6-10am Big Sit Dunes Longshore Flight Count Dunes State Park
6-10am Presentation Bird Banding 101 Dunes State Park
6-10am Presentation Bird Banding 101 Dunes State Park
6-10am Big Sit Adam Sell’s Wilson Boardwalk Big Sit Dunes State Park
6-10am Big Sit Adam Sell’s Wilson Boardwalk Big Sit Dunes State Park
6-10am Boat Tour Lake Michigan Pelagic on the Emita II Visitor Center
6am-12pm Van Tour Dunes Big Morning Visitor Center
6am-12pm Van Tour Dunes Big Morning Visitor Center
6:30-10:30am Van Tour Northern Lake County Migrant Traps Tour Visitor Center
6-11am Van Tour Potato Creek State Park Tour Visitor Center
6:30-10:30am Car Pool Miller Woods and Swale Tour Visitor Center 6:30-10:30am Car Pool Cowles Bog Tour Visitor Center
6:30-10:30am Van Trip Kankakee Sands Prairie Birding Visitor Center 6:30-10:30am Van Tour Kankakee Sands Prairie Birding Tour Visitor Center
6:30-10:30am Car Pool Moraine Nature Preserve Tour Visitor Center 6:30-10:30am Car Pool Dunes Warbler Tour Visitor Center
7-11am Car Pool Little Calumet River Kayak Birding Tour Visitor Center 7-11am Car Pool Pinhook Bog Tour Visitor Center
7-11am Car Pool Cowles Bog Tour Visitor Center
7-11am Car Pool Dunes Migrants with Rockjumper Birding Visitor Center
7-11am Van Tour Bendix Woods Nature Preserve Tour Visitor Center
7-11am Van Tour Michiana Marsh Meander Visitor Center
7:30-11am Car Pool Dunes Migrants with Rockjumper Birding Visitor Center
7-11am Van Tour Spicer Lake Nature Preserve Tour Visitor Center
7:30-11:30am Car Pool Pinhook Bog Tour Visitor Center
7:30-11:30am Car Pool Eggers Grove and Big Marsh Tour Visitor Center 7-11am Car Pool Dunes Area Morning Shorebird Search Visitor Center
7:30-11am Car Pool Birding by Ear Tour Visitor Center 7:30-11am Car Pool Reynolds Creek Grasslands/Wetlands Tour Visitor Center
8-11:30am Car Pool Birding with the Dunes Superintendent Visitor Center 7:30-11am Car Pool Cowles Bog Tour Visitor Center
8-11:30am Car Pool Indiana Dunes State Park Tour Visitor Center 7:30-11am Car Pool Birding By Ear Tour Visitor Center
8-11:30am Van Tour Gibson Woods Nature Preserve Visitor Center 8-11:30am Car Pool Coffee Creek Watershed Birding Tour Visitor Center
8-11:30am Car Pool Birds and Blooms at the Heron Rookery Visitor Center 8-11:30am Car Pool West Beach and Long Lake Tour Visitor Center
8:30-11:30am Car Pool Intro Birding Photography Close Up! Visitor Center
8-11:30am Car Pool Birds and Blooms at the Heron Rookery Visitor Center
9-11:30am Car Pool Coffee Creek Watershed Tour Visitor Center
10am-4pm Marketplace Audubon Great Lakes Native Plant Sale Visitor Center
9am-4pm Social IDBF 2019 Youth and Family Birding Day St. Pk. Nature Cntr
10am-4pm Marketplace Migration Marketplace and Vendor Show Visitor Center 11:30am-12:30pm Headliner Hummingbirds: Our Flying Gems Visitor Center
10am-4pm Marketplace Audubon Great Lakes Native Plant Sale Visitor Center 1-2pm Presentation Owls Alive! Visitor Center
11:30am-12:30pm Headliner Birdfeeding Geek’s Guide to Backyard Birding Visitor Center 1-2pm Presentation Amazing Galapagos and Ecuadorian Gems St. Pk. Nature Cntr
1-4pm Workshop Gull ID Workshop with Amar Ayyash Portage Lakefront 2:30-3:30pm Presentation Shade Grown Coffee Isn’t Just for the Birds Visitor Center
1-2pm Presentation Raptors Live! Visitor Center
2:30-3:30pm Presentation Birds in Religion St. Pk. Nature Cntr
1-2pm Presentation Snakes of the Great Lakes St. Pk. Nature Cntr
1-2pm Presentation Native Butterflies & Habitats in the Dunes Douglas Center
2:30-3:30pm Presentation Indiana’s Breeding Warblers Visitor Center
2:30-3:30pm Presentation Beekeeping 101 St. Pk. Nature Cntr
2:30-3:30pm Presentation Worldwide Birding with Rockjumper Tours Douglas Center Photos in this year’s festival guide are courtesy of Ryan
2-4:30pm Car Pool Cowles Bog in the Afternoon Visitor Center Sanderson and Shari McCollough. Thanks, Ryan and Shari!
2-4:30pm Car Pool Indiana Dunes State Park in the Afternoon Visitor Center
2-4:30pm Car Pool Afternoon in Beverly Shores Visitor Center
5:30-9:30pm Keynote “Laura’s Best Bird EVER!” Sand Creek
www.indunesbirdingfestival.com | 11
Schedule 2019 Wednesday, May 15 Don’t miss
special pre
these
-festival
Each day consists of tour options and afternoon Homoya’s Big Day of Birding! trips!
sessions at our various festival locations. Events $46/ 6:00am – 4:00pm / Leader: Wes Homoya
It’s a birding-blitz van tour with state birding expert Wes
and presentations labeled “FREE” are included DON’T FORGET Homoya. Wes will navigate you through the best birding locations
with the price of general registration. Additional The Indiana in the dunes to log as many bird species as possible in a single
fees apply for select tours, workshops, and the Dunes are on day. The goal: over 100 species of waterfowl, raptors, warblers,
Saturday night keynote event. Central Time! vireos, tanagers, and more! This pre-festival tour will fill fast and is
a good chance to preview what’s to come this weekend.
Please remember that information in this guide is
Lincoln Park Birds and Beyond
subject to change, and the website has the latest $46/ 6:00am – 4:00pm / Leader: Matt Igleski
information. In the heart of Chicago lies one of the nation’s oldest zoos. Their diverse
wildlife collection includes several birds that this van tour will explore
behind the scenes with zookeepers from Lincoln Park. After a quick lunch,
Beginner we’ll explore the nesting night-herons and other migrating birds on the
Travel time Box lunch
Van tour birder grounds, as well as a stop or two along the way back as time allows.
>45 min. provided
friendly
Photography Restrooms
Indoor Birds and Bison: Kankakee Sands Behind the Scenes
Carpool tour program/ $46/ 6:30am – 4:00pm / Leader: Matt Beatty
ops on site
seminar The Nature Conservancy’s Kankakee Sands is a birder’s and wildflower
Muddy Spotting enthusiast’s paradise. More than 7,000 acres host an amazing array
conditions Live bird scope of birds, wildflowers, plants, and animals that fill the prairie. Recent
possible program useful reintroduction of bison is reinvigorating the ecosystems that support
Henslow’s and Lark Sparrows, Blue Grosbeaks, Dickcissels, Northern Bobwhites, and
more. TNC ecologist and birding expert Matt Beatty will guide this tour by van. After a
box lunch at Fair Oaks Farm, we’ll explore the behind-the-scenes restoration of prairies,
wetlands, and bison with the TNC staff. Extra time will be spent exploring the rest of
the property and nearby Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area.
Berrien County Canopy and Island Birding Day

$46/ 6:30am – 4:00pm / Leader: Kip Miller
New for 2019, join Michigan birding expert Kip Miller for an adventure to
nearby Berrien County, where a series of new trails feature canopy
birding for eye-level warblers, orioles, and more. The group will visit the
new Galien Canopy Tower, the Sarrett Canopy Tower trail, and the new
Paw Paw River birding trail which includes a new pedestrian bridge and river overlooks.
A box lunch is included.
The Field Museum Birds Behind the Scenes

$49/ 6:45am – 4:00pm / Leader: Kim Ehn
A limited number of participants will meet at festival headquarters
for a day-long excursion into Chicago to explore a behind-the-scenes look at the
birds of the Chicago Field Museum. We’ll explore many extinct species (Ivory-billed
Woodpecker, Carolina Parakeet, etc.) and close-up looks at the thousands of bird
specimens in the museum’s collection. After a traditional Chicago dog box lunch, we’ll
head to nearby Northerly Island for some migrant trap birding. The group will travel to
and from Chicago via the South Shore Train at nearby Dunes Park and should return
before 4pm. This trip fills every year!
INDIANA STATE PARKS
Wednesday cont.
Dunes Birds in Art Exhibition Opening Reception
FREE/ 6:00 – 8:00pm /Visitor Center
Join us at festival headquarters from 6-8pm for the opening reception of
the 3rd annual Dunes Birds in Art Exhibition. This exhibit features local and regional
artists showcasing native bird species in a diversity of art mediums, including 2D and
3D work. Artists will be on hand to discuss their work during this special reception.
The exhibit will be available to view every day of the festival. Live birds of prey from
Humane Indiana Wildlife will also be present.
The Ordinary Extraordinary Junco

