Description:
|
- Eagle Creek Park and Eagle Creek Reservoir are located just outside of the I-465 loop on Indianapolis's northwest side. The Lilly pharmaceutical family began acquiring and maintaining the land as a nature preserve in 1936, continuing further land acquisitions for 22 years. Now comprising more than 4,400 acres, Eagle Creek Park is one of the nation's largest city parks, with some 10 miles of trails and a wide variety of habitats. The park contains deciduous woodlands, conifers, brushy early successional areas, grasslands, mudflats, creeks, ponds, and a large reservoir. Because of this tremendous diversity of habitat, birding can be rewarding at any time of year.
- The park can be entered from the north at the 71st Street entrance (North Gate) or from the south at the 56th Street entrance (South Gate). Eagle Creek Parkway is the main road running north-south through the park, with the reservoir lying just west of it. The principle road running east-west through the park is 62nd Street. Upon entering the park, one should obtain a park map to locate the following areas of special interest.
- The Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center is located
on the west side of Eagle Creek Parkway, just south of the 71st Street
Entrance - watch for the sign. The building sits atop a hill overlooking
the Bird Sanctuary, a large area of retained water separated from the
reservoir by Coffer Dam. The windows at the back of the Ornithology Center,
and the wooden deck immediately to the south of it, both offer limited
views of the Bird Sanctuary. Inside the Ornithology Center, an
air-conditioned viewing room with one-way windows looks out onto a
hummingbird garden and feeder area. The building contains dioramas depicting typical bird habitat with taxidermy specimens of different species of birds. There are interactive displays to teach children and adults about the various aspects of bird life. The 38-acre arboretum that
encompasses the Ornithology Center and nearby Lilly Lodge is an excellent
place to look for passerines during migration. A group of thirty Turkey
Vultures roosts in the trees behind the Ornithology Center and can be found
there in the early morning during the summer.
- The Bird Sanctuary is a large aquatic refuge immediately north of the reservoir, separated from the inflowing waters of Eagle Creek by the Coffer Dam. No fishing boats are allowed in this dammed area. Although part of the sanctuary can be viewed at a distance from the Nature Center, it is best birded by walking down the Handicapped Access Road, which is not labeled on the park map but is the first road to the right (west) after entering via 71st Street. A metal-pipe gate marks the beginning of the Handicapped Access Road where it intersects Eagle Creek Parkway. Anyone can drive down this road and park where it dead-ends near Eagle Creek. Alternatively, the half-mile walk to the end of the Handicapped Access Road offers great views of the sanctuary, which first appears on the left about midway down the road. At the end of the Handicapped Access Road one can observe Eagle Creek straight ahead flowing around the Bird Sanctuary to feed the reservoir that lies to the south. During dry months the creek is relatively low at this spot, and much of the area straight ahead will be exposed, creating optimal shorebird habitat.
- The Coffer Dam is the name of the earthen retention wall that surrounds the Bird Sanctuary. A gravel trail on the dam provides access along its entire length, allowing birders to check the remote corners of the sanctuary thoroughly for waterfowl. The southern arm of the coffer dam (on the opposite side from the Handicapped Access Road) separates the sanctuary from the reservoir and as such is a good vantage point from which to scan the northern end of the reservoir. The trail on the coffer dam begins on the left at the end of the Handicapped Access Road. The trail is roped off to prevent vehicular traffic but is accessible to foot traffic.
- The only trail that branches off to the right of the Handicapped Access Road leads to the North Loop, the northernmost trail in the park. Although this trail is not shown on the park map, it courses through many interesting habitats: woodlands, brushy early successional areas, grasslands, mudflats, and creeks. Just north of a bridge crossing a small creek, a new trail called the Boy Scout Trail enters the grassy area on the east side of the North Loop Trail. It winds through this grassy area and into the woods before reconnecting with the North Loop Trail. During spring and fall migration it can be very productive for finding warblers, vireos and thrushes. The North Loop is perhaps best known for the productive shorebird habitat found along its northern and western boundaries. Walk straight ahead on the North Loop trail to its northernmost segment, where the trail re-enters a wooded area and begins to curve gently to the left; at this point, short paths connect the trail to an extensive mudflat lying immediately to the right (north) of the wooded area. In the fall, when the water level is low, this mudflat can be very productive for shorebirds and wading birds, whereas in springtime the water level is almost always too high to attract shorebirds. As the main trail continues curving to the left, it begins to run directly along Eagle Creek. Shorebirds often are observed here feeding along the banks and sandbars of the creek. The trail eventually loops back and connects to another section of the trail -- turn right to return to the Handicapped Access Road. The open brushy and grassy areas of the North Loop can be good for Orchard Oriole, Willow Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Blue-winged Warbler.
