Indiana Audubon Winter Eagle Watch: Monroe Lake

Join Indiana Audubon for a winter field trip celebrating the comeback of the Bald Eagle at Monroe Lake, the very site where Indiana’s eagle reintroduction began in the 1980s. Once gone from our skies, Bald Eagles now thrive here year-round, with dozens often seen perched or soaring over the lake’s vast coves and forested hills.

This special field trip meets at the Fairfax State Recreation Area parking lot by the beach at Monroe Lake on two dates: Saturday, February 14 (9 a.m.–12 p.m. ET ) and Sunday, February 15 (9 a.m.–12 p.m. ET). From there, the group will caravan to several lake sites to view feeding and roosting eagles, based on recent sightings. The trip is led by Indiana Audubon member and expert birder Wes Homoya.

Note: A DNR Annual Entrance Pass or gate fee may be required to enter certain birding areas.

Registration

Pre-registration is required, as these annual eagle-watching field trips fill quickly and participation is limited to 20 people. Registration costs $5 for Indiana Audubon members and $10 for non-members. All registered participants must review and agree to the Indiana Audubon Field Trip Release before joining any Indiana Audubon trip or event.

If you use Apple's "Hide My Email" feature, forwarding may stop after 30 days, which can block event correspondence. Use a regular email to make sure you receive all event info. We do not add you to our mailing list unless you opt in during registration.

Accessibility

This trip involves minimal walking; no hiking is required. Most birding will be done from vehicles or at short roadside stops. Some stops may involve stepping onto paved or compacted gravel surfaces. Modern restrooms are available at the Fairfax State Recreation Area, but winter access may be limited. Benches or seating at viewing points may be limited. Dress for winter weather birding.

Questions

For any questions about this event email info@indianaaudubon.org or call 765-205-1255. If you require accommodations to participate, please contact us as early as possible. While we may not be able to meet every request, we will make every reasonable effort to do so.

Cancellation Policy

• 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.

Bald Eagle by Ryan Sanderson