FREE/ 7:00 – 8:30pm / Visitor Center
Say hello to the ordinary, extraordinary junco! Funded by the National Science
Foundation and Indiana University, this recent documentary highlights the new
research on a common yet amazing group of backyard birds, the juncos! The film will OVERNIGHT A
play during the art exhibition opening in the Visitor Center theater. STATE PARK INN
Owl Prowl Tour

$10 / 7:30 - 9:00pm / Leader: Matt Igleski
Finding popular birds of twilight is the goal this evening. Matt will
carpool a select group to target the amazing and stealthy world of owls. Based on local
observations, we’ll try to find a few species and look at the adaptations they need to
survive. Limited spots, so register early.
Woodcock Sky Dance Tour

$10/ 8:00 - 9:30pm / Leader: Lynea Hinchman IndianaInns.com camp.IN.gov
The bird with many names! Whether you call it the timberdoodle, bog 1-877-LODGES 1 (1-877-563-4371) 1-866-6CAMP-IN (1-866-622-6746)
sucker, Labrador twister, or more simply the Woodcock, its spring dance is a sight to
behold. Join us for a short drive to watch the evening curtain rise on this quite punctual
performer. Limited spots, so register early.
OVERNIGHT A
CAMPGROUND
Whip-poor-will Wander Tour
$10 / 8:00 - 9:30pm / Leader: Libby Keyes
If you want to find the most vociferous bird of the dunes, you need not
set your alarm early. Meet Libby for a carpool tour to seek out the loud whip-poor-wills
of the dune forests. If lucky, we’ll have close looks at this highly territorial forest
floor-dweller.
14 | 2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival

INDIANA STATE PARKS AND INNS
Thursday, May 16 DuPont Natural Area Tour
$5/ 6:30 – 10:30am / Leader: Matt Beatty
The DuPont Natural Area is owned by the DuPont Corporation and
Dunes Longshore Flight Count managed by The Nature Conservancy. It represents a fragment dune and swale habitat
$5 / 6:00 – 10:00am / Dunes State Park Longshore Tower of the Great Lakes and is considered globally rare. An assortment of both plants and
It’s the 1/4 million bird seasonal survey, one of the largest on the Great animals have been found at this normally closed birding hotspot. The site has been
Lakes. Registrants will report directly to the Indiana Dunes State Park birding tower known for King Rails and bitterns.
(by the Beach West lot) for the morning migration of thousands of birds per day with
expert morning flight counter Kyle Witkor. In conducive south winds, an assortment of Dunes Warbler Tour
migrants could fly past. Blue Jays, waxwings, warblers, orioles, and tanagers should also $5 / Thursday 6:30 – 11:00am / Leader: Matt Igleski
be peaking now. This has been a one-stop-shop for annual rarities to fly by, too. 36 regularly occurring warblers can be found during a day of birding the
dunes. We’ll seek to fill our warbler punch card this morning with as many as
Bird Banding 101 possible on this specialty tour, visiting the best spots for warblers during this carpool/
$5 / 6:00 – 10:00am / Dunes State Park Longshore Tower caravan tour.
Join experienced bird banders Amy Wilms and Stephanie Beilke for a peek
into the secret migration moving along Lake Michigan. Participants will have a chance Cowles Bog Tour
to tour the mist netting banding site and see bird banding up close and in person (and $5 / 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Annie Aguirre
maybe even help release birds!). Techniques of bird banding will also be discussed. Cowles Bog is a birding treasure trove and an 8,000-year-old
Report directly to the state park viewing tower. fen. This National Park Service site is home to the birthplace
of ecology and is also a varied habitat for a diverse set of
Lake Michigan Pelagic on the Emita II migrating birds. The swamp edges can host many
$39 / 6:00 – 10:00am / Leader: Kip Miller migrating warblers, including large Northern
We’ve partnered with Harbor Country Adventures for a large Waterthrush numbers. Sandhill Cranes and
passenger cruise boat, the Emita II. We’ll take a 3-hour cruise with expert birding guides rails nest throughout the property.
to seek out late migrating waterfowl such as Red-breasted Mergansers and Common Rarities tend to be found at this
Loons, as well as migrating shorebirds and land birds along the dune beaches. This tour premier birding destination
is weather dependent, with rain dates being offered on both Friday and Sunday. in the dunes.
Dunes Big Morning!

$30 / 6:00am – 12:00pm / Leader: Ryan Sanderson
2018 Indiana
Here is your chance to enjoy the fast-paced birding of a Big Day, Dunes Birding
but all before lunch! Speed around on a fast and furious morning to rack up a morning Festival Bird of
goal of 100 species. Our van guides will choose the best route for a variety of migrating the Year - White
birds each day. A box lunch is offered at the conclusion of the tour. This morning Tailed Kite
adventure is great for festival returnees and those looking to rack up a big list of dunes
migrants and breeding birds.
Lake County Wetlands Tour

$25/ 6:30 – 11:00am / Leader: Matt Kalwasinski
Explore the hidden wetland sites of Lake County today. We’ll visit
areas that can host large quantities of neo-tropic migrants as well as the 129th Street
Marsh to look for shorebirds and other waterbirds. Any remaining time will be spent
looking for the resident Monk Parakeet colonies. This tour is led by van and includes a
box lunch at the conclusion of the tour.

Thursday cont. Reynold’s Creek Wetland and Prairies Tour
$5 / 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Mark Welter
Indiana Dunes State Park Tour Reynold’s Creek is a newly created gamebird habitat area just miles from
$5 / 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Michael Topp Lake Michigan. The recent restoration of warm season grasses has brought an explosion
One of the premier birding sites during the festival! The Dunes State of grassland birds including Bobolinks, Dickcissels, and Henslow’s Sparrows. Potholes
Park is simply great migrant birding. An assortment of warblers, vireos, are also being dug for wetland species such as shorebirds and waterfowl. We’ll carpool
thrushes, flycatchers, and more can be found here. The Wilson Boardwalk a short distance to this site, which a certain White-tailed Kite put on the map last year.
area also plays host to Prothonotary Warblers and the back-dune
savannas host many Red-headed Woodpeckers. The terrain should remain flat. Carol Cook Overlook and Reynolds Creek Tour
$5 / 9:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Kim Ehn
The Carol Cook Overlook is one of the newest dunes area birding sites,
Seidner Dune & Swale Tour abutting Reynolds Creek. The USDA Wetland Reserve program area features waterfowl,
$25 / 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Sarah Barnes
eagles, and many migrating birds. Time will also be spent checking out the nearby
The globally rare dune-and-swale topography and floodplain marsh
Reynolds Creek prairie birds before concluding.
along the Grand Calumet River can host a variety of birds within this Shirley Heinze
Land Trust property. Habitats include black oak savanna, interdunal wetlands, and the
nearby riparian corridor. For wildflower lovers, expect to see wild lupine and puccoon in Beginning Birding with a National Park Ranger
full flower. Egrets, herons, and cormorants are often spotted. $5 / 9:00 – 11:00am / Leader: National Park Service Rangers
Are you new to birding or looking for a more relaxed birding opportunity?
Take part in these daily morning bird walks with the rangers from the Indiana Dunes
Dune Migrants with Rockjumper Birding Tours National Lakeshore. Each morning this tour will meet at the Visitor Center and walk the
$5 / 7:30 – 11:00am / Leader: Rockjumper Birding Tours
often-productive nearby grounds and bike trail towards the Indiana Dunes State Park in
As the official tour company of the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival,
search of migrating birds. No carpooling required.
a Rockjumper expert guide will highlight some of the best birding in the dunes area and
seek out some of the best birds to be found during the festival.
Festival Headliner:
Dunes Area Morning Shorebird Search
$25 / 7:30 – 11:00am / Leader: Amy Kearns Joel Greenberg
Shorebirds and their habitat can vary year to year and week to The Changing Birdlife of
week. Amy Kearns will take participants to the current shorebird hideouts, with possible the Chicago Region
visits to several inland flooded fields, wetlands, and shoreline habitats. The trip will use
FREE/ 11:30am – 12:30pm / Dunes Visitor Center
a van to move from site to site and includes a box lunch afterwards.
From forests to prairie, and wetlands to savanna,
the 19 counties of the Chicago region offer a wide
Dunes Heron Rookery Tour array of habitats. Because of the central location
$5/ 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Randy Pals it’s no wonder this region has hosted roughly 400
Named for the Great Blue Herons that formerly nested at this inland species of birds. Joel will explore the changes
National Park property, the Heron Rookery is well known for its that have occurred and are still occurring
outstanding display of spring wildflowers. It is also an excellent place to since the first Europeans arrived in 1673. Species once
find uncommon migrating songbirds such as Winter Wren and Yellow- common, now gone, and once rare now an everyday sighting. Don’t miss
throated Warbler, but also deep woods specialties such as Pileated Woodpecker and the ever-popular Joel Greenberg.
Barred Owl. Expect an array of warblers and thrushes. The trail may be muddy.
A US Owl Big Year: 19 Owls!

