Lakefront Shorebirds Birding

Shorebirds rule, but they can be awfully darn hard to find. As summer conditions wane and fall winds bring migrating shorebirds south, the various lakefront sites throughout norhtwest Indiana can seasonally host these long-distance migrants. We'll seek out an assortment of migrating shorebirds based on current weather conditions, starting with Michigan City Harbor this morning.

Registered Participants will meet at the Michigan City Harbor, Washington Park beach parking lot at 7am CT/8am ET time for a morning of shorebird pursuit. You'll meet Indiana Audubon (IAS) member and guide, Julie Bonnema, in the parking lot to see what you can find. After Michigan City Harbor, the group will venture West along Lake Michigan's shore to seek other shorebird hotspots. Some additional sites may include Miller Beach, Marquette Park, 129th St, and the Little Calumet River.

We’re in the window for a wide selection of shorebirds, from larger Willets, Whimbrels, and Godwits, and smaller Red Knots, Baird’s Sandpipers, and plovers. We’ll conclude around 11am, and may visit a few other lakefront sites during the morning depending on the birding conditions.

Participants should be prepared to walk in the sand dunes at some locations. All participants must read and agree to the IAS Field Trip Release to participate in IAS led events and trips. This field trip is $5 for IAS Members and $10 for non-members.

Indiana Audubon Field Trip Ratings for this trip include:

Birding Pace: Fun and Relaxed.

Physical Requirements: Light to medium. Much of the prairie landscape is flat or gently rolling, but the sun protection is a must. 1-2 miles total hiking.

Birding Skill Level: Beginner to mid-Level. Extended looks at both common and uncommon species will be available to study identification and for photography.

Willet photo by Jason Jablonski, Red Knot photo by Ryan Sanderson.

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.