- Two productive trails to walk during spring passerine migration are Warbler Alley and the South Overlook Trail. Since the end of Warbler Alley is very near the beginning of the South Overlook Trail, the two can be walked easily in succession in 1-1.5 hours. Walking the two trails in succession also allows you to stop by the Ornithology Center, where you can scan the Bird Sanctuary and check the feeders before heading back to your car. Warbler Alley is a name given by local birders to a relatively short trail running along the western edge of Lilly Lake. As the name suggests, this trail has proven to be one of the most productive sites in central Indiana for warblers and other migrant passerines. To access Warbler Alley, turn east onto 65th Street, which is the first left turn after entering the park from the 71st Street entrance. Almost immediately after turning left, a small gravel parking lot is visible on the left (this lot is labeled on the park map). Park at this lot, cross 65th Street, and walk toward the small stagnant pond slightly to the right. Stay on the right edge of the pond and continue toward the woods to where a trail becomes evident. The trail can be seen on the park map as beginning at the "M12" triangle and ending at the "NE1" triangle. At the end of Warbler Alley you will find yourself on an earthen embankment that impounds Lilly Lake. To reach the South Overlook Trail, turn right and walk down this embankment to the road (Eagle Creek Parkway). Turn right (north) on Eagle Creek Parkway and walk a short distance to a trail on the opposite side of the road -- this is the beginning of the South Overlook Trail, which is NOT shown on the park map. The distance from the beginning of the South Overlook Trail back to the parking lot is just over a mile. Once you begin to explore the South Overlook Trail, continue straight until it begins curving to the right. At the highest point on this curve you will see the elevated wooden observation deck that overlooks the south end of the Bird Sanctuary. The entire area around this curve and wooden deck can be a real hotspot for warblers in the spring. Continuing on the trail takes you along the eastern edge of the Bird Sanctuary, which can be good for Prothonotary Warblers in May and June. When you reach a fork in the trail at a stretch of broken-down chain link fencing, take the trail to the left -- this eventually leads to a paved road that takes you to the Nature Center. To return to the parking lot from the Nature Center, walk north past the Ecology Pond to the one-way road that leads to the Ornithology Center from Eagle Creek Parkway. Walk down this road to the next intersection (Eagle Creek Parkway) and continue to the parking lot, which is just ahead on the left.
- Four small ponds off Reed Road in the eastern part of the park can be good for waterfowl, rails, and other marsh-loving species. The most accessible of these ponds is the Ice Skating Pond, which is labeled on the park map. American Woodcock, Pied-billed Grebe, Willow Flycatcher, and Yellow Warbler all nest at the Ice Skating Pond. Least Bittern and Common Moorhen have nested here in the past, and American Bittern is found annually during spring migration. Other migrants found here include Sora and Virginia Rail, both of which appear in good numbers in the spring. Marsh Wrens are migratory transients in the cattails around the Ice Skating Pond in both spring and fall.
- Perhaps the best location in Eagle Creek Park for birding during migration is the Marina. Entering the park from either the 56th. St. or the 71st. St. gate, follow Eagle Creek Parkway to the marina-watch for the sign. This area acts as a collecting point for all species of birds crossing the length of the reservoir. At first light the birds will generally be found in the trees on the point of land farthest out into the lake. As the morning progresses, the birds move farther up on the point of land. The birding from the parking lot can be fabulous when the sun hits the trees later in the morning. As the morning progresses the birds move into the trees lining the road to the marina. During migration this area is good for birding from dawn until noon. Also scope the lake here for gulls, loons, grebes and ducks. Many species of birds have been seen here as "fly-bys". Both Bald Eagles and Osprey are often sighted in the trees across the lake. Birds commonly seen here are warblers, vireos, thrushes, grosbeaks, tanagers and orioles. In migration it is the best spot in the park for Red-headed woodpecker and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
- On the road to the marina watch for the sign to turn south to the new Earth Discovery Center(EDC). This building was completed in 2007 and replaced the former Nature Center. It contains a wet lab, dry lab and library. There are exhibits of native animals, fish, reptiles and amphibians. A large elevated observation deck in the back of the building allows a limited view of the lake. A water feature with bird feeders in the back of the EDC attracts birds. Prothonotary warblers have been seen in this area. To the east of the parking lot is a small pond. The trees around this pond and the adjacent grassy area can yield interesting birds.