Beverly Shores Tour FREE/ 1:00 – 2:00pm / Visitor Center/ Kevin Cornell
$5 / 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Lynea Hinchman
As 2017 ended, Kevin Cornell and Allee Forsberg began plotting a new year goal.
Visit the woodlands and wetlands that make up the Beverly Shores
Allee suggested they call 2018 the Year of the Owl. The goal, to see an owl as their first
area in pursuit of nesting and migrant species. Your guide, Lynea Hinchman, has birded
and last birds of the year, with trips to enjoy owls in between. Kevin raised the bar and
on six continents, and has birded the Dunes for more than 30 years. Highlight birds may
suggested, “Why not attempt to see every North American owl species?” And so, the 19
include both Pine and Prairie Warbler, Summer Tanagers, and Sandhill Cranes down near
Owls mission was born. Join Kevin for a presentation that chronicles their adventures to
the wetlands. Other woodland, marsh, wetland, and waterfowl species can be expected.
complete an owl Big Year.

Thursday cont. Indiana Dunes State Park Afternoon Warblers
$15/ 2:00 – 4:30pm / Leader: John Lindsey
Dragonflies of the Great Lakes One of the premier birding sites during the festival! The Dunes
FREE/ 1:00 – 2:00pm / Dunes Visitor Center/ Presenter: Loyce Fandrei State Park is simply great migrant birding. An assortment of warblers, vireos, thrushes,
Dragonflies amaze and inspire us. These insects remove millions of mosquitoes, flycatchers, and more can be found here. The Wilson Boardwalk area also plays
while hovering and flying in every possible direction. Loyce will share her in-depth host to Prothonotary Warblers and the back-dune savannas host many Red-headed
knowledge about the different species found in the region and share her amazing Woodpeckers. The terrain covered should remain flat during this afternoon tour.
photography she’s collected in the pursuit of these most interesting insects.
Wine and Waders with Kristina Knowski
$25 / 3:00 – 5:00pm / Speakeasy at The Spa
Intro to Shorebird ID Workshop Join our official festival artist for a hands-on canvas art workshop. Kristina will
$20/ 1:00 – 4:00pm / Dunes SP Nature Center/ Presenter: Dr. Ken Brock
walk you through your own festival themed canvas art. The Speakeasy staff will be on
Ken Brock, a Lake Michigan authority on bird migration, will use images
hand with an assortment of drink offerings should you wish to partake. Participants
to explore the complex identification of shorebirds. This in-depth workshop will involve
report directly to the Speakeasy for this special workshop, which requires advance
indoor time as well as a short, optional car pool tour to study nearby shorebirds in the
registration.
field afterwards.
Informal Birder’s Social

Jaegers of Lake Michigan FREE / 6:00 - 9:00pm / Speakeasy at the Spa
FREE / 2:30-3:30pm / Visitor Center/ Presenter: Matt Beatty
It’s an unofficial evening of meeting fellow birders at the newly revamped
The southern point of Lake Michigan is one of the premier locations in the
Speakeasy at the Spa. This facility is re-creating its former prohibition era drinking
interior of the United States to observe fall jaegers. Matt will highlight the subtle
establishment which Al Capone was rumored to have used. Enjoy some drinks, good
differences in their ID and how the Indiana Dunes area is a jaeger hotspot for those
fellowship, and free snacks this evening.
wanting to see these off-shore pelagic species.
Young Birder’s Family Social

Worldwide Birding with Rockjumper Tours FREE / 6:00 - 8:00pm / Comfort Inn & Suites Porter
FREE / 2:30-3:30pm / Douglas Center/ Presenter: Rockjumper Birding Tours
It’s an unofficial evening of meeting fellow young birders and their families. Join
Join Rockjumper Birding Tours for a look at some of the great birding locales
hosts Ben and Lindsay Grossmann for a fun social in the meeting room at our host
and some of the great bird species to be found - whether out on your own or with a
hotel. We’ll have some pizza and drinks on hand, too!
professional tour company. Each presentation by Rockjumper will feature a new and
unique birding destination.
Owl Prowl Tour
$10 / 7:30 – 9:00pm / Leader: Matt Igleski
West Beach in the Afternoon Finding popular birds of the twilight is the goal this evening. Matt will
$15/ 2:00 – 4:30pm / Leader: Kim Ehn
carpool a select group to target the amazing and stealthy world of owls. Based on local
West Beach is a prime example of the contiguous dune ecosystem that
observations, we’ll try to find a few species and look at the adaptations they need to
stretched from Chicago and up the eastern Lake Michigan shoreline.
survive. Limited spots, so register early.
This National Park site contains open dune grass, oak savanna, and
northwoods pineries. We’ll visit as much as we can this afternoon.
Woodcock Sky Dance Tour
$10/ 8:00 – 9:30pm / Leader: Lynea Hinchman
Cowles Bog in the Afternoon The bird with many names! Whether you call it the timberdoodle, bog
$15/ 2:00 – 4:30pm / Leader: Matt Igleski
sucker, Labrador twister, or more simply the Woodcock, its spring dance is a sight to
Cowles Bog is a birding treasure trove at this 8,000-year-old fen. This
behold. Join us for a short drive to watch the evening curtain rise on this quite punctual
National Park Service site is home to the birthplace of ecology and a
performer. Limited spots, so register early.
varied habitat for a diverse set of migrating birds. The swamp edges can
host many migrating warblers, including large Northern Waterthrush
numbers. Sandhill Cranes and rails nest throughout the property. We’ll see how many Whip-poor-will Wander Tour
species we can log in 2.5 hours of afternoon birding. $10 / 8:00 – 9:30pm / Leader: Matt Beatty
To find the most vociferous bird of the dunes, you need not set your
alarm early. Meet Matt for a carpool tour to seek out the loud whip-poor-wills of the
dune forests. If we’re lucky, we’ll have close looks at this highly territorial forest floor-
dweller.
This Place is for the Birds! Friday, May 17
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Dunes Longshore Flight Count
$5 / 6:00 – 10:00am / Dunes State Park Longshore Tower
It’s the 1/4 million bird seasonal survey, one of the largest on the Great
Lakes. Registrants will report directly to the Indiana Dunes State Park birding tower
expert morning flight counter Kyle Witkor. In conducive south winds, an assortment of
migrants could fly past. Blue Jays, waxwings, warblers, orioles, and tanagers should also
be peaking now. This has been a one-stop-shop for annual rarities to fly by, too.
Bird Banding 101

$5 / 6:00 – 10:00am / Dunes State Park Longshore Tower
Join experienced bird banders Amy Wilms and Stephanie Beilke for a peek
into the secret migration moving along Lake Michigan. Participants will have a chance
to tour the mist netting banding site and see bird banding up close and in person (and
maybe even help release birds!). Techniques of bird banding will also be discussed.
Participants will report directly to the state park tower.
Dunes Big Morning!

