Indiana Audubon Winter Eagle Watch: Turkey Run

Join Indiana Audubon for a special look at the winter spectacle of eagles along the scenic Sugar Creek corridor in west-central Indiana. The deep sandstone gorges, mature forests, and open river valleys around Turkey Run State Park provide prime wintering habitat for Bald Eagles. Each year, more birds are seen roosting and feeding in this area, part of the species’ remarkable rebound across Indiana.

This special field trip meets at the West Union Covered Bridge, approximately 10 miles west of Turkey Run State Park, on two dates: Saturday, January 31 (8-11 a.m. ET) and Sunday, February 1 (8-11 a.m. ET). A morning departure from the winter roost will bring 20–120 eagles past us, followed by a carpool to nearby eagle nests for additional viewing. The trip is led by Indiana Audubon member and expert birder Shari McCollough and lasts about three hours.

Note: A DNR Annual Entrance Pass or gate fee may be required to enter certain birding areas, such as Turkey Run or Shades State Park.

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 occur from vehicles or at short roadside stops. Some stops may require stepping onto paved or compacted gravel surfaces, and not all viewing locations may be fully accessible. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available in main recreation zones, though not all restrooms in the area are guaranteed to be modern or ADA-compliant. Benches or seating at overlooks 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