- Eagle Creek Reservoir also can be accessed from Rick's Cafe Boatyard on the southern end of the reservoir near the dam. To reach this site from the 56th Street park entrance, turn left (east) onto 56th Street for a few hundred feet, then turn right (south) onto Reed Road. At the "T" intersection of Reed Road and 46th Street, turn right onto 46th Street, which curves around and becomes Dandy Trail. Rick's Cafe Boatyard is the large restaurant/marina on the right side of Dandy Trail before it intersects with 38th Street. Scope the lake at this location for diving ducks, loons and grebes. Gulls often gather here in large numbers.
- On the west side of Eagle Creek Reservoir is another good birding area, the Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary. To access this area, go north on Lafayette Road from the intersection with 71st. Street. Proceed about 1.2 miles to Traders Lane and turn west or left. The road becomes Wilson Road after a sharp right turn. The total distance for both roads is about 1 mile. Watch on the south side of the road for a sign that identifies the sanctuary. Park here and walk the trail to the creek and bridge. Along this path are found warblers, vireos, finches, orioles and both tanagers. Louisiana Waterthrush nest along the creek and Rough-winged Swallows nest in a cavity in the bridge support. Phoebes nest under the bridge. Hummingbird nests have been found in the branches hanging over the creek. Cross the bridge and proceed up the hill. Hooded, Cerulean, Yellow-throated, and Kentucky Warblers are found in this area, as well as nesting Wood Thrush and Acadian Flycatcher. Walk with care in this area as the trail is severely eroded. Backtracking down the hill and across the bridge, take the path to the east (right). It leads into the restored wetlands and bordering shrubby area. Many species of perching birds are found in this habitat. This trail can be followed to the east to a restored prairie. Beaver activity will be noted in one area on the path. Yellow-breasted Chat and
Blue-winged Warbler are usually spotted here.
- Alternately, you can drive to the prairie area and park at the gate. It is not identified as part of the sanctuary, but is located about ½ mile east on Wilson Road. Follow the path which leads to the prairie and to two decks overlooking the lake. As the path goes alongside the prairie, look for Indigo Buntings and several species of sparrow. Bluebirds and Tree Swallows nest in all areas of the sanctuary. Follow the path to each of the decks which overlook the lake. You can scope the lake here for shorebirds when the water is low. The decks are a good vantage point to see ducks, geese, herons, gulls and eagles year-round.
- Typical Time to Bird Site: 1-3 Hours
|
References:
|
- Keller, Charles E.
- "The Birds of Greater Indianapolis and the Adjacent
Area."
- Indiana Audubon Quarterly
70.1 (1992): 1-50.
- Keller, Charles E.
- "Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) Occurs in Marion
County, Indiana."
- Indiana Audubon Quarterly
68.3 (1990): 140.
- Keller, Charles E., and Timothy C. Keller.
- Birds of Indianapolis: A Guide to the
Region.
- Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1993.
- Keller, Charles E., Shirley A. Keller, and Timothy
C. Keller.
- Indiana Birds and Their Haunts: A
Checklist and Finding Guide. Second Edition.
- Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1986.
- Peavler, Larry.
- "Ross' Gull - A New Addition to the Avifauna of
Indiana."
- Indiana Audubon Quarterly
74.1 (1996): 52-3.
- Pettingill Jr., Olin Sewall.
- A Guide to Bird Finding East of the
Mississippi. Second Edition.
- New York: Oxford University Press, 1977.
- Seng, Phil T., and David J. Case.
- Indiana Wildlife Viewing Guide.
- Helena, MT: Falcon Press, 1992.
- Starling, Al, and Sheila Smith.
- "Birds of Big Eagle Creek Valley: Summer and Fall,
1969."
- Indiana Audubon Quarterly
48.2 (1970): 72-7.
- White, Mel.
- National Geographic Guide to Birdwatching
Sites - Eastern U.S.
- Washington, D.C.: The National Geographic Society,
1999.
|