$30 / 6:00am – 12:00pm / Leader: Wes Homoya
Here is your chance to enjoy the fast-paced birding of a Big Day,
but all before lunch! Speed around on a fast and furious morning to rack up a morning
goal of 100 species. Our van guides will choose the best route for a variety of migrating
birds each day. A box lunch is offered at the conclusion of the tour. This morning
migrants and breeding birds.
Michiana Marsh Meander

$25/ 6:00 – 10:00am / Leader: Cookie Ferguson
Two great wetlands in two great states this morning. Cookie
Ferguson will guide folks to both Beverly Shores and Galien River
County Park for a look at two special wetlands that play host to herons, rails, and
bitterns. Galien is also host to a great birding canopy tower. A similar tour last year saw
Least Bitterns at both sites in one tour! The tour will be led by van, and a box lunch is
offered at the conclusion.
Northern Lake County Migrant Traps Tour

The “migrant traps” of Lake County hold high concentrations of birds due
to their location among the generally urban zone just outside of Chicago, yet still along
the Lake Michigan lakefront. Matt will escort birders by van to explore these hard to
find, yet super diverse birding sites. A box lunch is included at the end of the tour.
You’re bound to spot a few feathered friends amongst Dunes Warbler Tour
the 350 species that visit the 15,000 acres of fens, bogs, $5 / 6:30-10:30am / Leader: Amy Kearns
marshes, creeks, woodlands, prairies, dunes and beaches 36 regularly occurring warblers can be found during a day of birding the
at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. dunes. We’ll seek to fill our warbler punch card this morning with as many as possible
on this specialty tour, visiting the best spots for warblers during this carpool caravan.
Plan your day at nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/birdwatching.htm www.indunesbirdingfestival.com | 23

Friday cont.
Pinhook Bog Tour
$25/ 6:30 – 10:30am / Leader: Matt Igleski
Pinhook Bog is one of few “true” bogs in the southern Great Lakes.
Among the tamarack, blueberries, and insectivorous plants there is also
unique birding. This site has both upland forests as well as the lowland
floating bog mat that we will explore. The site is normally closed to the
public, so you’ll want to pre-register for this van tour. A box lunch will be included at
the conclusion.
Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area Tour

$25/ 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: John Lindsey
Many great records have come from Kingsbury. With its 7,000 acres of
forest, grasslands, and wetlands, a diversity of birds can be found on this
old ordinance property that was deeded to the DNR in 1965. John Lindsey
is intimately familiar with the property and will showcase a diversity of breeding and
migrant birds. A box lunch will be included with this van tour. DuPont Natural Area Tour
$5/ 7:30 – 11:00am / Leader: Paul Labus
Cowles Bog Tour The DuPont Natural Area is owned by the DuPont Corporation and
$5 / 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Ryan Sanderson managed by The Nature Conservancy. It represents a fragment dune and swale habitat
Cowles Bog is a birding treasure trove and an 8,000-year-old fen. This of the Great Lakes and is considered globally rare. An assortment of both plants and
National Park Service site is home to the birthplace of ecology and is also animals have been found at this normally closed birding hotspot. The site has been
a varied habitat for a diverse set of migrating birds. The swamp edges known for King Rails and bitterns.
can host many migrating warblers, including large Northern Waterthrush
numbers. Sandhill Cranes and rails nest throughout the property. Rarities tend to be Dunes Heron Rookery Tour
found at this premier birding destination in the dunes. $5/ 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Randy Pals
Named for the Great Blue Herons that formerly nested at this inland
Indiana Dunes State Park Tour National Park property, the Heron Rookery is well known for its
$5 / 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Michael Topp outstanding display of spring wildflowers. It is also an excellent place to
One of the premier birding sites during the festival! The Dunes State find uncommon migrating songbirds such as Winter Wren and Yellow-throated Warbler,
Park is simply great migrant birding. An assortment of warblers, vireos, but also deep woods specialties such as Pileated Woodpecker and Barred Owl. Expect
thrushes, flycatchers, and more can be found here. The Wilson Boardwalk an array of warblers and thrushes as well. The trail is level but may be muddy in spots.
savannas hosts many Red-headed Woodpeckers. The terrain should remain flat. Beverly Shores Tour
$5 / 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Lynea Hinchman
Walner Nature Preserve Tour Visit the woodlands and wetlands that make up the Beverly Shores
$25 / 7:30 – 11:00am / Leader: Sarah Barnes complex in pursuit of nesting and migrant species. Your guide, Lynea Hinchman, has
Our newest tour in partnership with Shirley Heinze Land Trust. The Walner preserve birded on six continents and has birded the Dunes for more than 30 years. Highlight
features large wooded tracts with steep ravines along the Little Calumet River. One birds may include both Pine and Prairie Warbler, Summer Tanagers, and Sandhill Cranes
should expect a good diversity of warblers, thrushes, and other riparian species, similar down near the wetlands. Other woodland, marsh, wetland, and waterfowl species can
to the Heron Rookery tour. be expected.
Dunes Migrants with Rockjumper Birding Tours Indiana Dunes State Park Tour II
$5 / 7:30 – 11:00am / Leader: Rockjumper Birding Tours $5 / 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Kevin Cornell
As official tour company of the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, One of the premier birding sites during the festival! The Dunes State
an expert guide from Rock Jumper will highlight some of the best birding in the dunes Park is simply great migrant birding. An assortment of warblers, vireos,
area and seek out some of the best birds to be found during the festival. thrushes, flycatchers, and more can be found here. The Wilson Boardwalk
savannas host many Red-headed Woodpeckers. The terrain should remain flat.

Friday cont. An Introduction to Spring Warbler ID Workshop
$20/ 1:00 – 4:00pm / Dunes SP Nature Center/ Presenter: Michael Topp
Reynolds Creek Wetland and Prairies Tour With 36 regular species, each with its own amazing color pattern and complex
$5 / 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Mark Welter song, warblers are a popular group of birds, but also a difficult family to learn. State
Reynolds Creek is a newly created gamebird habitat area just miles from expert Michael Topp will highlight the intricacies of warbler ID and help you begin to
Lake Michigan. The recent restoration of warm season grasses has brought an explosion identify the warblers coming through the dunes right now.
of grassland birds, including Bobolinks, Dickcissels, and Henslow’s Sparrows. Potholes
are also being dug for wetland species such as shorebirds and waterfowl. We’ll carpool Raptors Live!
a short distance to this site, which a certain White-tailed Kite put on the map last year. FREE/ 1:00 – 2:00pm / Dunes Visitor Center/
Presenter: Lake Milton Raptor Center
Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve Tour Join the Lake Milton Raptor Center for this close-up look at live birds of prey moving
$5 / 9:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Coffee Creek Staff through the dunes right now. This fun and educational program will discuss the many
This one-of-a-kind, mixed-development features over 150 acres of hawks, falcons, and even eagles that can be seen in the field this week or throughout
forest, wetland, and prairie restorations. The open meadows and prairies have become the year in the Great Lakes region. Each day features different birds.
home to high numbers of breeding tree swallows and bluebirds. This hidden gem is just
a few short miles from Chesterton. Great opportunity for close-up looks for beginning Digital Darkroom Primer: 5 Easy Techniques to Improve
birders and photographers. your Bird Photos
FREE/ 1:00 – 2:00pm / Douglas Center/ Presenter: John Lindsey
Beginning Birding with a National Park Ranger All digital birding images can be improved greatly in post-processing with photo-editing
$5 / 9:00 – 11:00am / Leader: National Park Service Rangers software. Join John for this short primer that covers shooting in RAW vs JPEG, digital
Are you new to birding, or looking for a more relaxed birding opportunity? photo editing software types, and learn a few techniques that will help you improve
Take part in these daily morning bird walks with the rangers from the Indiana Dunes your latest bird images with photo editing software.
National Lakeshore. Each morning tour will meet at the Visitor Center and walk the
often-productive nearby grounds and bike trail towards the Indiana Dunes State Park in Cowles Bog 50 Species Birdathon
search of migrating birds. No carpooling required. $15/ 2:00 – 4:30pm / Leader: Annie Aguirre
Annie will race to find 50 species in 90 minutes at Cowles Bog this
The Migration Marketplace afternoon. Cowles Bog is a birding treasure trove and an 8,000-year-old fen. This
FREE/ Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm / Indiana Dunes Visitor Center National Park Service site is home to the birthplace of ecology and is also a varied
Held Friday and Saturday in the big tent outside the festival headquarters, the habitat for a diverse set of migrating birds. The swamp edges can host many migrating
Migration Marketplace is your one-stop-shop for birding related gear, artwork, and warblers, including large Northern Waterthrush numbers. Sandhill Cranes and rails nest
more. You’ll find optics vendors, artwork, bird feeding specialists, and state and regional throughout the property.
conservation organizations all on hand to answer your questions or provide you with
the latest in birding equipment. Check it out! West Beach in the Afternoon
$15/ 2:00 – 4:30pm / Leader: Kim Ehn
West Beach is a prime example of the contiguous dune ecosystem
Festival Headliner: that stretched from Chicago and up the eastern Lake Michigan shoreline. This National
Tim Gallagher Park site contains open dune grass, oak savanna, and northwoods pineries. We’ll visit as
much as we can this afternoon.
In Search of the Cuban Ivory-bill
Tim Gallagher is an award-winning author, wildlife Afternoon Shorebird Search
photographer, and the current editor-in-chief of $15/ 2:00 – 4:30pm / Leader: Amy Kearns
Living Bird, the flagship publication of the Cornell Shorebirds and their habitat can vary year to year and week to week. Amy
Lab of Ornithology. Hear about his exciting Kearns will take participants to the current shorebird hideouts, with possible visits to
mission through the mountains of eastern Cuba several inland flooded fields, wetlands, and shoreline habitat.
in search of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Found
only in the southern U.S. and Cuba, its numbers
plummeted in the late 19th century, and many fear
it is now extinct. Tim has never given up on the bird, and for the
first time, he’ll recount his adventures and share pictures of his journey.

Friday cont.
Why Bird Feeding Makes a Difference
FREE/ 2:30 – 3:30pm / Dunes Visitor Center/ Presenter: Brian Cunningham
Anyone who has ever fed wild birds knows that it can bring joy to their lives. But,
does bird feeding just benefit people? Do the birds become dependent on the food we
provide? Join expert Brian Cunningham from Wild Birds Unlimited for a look at one of
the country’s most popular pasttimes.
Saw-whet Owl Banding along Lake Michigan

FREE / 2:30 – 3:30pm / Douglas Center/ Presenter: Libby Keyes
The highly sought after and secretive saw-whet owl stages a secret invasion into
the lower Great Lakes and southward each fall. Though few are recorded each year,
banding in the Indiana Dunes and other locations is changing what we know about this
mysterious species. Learn more about this project and what we’re learning.
Pine Signs Bird Art Workshop with Katy Rizer

$40/ 3:00 – 5:00pm / The Spa Speakeasy/ Presenter: Katy Rizer
Join Sister Pine Signs for a fun, special workshop to create your own decorative
bird themed sign with the guidance of Katy Rizer. Each participant will leave with a
12”x12” sign, and the option to enjoy drinks during the process.
Bird Brains? New Research into Fascinating Avian Intelligence

FREE / 4:00 – 5:00pm / Dunes Visitor Center/ Presenter: Emma England
Emma England will present new studies illustrating the incredible mental
capabilities of birds. Using photos, film clips, and information from scientific
reports and recently published books, Emma will provide examples of the amazing
abilities of parrots, crows, and other birds. The skillful use of tools among some bird
species and the creativity exhibited by other species in puzzle solving will be discussed.
The Kirtland’s Warbler: Back from the Brink

FREE / 4:00 – 5:00pm / Douglas Center/ Presenter: Bill Rapai
Four decades ago, the Kirtland’s Warbler was on the edge of extinction. Today,
it’s being removed from the Endangered Species List. Join Bill Rapai, chair of the
Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance, for an update on the warbler’s recovery and plans to keep
the population healthy well into the future through a new model of endangered species
conservation.
Birds and Brews & 5th Annual Bird Calling Competition!

FREE / 6:00pm / The Spa Special Event Center
It’s our official birders social event! Join other participants for a night of great
food, drinks, trivia, prizes, and more. Try our special bird fest beer and cider or meet a
new birder from around the Great Lakes region. Tonight, we will also feature the annual
bird calling competition after 7pm. Bring your best call for hundreds of dollars in prizes!

Saturday, May 18 Miller Woods and Swale
$5 / 6:30-10:30am / Leader: Michael Topp
The forested dune and swale in the Miller area sit at a unique
Dunes Longshore Flight Count location, right on the southern tip of Lake Michigan. The National Lakeshore’s
$5 / 6:00 – 10:00am / Dunes State Park Longshore Tower Miller Woods and Douglas Center are a prime spot for migrating warblers, thrushes,
It’s the 1/4 million bird seasonal survey, one of the largest on the Great flycatchers, and more. This is a unique tour with a guide who is well versed with this
Lakes. Registrants will report directly to the Indiana Dunes State Park birding tower birding hotspot.
expert morning flight counter Kyle Witkor. In conducive south winds, an assortment Kankakee Sands Prairie Birding
of migrants could fly past. Blue Jays, waxwings, warblers, orioles, and tanagers should $25/ 6:30 – 10:30am / Leader: Barb Lucas
also be peaking now. This has been a one-stop-shop for annual rarities to fly by, too. The Nature Conservancy’s Kankakee Sands is a birder’s and wildflower
enthusiast’s paradise. The more than 7,000 acres hosts an amazing
Bird Banding 101 array of birds, wildflowers, plants, and animals that fills the prairie with
$5 / 6:00 – 10:00am / Dunes State Park Longshore Tower song and sights to behold. Recent reintroduction of bison is rebuilding
Join experienced bird banders Amy Wilms and Stephanie Beilke for a peek the natural ecosystems that support Henslow’s and Lark Sparrows, Blue Grosbeaks,
into the secret migration moving along Lake Michigan. Participants will have a chance Dickcissels, Northern Bobwhites, and more. This van tour will seek out the best prairie
to tour the mist netting banding site and see bird banding up close and in person (and birding that this site offers and will follow with a box lunch upon return.
Participants will report directly to the state park tower. Moraine Nature Preserve Tour
$5/ 6:30-10:30am / Leader: Matt Beatty
Adam Sell’s Wilson Boardwalk Big Sit The Moraine Nature Preserve is an 800-acre rolling, forested landscape
FREE / 6:00 – 10:00am / State Park Wilson Shelter located just south of the dunes in what is called the Valparaiso Moraine. This preserve
One of the best big sit sites in the dunes, no matter the weather, is some of the highest elevation for landing migrants. This preserve, marked with
the Wilson Shelter and nearby wetland boardwalk and woodlands host a great variety ravines and shallow wetlands, is an excellent spring birding destination.
of birds. From migrating raptors, water’s edge warblers (including Prothonotary), and
secretive marsh birds, one never knows what might appear here. Register to join Illinois Little Calumet River Kayak Birding Tour
hawk watch expert Adam Sell for a morning of bird watching. $20/ 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Libby Keyes and NWIPA
Explore an unspoiled section of the beautiful Little Calumet River just
Lake Michigan Pelagic on the Emita II south of the dunes via kayak. We’ll provide the kayaks, and you’ll slow paddle the
$39 / 6:00 – 10:00am / Leader: Ryan Sanderson serene waters towards Lake Michigan in search of waterbirds and migrant songbirds
We’ve partnered with Harbor Country Adventures for a large feeding along the river’s edge. It’s one of the best spots in the region for Yellow-
passenger cruise boat, the Emita II. We’ll take a 3-hour cruise with expert birding guides throated and Prothonotary Warblers. Beginners welcome! Trip sponsorship courtesy of
to seek out late migrating waterfowl such as Red-breasted Mergansers and Common the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association.
Loons, as well as migrating shorebirds and land birds along the dune beaches. This tour
is weather dependent, with rain dates being offered on both Friday and Sunday. Cowles Bog Tour
$5 / 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Aidan Rominger
Dunes Big Morning! Cowles Bog is a birding treasure trove and an 8,000-year-old fen. This
$30 / 6:00am – 12:00pm / Leader: Wes Homoya National Park Service site is home to the birthplace of ecology and is also
Here is your chance to enjoy the fast-paced birding of a Big Day, a varied habitat for a diverse set of migrating birds. The swamp edges
but all before lunch! Speed around on a fast and furious morning to rack up a morning can host many migrating warblers, including large Northern Waterthrush
goal of 100 species. Our van guides will choose the best route for a variety of migrating numbers. Sandhill Cranes and rails nest throughout the property. Rarities tend to be
birds each day. A box lunch is offered at the conclusion of the tour. This morning found at this premier birding destination in the dunes.
migrants and breeding birds. Bendix Woods Nature Preserve Tour
$25/ 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Evie Kirkwood
Potato Creek State Park Tour Bendix Woods is home to over 150 acres of woods, ponds, and fields. A
$25/ 6:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Lindsay Grossmann state dedicated nature preserve is contained within its borders. Bendix
The forests, prairies, and wetlands at Potato Creek are a six-square-mile Woods can be a great location for migrating warblers, vireos, and
birding oasis in the snow belt shadowing Lake Michigan. The park is thrushes during the spring. Participants will be guided by van with Evie Kirkwood,
known for waterfowl and its density of nesting Osprey. This van tour will director of St. Joseph County Parks. A box lunch will be provided afterwards.
seek out migrants and includes a box lunch upon return.
www.indunesbirdingfestival.com | 31
Saturday cont. Gibson Woods Nature Preserve Tour
$25 / Saturday 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Loyce Fandrei
Dune Migrants with Rockjumper Birding Tours Gibson Woods preserves the special dune and swale habitat in
$5 / 7:30 – 11:00am / Leader: Rockjumper Birding Tours Northern Lake County, just a few miles from Lake Michigan. The associated nature
As official tour company of the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, preserve and center plays host to a large diversity of birds, as well as serving as a
Rockjumper expert guides will highlight some of the best birding in the dunes area and shelter for migrating warblers given its location near some of the more industrialized
seek out some of the best birds to be found during the festival. areas of the region. This carpool tour will have small toll road fees.
Pinhook Bog Tour Birds and Blooms in the Heron Rookery Tour
$5/ 7:30- 11:30am / Leader: Matt Igleski $5/ 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Scott Namestnik
Pinhook Bog is one of few “true” bogs in the southern Great Lakes. Among Named for the Great Blue Herons that formerly nested at this National
the tamarack, blueberries, and insectivorous plants there is also unique birding. This Park property, the Heron Rookery is well known for its outstanding display
site has both upland forests as well as the lowland floating bog mat that we’ll be able of spring wildflowers. It is also an excellent place to find uncommon
to explore. This area is normally closed to the public, so you’ll want to pre-register for migrating songbirds such as Winter Wren and Yellow-throated Warbler,
this car pool tour. Join us Friday for the van version of this tour. but also deep woods specialties such as Pileated Woodpecker and Barred Owl. Expect
an array of warblers and thrushes as well. The trail is level but may be muddy in spots.
Eggers Grove and Big Marsh Tour
$5 / 8:00am – 11:30am / Leader: Walter Marcisz & Nat Miller Intro to Birding Photography Close-up!
The Cook County Forest Preserves and The Field Museum have $5 / 8:30 – 11:30am / Leader: Rafi Wilkinson
done active restoration to restore Eggers Grove as a unique habitat, combining dry, Local photography expert Rafi Wilkinson will provide a discussion
wooded ridges where spring wildflowers thrive with long, narrow wetlands filled of basic camera settings followed by a photo session with the live birds at the Humane
with sedges, marsh grasses, emergent forbs and waterfowl. The varied woodland and Indiana Wildlife’s wildlife rehab center. Participants will carpool to Humane Indiana
wetland landscape attract spring and fall migrations of waterfowl and songbirds. Expect Wildlife for some photography time with these amazing birds up close.
an assortment of total species. This trip may involve toll road fees.
Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve Tour
Birding by Ear Tour $5 / 9:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Coffee Creek Staff
$5 / 7:30am – 11:00am / Leader: Annie Aguirre This one-of-a-kind, mixed-development features 150 acres of
Just as important as identifying birds by sight is identifying them by forest, wetland, and prairie restorations. Open meadows and prairies are home to high
their sound! Audio birding expert Annie Aguirre will guide folks to identify birds by the numbers of breeding tree swallows and bluebirds. This hidden gem is just a few short
songs and calls they make. We’ll carpool to the nearby Dunes State Park to practice our miles from Chesterton. Great opportunity for beginning birders and photographers.
mnemonics and more during this beginning level birding tour.
Birding with the NPS Superintendent

$5/ 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Paul Labovitz & John Lindsey
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore superintendent and birder Paul
Labovitz invites fellow birders to explore his favorite birding area in the dunes. A short
carpool will go to Cowles Bog for a few hours of leisure birding while learning about
this amazing 15,000+ acre National Park that Paul oversees. This trip will fill fast.
Indiana Dunes State Park Tour

$5 / 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Nick Kiehl
One of the premier birding sites during the festival! The Dunes State
Park is simply great migrant birding. An assortment of warblers, vireos,
thrushes, flycatchers, and more can be found here. The Wilson Boardwalk
savannas host many Red-headed Woodpeckers. The terrain should remain flat.

Saturday cont. Intro to Gull ID Workshop
$20/ 1:00 – 4:00pm / Portage Lakefront Park Pavilion/ Presenter: Amar Ayyash
Beginning Birding with a National Park Ranger Amar is hands down the leading expert in gull ID in not only the Great Lakes,
$5 / 9:00 – 11:00am / Leader: National Park Service Rangers but the country. Join him for a look at the finer points to this often overlooked, yet
Are you new to birding, or looking for a more relaxed birding opportunity? fascinating, group of birds that frequent Lake Michigan and every parking lot in
Take part in these daily morning bird walks with the rangers from the Indiana Dunes between. The workshop will span three hours and take place at the beautiful lakefront
National Lakeshore. Each morning tour will meet at the Visitor Center and walk the pavilion site, where some time can be spent watching gulls nearby as well.
often-productive nearby grounds and bike trail towards the Indiana Dunes State Park in
search of migrating birds. No carpooling required. Raptors Live!
FREE/ 1:00 – 2:00pm / Dunes Visitor Center/
2019 Youth and Family Birding Day! Presenter: Lake Milton Raptor Center
FREE/ 9:00am – 4:00pm / State Park Nature Center Join the Lake Milton Raptor Center for this close-up look at live birds of prey moving
Join us for a full day of birding activities, including free beginner hikes through the dunes right now. This fun and educational program will discuss the many
every hour, photo ID quiz giveaways, bird games, bluebird house building, hawks, falcons, and even eagles that can be seen in the field this week or throughout
scout birding merit badge activities, and more! Watch songbird and the year in the Great Lakes region. Each day features different birds.
hummingbird banding as well. All activities take place at the State Park
Nature Center and include special presentations throughout the day. All activities are Snakes of the Great Lakes
free, whether you’re registered for the festival or not and also include a free welcome FREE / 1:00 – 2:00pm / Dunes SP Nature Center/ Presenter: Brock Struecker
bag of goodies just for coming! Events are rain or shine. Brock Struecker is a foremost expert in snakes, turtles, and other herps in the
Midwest. Take a look at some of the snakes that can be found in the varied habitats in
The Migration Marketplace both the Indiana Dunes and around the Great Lakes.
FREE/ 10:00am – 4:00pm / Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
Held Friday and Saturday in the big tent outside the festival headquarters, the Native Butterflies and their Habitats in the Dunes
Migration Marketplace is your one-stop-shop for birding related gear, artwork, and FREE / 1:00 – 2:00pm / Douglas Center/ Presenter: Victoria Wittig
more. You’ll find optics vendors, artwork, bird feeding specialists, and state and regional Learn about the native butterflies of Lake Michigan, including the key
conservation organizations all on hand to answer your questions or provide you with characteristics to aid in their identification. Victoria will also explore the plants to
the latest in birding equipment. Check it out! include in your garden to support their life cycle and the habitats they depend on.
Audubon Great Lakes Native Plant Sale Indiana’s Breeding Warblers: How and Where to Find Them
FREE/ 10:00am – 4:00pm / Indiana Dunes Visitor Center FREE / 2:30 – 3:30pm / Dunes Visitor Center/ Presenter: David Rupp
What better way to help the birds than with native planting! Audubon Great Once the migrant warblers have passed through our area, there are still 18
Lakes and the local Audubon chapters will host this special native plant sale on both warbler species that remain to nest in Indiana. IndiGo Birding Nature Tours guide David
Saturday and Sunday at the festival grounds. Some of the plants that will be on hand, Rupp will highlight some of his favorite places to find these beauties, while also giving
include royal catchfly, milkweed, wild columbine, and black-eyed Susan. Also, be sure to some tips on behavior, habitat preference, and vocalizations that will increase your
visit the native plant sale booth for mini-workshops. Audubon will have plant-experts to chances of finding them this summer.
help you find the best native plants for your garden.
Beekeeping 101
FREE / 2:30 – 3:30pm / Dunes SP Nature Center/ Presenter: Annette Hansen
Festival Headliner: Annette Hansen will share her knowledge of beekeeping. Hansen has been a 4-H
leader for nearly 10 years and has kept bees with those young folks in Porter County for
Jim Carpenter about half that time. She will also give some details of native pollinators and how you
can get started in beekeeping, whether young or old!
A Bird Feeding Geek’s Guide to Backyard Birding
Jim Carpenter, Founder of Wild Birds Unlimited, shares his 40 Worldwide Birding with Rockjumper Tours
years of experience attracting and enjoying the birds that share FREE / 2:30 – 3:30pm / Douglas Center / Presenter: Rockjumper Birding Tours
our backyards. Jim will share tips on foods and feeders, habitats Join Rockjumper Birding Tours for a look at some of the great birding locales and
for birds, problem solving solutions for squirrels/raccoons and species to be found - whether out on your own or with a professional tour company.
more and fun facts about our avian visitors. Each presentation by Rockjumper will feature a new and unique birding destination.

Saturday cont.
Indiana Dunes State Park in the Afternoon
$15/ 2:00 – 4:30pm / Leader: Amy Kearns
One of the premier birding sites during the festival! The Dunes State
Park is simply great migrant birding. An assortment of warblers, vireos,
thrushes, flycatchers, and more can be found here. The Wilson Boardwalk
savannas host many Red-headed Woodpeckers. The terrain covered should remain flat
during this afternoon tour.
Afternoon in Beverly Shores

$15 / 2:00 – 4:30pm / Leader: Kevin Cornell
Visit the woodlands and wetlands that make up the Beverly Shores
complex in pursuit of both nesting and migrant species. Highlight birds
may include both Pine and Prairie Warbler, Summer Tanagers, and
Sandhill Cranes down near the wetlands. Other woodland, marsh, wetland,
and waterfowl species can be expected.
Cowles Bog in the Afternoon

$15 / 2:00 – 4:30pm / Leader: Matt Beatty
Cowles Bog is a birding treasure trove and an 8,000-year-old fen. This
National Park Service site is home to the birthplace of ecology and is also
a varied habitat for a diverse set of migrating birds. The swamp edges
can host many migrating warblers, including large Northern Waterthrush
numbers. Sandhill Cranes and rails nest throughout the property. Rarities tend to be
found at this premier birding destination in the dunes.
Festival Keynote:
Laura Erickson
Laura’s Best Bird EVER!
5:30 – 9:30pm / Sand Creek Country Club
Have you ever had such a perfect look at a bird,
or watched it in such perfect circumstances,
that you thought it had to be the best bird ever?
Laura Erickson has found herself saying exactly
that on many occasions, from special glimpses
at abundant chickadees to her one and only
glimpse at one of the rarest birds on the planet,
the Horned Guan. Some of the birds she’s seen in
her travels to four continents made the grade, but so did some of the
special individuals she’s seen in her own backyard. Sometimes looking for the best
bird ever can open our minds and hearts to much, much more. Add the festival keynote
dinner, presentation, and silent auction to your registration for $26.

Sunday, May 19 Cowles Bog Tour
$5 / 6:30-10:30am / Leader: Aidan Rominger
Cowles Bog is a birding treasure trove and an 8,000-year-old fen. This
Dunes Longshore Flight Count National Park Service site is home to the birthplace of ecology and is also a varied
$5 / 6:00 – 10:00am / Dunes State Park Longshore Tower habitat for a diverse set of migrating birds. The swamp edges can host many migrating
It’s the 1/4 million bird seasonal survey, one of the largest of its kind warblers, including large Northern Waterthrush numbers. Sandhill Cranes and rails nest
on the Great Lakes. Registrants will report directly each morning to the Indiana throughout the property. Rarities tend to be found at this premier birding destination in
Dunes State Park birding tower (by the Beach West lot) for the morning migration of the dunes.
thousands of birds per day with expert morning flight counter, Kyle Witkor. In conducive
south winds, an assortment of migrants could fly past. Blue Jays, waxwings, warblers, Kankakee Sands Prairie Birding
orioles, and tanagers should also be peaking now. This has been a one-stop-shop for $25/ 6:30 – 10:30am / Leader: Barb Lucas
annual rarities to fly by, too. The Nature Conservancy’s Kankakee Sands is a birder’s and wildflower
enthusiast’s paradise. The more than 7,000 acres hosts an amazing array
Bird Banding 101 of birds, wildflowers, plants, and animals that fills the prairie with song
$5 / 6:00 – 10:00am / Dunes State Park Longshore Tower and sights to behold. Recent reintroduction of bison is helping restore
Join experienced bird banders Amy Wilms and Stephanie Beilke for a peek the natural ecosystems that support Henslow’s and Lark Sparrows, Blue Grosbeaks,
into the secret migration moving along Lake Michigan. Participants will have a chance Dickcissels, Northern Bobwhites, and more. This van tour will seek out the best prairie
to tour the mist netting banding site and see bird banding up close and in person (and birding that this site offers and will follow with a box lunch upon return.
Participants will report directly to the state park tower. Dunes Warbler Tour
$5 / 6:30-10:30am / Leader: Matt Igleski
Adam Sell’s Wilson Boardwalk Big Sit 36 regularly occurring warblers can be found during a day of birding the
$5 / 6:00 – 10:00am / State Park Wilson Shelter dunes. We’ll seek to fill our warbler punch card this morning with as many as possible
Arguably one of the best big sit sites in the dunes, no matter the on this specialty tour, visiting the best spots for warblers during this carpool caravan
weather, the Wilson Shelter and nearby wetland boardwalk and woodlands host a great tour.
variety of birds. From migrating raptors, water’s edge warblers (including Prothonotary),
and secretive marsh birds, one never knows what might appear here. Register to join Pinhook Bog Tour
Illinois hawk watch expert Adam Sell for a morning of bird watching. $5 / 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Kim Ehn
Pinhook Bog is one of few “true” bogs in the southern Great Lakes. Among
Dunes Big Morning! the tamarack, blueberries, and insectivorous plants there is also unique birding. This
$30 / 6:00am – 12:00pm / Leader: Nick Kiehl site has both upland forests as well as the lowland floating bog mat that we’ll be able
Here is your chance to enjoy the fast-paced birding of a Big Day, to explore. This area is normally closed to the public, so you’ll want to pre-register for
but all before lunch! Speed around on a fast and furious morning to rack up a morning this carpool tour.
goal of 100 species. Our van guides will choose the best route for a variety of migrating
birds each day. A box lunch is offered at the conclusion of the tour. This morning Dune Migrants with Rockjumper Birding Tours
adventure is great for festival returnees and those looking to rack up a big list of dunes $5 / 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Rockjumper Birding Tours
migrants and breeding birds. As official tour company of the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, a
Rockjumper expert guide will highlight some of the best birding in the dunes area and
Northern Lake County Migrant Traps Tour seek out some of the best birds to be found during the festival.
The “migrant traps” of Lake County hold high concentrations of Michiana Marsh Meander
birds due to their location among the generally urban zone just outside of Chicago, $25/ 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Cookie Ferguson
yet still along the Lake Michigan lakefront. Matt will escort birders by van to explore Two great wetlands in two great states this morning. Cookie
these hard to find, yet super diverse birding sites. A box lunch will be included at the Ferguson will guide folks to both Beverly Shores and Galien River County Park for a look
conclusion of the tour. at two special wetlands that play host to herons, rails, and bitterns. Galien is also host
to a great birding canopy tower. A similar tour last year saw Least Bitterns at both sites
in one tour! The tour will be led by van, and a box lunch is offered at the conclusion.

Sunday cont. West Beach and Long Lake Tour
$5/ 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Matt Beatty
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve Tour West Beach is a prime example of the contiguous dune ecosystem
$25/ 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Michaele Klingerman that stretched from Chicago and up the eastern Lake Michigan shoreline. This National
Wetlands, woodlands, and fields welcome birders to this 300-acre nature Park site contains open dune grass, oak savanna, and northwoods pineries. We’ll visit as
preserve near the Indiana/Michigan state line just east of the dunes. Staff much as we can this afternoon.
from St. Joseph County Parks will take folks to this unique birding location
where an assortment of neo-tropic migrants can be expected. The tour Birds and Blooms in the Heron Rookery Tour
includes a box lunch afterwards. $5/ 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Scott Namestnik
Named for the Great Blue Herons that formerly nested at this inland
Dune Area Morning Shorebird Search National Park property, the Heron Rookery is well known for its
$5 / 7:00 – 11:00am / Leader: Ryan Sanderson outstanding display of spring wildflowers. It is also an excellent place to
Shorebirds and their habitat can vary year to year and week to week. find uncommon migrating songbirds such as Winter Wren and Yellow-
Ryan will take participants to the current shorebird hideouts, with possible visits to throated Warbler, but also deep woods specialties such as Pileated Woodpecker and
several inland flooded fields, wetlands, and shoreline habitat. The trip will use a van to Barred Owl. Expect an array of warblers and thrushes as well. The trail is level but may
move from site to site and include a box lunch afterwards. be muddy in spots.
Reynold’s Creek Grassland/Wetland Tour Beginning Birding with a National Park Ranger
$5 / 7:30 – 11:00am / Leader: Amy Kearns $5 / 9:00 – 11:00am / Leader: National Park Service Rangers
Reynold’s Creek is a newly created gamebird habitat area just miles from Are you new to birding, or looking for a more relaxed birding opportunity?
Lake Michigan. The recent restoration of warm season grasses has brought an explosion Take part in these daily morning bird walks with the rangers from the Indiana Dunes
of grassland birds, including Bobolinks, Dickcissels, and Henslow’s Sparrows. Potholes National Lakeshore. Each morning tour will meet at the Visitor Center and walk the
are also being dug for wetland species such as shorebirds and waterfowl. We’ll carpool often-productive nearby grounds and bike trail towards the Indiana Dunes State Park in
a short distance to this new birding site that a certain White-tailed Kite put on the map search of migrating birds. No carpooling required.
last year.
Audubon Great Lakes Native Plant Sale
Cowles Bog Tour FREE/ 10:00am – 4:00pm / Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
$5 / 7:30 – 11:00am / Leader: Rick Read What better way to help the birds than with native planting! Audubon Great
Cowles Bog is a birding treasure trove and an 8,000-year-old fen. This Lakes and the local Audubon chapters will host this special native plant sale on both
National Park Service site is home to the birthplace of ecology and is also a varied Saturday and Sunday at the festival grounds. Some of the plants that will be on hand
habitat for a diverse set of migrating birds. The swamp edges can host many migrating include royal catchfly, milkweed, wild columbine, and black-eyed Susan. Also, be sure to
warblers, including large Northern Waterthrush numbers. Sandhill Cranes and rails nest visit the native plant sale booth for mini-workshops. Audubon will have plant-experts to
throughout the property. Rarities tend to be found at this premier birding destination in help you find the best native plants for your garden.
the dunes.
Birding by Ear Tour

$5 / 7:30 – 11:00am / Leader: Annie Aguirre
Just as important as identifying birds by sight is their sound! Audio
birding expert Annie Aguirre will guide folks to identify birds by the songs and calls
they make. We’ll carpool to the nearby Dunes State Park to practice our mnemonics and
more during this beginning level birding tour.
Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve Tour

$5 / 8:00 – 11:30am / Leader: Lindsay Grossmann
This one-of-a-kind, mixed-development features over 150 acres of
forest, wetland, and prairie restorations. The open meadows and prairies have become
home to high numbers of breeding tree swallows and bluebirds. This hidden gem is just
a few short miles from Chesterton. Great opportunity for close-up looks for beginning
birders and photographers.

Sunday cont.
Festival Headliner:
Amy Wilms
Hummingbirds: Our Flying Gems!
Hummingbirds amaze us with their ability to survive
as the world’s smallest birds. Their lives bring both
excitement and joy to our own through visitation
to our various feeders we put up. Amy Wilms has
handled and banded thousands of these tiny gems
in her study of their migration through Indiana.
Explore their fascinating lives in this fun and
interactive presentation. Amy’s husband, Carl, will present with her
to help keep her enthusiasm in check!
Owls Alive!
FREE / 1:00 – 2:00pm / Dunes Visitor Center /
Presenter: Lake Milton Raptor Center
Join the Lake Milton Raptor Center for this close-up look at live birds of prey moving
through the dunes right now. This fun and educational program will discuss the many
hawks, falcons, and even eagles that can be seen in the field this week or throughout
the year in the Great Lakes region. Each day features different birds.
Amazing Galapagos and other Ecuadorian Gems

FREE / 1:00 – 2:00pm / Dunes Visitor Center / Presenter: Rick & Debbie Read
Ever since Darwin, the island archipelago off shore from Ecuador has been a
showcase of evolution. Six hundred miles from the Ecuadorian coast, the Galapagos are
of marine volcanic origin and have never been connected to a continental land mass.
Join Rick and Debbie Read for a peek into this amazing place they visited for four weeks
last winter. A truly fascinating place to visit with many unique birds and animals.
Shade Grown Coffee Isn’t Just for the Birds

FREE/ 2:30 – 3:30pm/ Visitor Center / Presenter: Chad & Ceth Williams
Shade grown coffee has been celebrated as a way to enjoy great tasting coffee,
but why is shade grown coffee important to the environment? Find out why with Ceth!
Birds in Religion
FREE/ 2:30 – 3:30pm / Dunes SP Nature Center / Presenter: Dan Barriball
Birds have appeared in mythology and religion in a variety of guises through
time. Whether featured as gods from ancient Egypt or sacred bird symbols in modern
day religion, Dan Barriball will explore their meanings and context to end this year’s
Indiana Dunes Birding Festival.

Your Local Bank —
Where Ever Life Takes You
Mobile Banking in the
palm of your hand — 24/7/365.
Porter Bank’s Mobile Banking product lets you take your bank with you wherever you go.
Use your smart phone to:
• Access information on accounts

• Remote Deposit
• Transfer between accounts
• Pay Bills
• Set Up alerts to manage your accounts
For more information, or call 219-926-2136 or visit www.porterstatebank.com

to download our app or find it on The App Store and Google Play.
Sponsors
Bald Eagle Level
Indiana Lake Michigan

Indiana Dunes
Audubon Coastal
Tourism
Society Program
Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes Kristina
National
State Park Knowski Arts
Lakeshore
Jim and Penny Starin
Sandhill Crane Level

Red headed Woodpecker Level
Rockjumper
Worldwide Dunes Learning NIPSCO
Birding Center Porter County
Adventures National The Nature
Chapter of hte
Audubon - Conservancy
Izaak Walton
Northwest Great Lakes Indiana
League
The Northwest Indiana
First State Bank Migratory Bird
Indiana
of Porter Association
Paddling South Bend
Association Shirley Heinze St. Joseph Elkhart
Land Trust County Parks Audubon
Chesterton Society
Feed and
Garden Center South Shore
Line
Friends of Wild Birds Save the
Indiana Dunes Unlimited Dunes
Dunes Dunes-
National Park Calumet
Association Audubon
Northern Cardinal Level
Sycamore Audubon Society Comfort Inn and Suites Porter New Buffalo Animal Hospital
Lake County Audubon Society Lake County Parks Ducks Unlimited
Robert Cooper Audubon Society Accent Signs and Graphics, Inc. Premier Optics
Orbis Environmental Consulting

Birding the Dunes
The presence of Lake Michigan is the single most important
factor affecting the movement and distribution of birds in the
Indiana Dunes. The lake is both an obstacle and a resource
for migrating birds that use the enormous lake and shore as
guidelines that control flight paths for birds of all kinds. The
avian convergence at the southern end of Lake Michigan has
been termed the “funnel effect,” while the massive spring
migration that follows parallel to the shore is called the
“longshore flight” or sometimes “morning flight.”
In total, the Indiana Dunes has recorded over 370 species of

birds, with the Indiana Dunes State Park having harbored 300+
species, making it one of the top birding destinations in the
Great Lakes. The micro-climates contained within the dunes
provide harbor for both traditional southern nesting species, as
well as more northern species. A single day of birding can find
both Prothonotary and Worm-eating Warblers nesting alongside
Canada and Blackburnian Warblers.
The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is hosted by the Indiana Audubon

Society, whose mission is to promote birding and bird conservation
throughout Indiana. For detailed information regarding Indiana birding
locations, bird watching tips, and membership privileges, please visit
them on the web at indianaaudubon.org.

2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival Guide

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Festival Guide

May 16-19, 2019

With its rich biodiversity, varying habitats, and

Dunes are a hotspot for migrant and resident

Festival celebrates the area’s various birding

habitats and birding opportunities. Our mission is

Indiana Dunes region through c onservation and

Festival Headquarters Birds and Brews Location

DON’T MISS RARE BIRD ALERTS

2 | 2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival www.indunesbirdingfestival.com | 3

Early bird 4-day registration $32 $44

Regular 4-day registration $37 $49

Refund information is available on the festival website.

Find information about hotels, dining, and more on our website:

4 | 2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival www.indunesbirdingfestival.com | 5

8 | 2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival www.indunesbirdingfestival.com | 9

Berrien County Canopy and Island Birding Day

The Field Museum Birds Behind the Scenes

The Ordinary Extraordinary Junco

Owl Prowl Tour

Woodcock Sky Dance Tour

14 | 2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival

Dunes Big Morning!

Lake County Wetlands Tour

16 | 2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival www.indunesbirdingfestival.com | 17

A US Owl Big Year: 19 Owls!

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Informal Birder’s Social

Young Birder’s Family Social

Bird Banding 101

Dunes Big Morning!

Michiana Marsh Meander

Northern Lake County Migrant Traps Tour

Plan your day at nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/birdwatching.htm www.indunesbirdingfestival.com | 23

Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area Tour

24 | 2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival www.indunesbirdingfestival.com | 25

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Saw-whet Owl Banding along Lake Michigan

Pine Signs Bird Art Workshop with Katy Rizer

Bird Brains? New Research into Fascinating Avian Intelligence

The Kirtland’s Warbler: Back from the Brink

Birds and Brews & 5th Annual Bird Calling Competition!

28 | 2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival

Birding with the NPS Superintendent

Indiana Dunes State Park Tour

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Afternoon in Beverly Shores

Cowles Bog in the Afternoon

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38 | 2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival www.indunesbirdingfestival.com | 39

Birding by Ear Tour

Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve Tour

40 | 2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival www.indunesbirdingfestival.com | 41

Amazing Galapagos and other Ecuadorian Gems

Shade Grown Coffee Isn’t Just for the Birds

42 | 2019 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival

• Access information on accounts

For more information, or call 219-926-2136 or visit www.porterstatebank.com

Indiana Lake Michigan

Jim and Penny Starin

Sandhill Crane Level

Northern Cardinal Level

Lake County Audubon Society Lake County Parks Ducks Unlimited