Picturesque Settings
Spring Migration
Charming Accommodation
A Memorable Multi-day Spring Migration Birding Experience
Kick off the season by joining us on this Spring Migration birding experience and discover a multitude of bird species in their natural habitat. This tour offers an exclusive opportunity to go birding in Kentucky and Indiana. You’ll encounter some of the year’s first sightings of warblers, tanagers, thrushes, grosbeaks, and more, as they make their way back to their breeding grounds. Nestled in a picturesque state park, our charming cottage accommodations provide the perfect setting for bird enthusiasts to connect with nature and find amazing species right outside your door!
Our journey will take us through diverse habitats, ensuring a long and varied species list, with special emphasis on finding the beautiful Prothonotary Warblers and secretive Henslow’s Sparrows. The time of year was chosen to coincide with the arrival of warblers and many other migrating birds in the area. Last year we totaled an incredible 112 species of birds on the tour, including 23 species of warblers! Who knows, this year we may find even more!
***Our 2023 tour is sold out, but remember to sign up to our newsletter to ensure you don’t miss your chance to witness the beauty of spring migration and create lasting memories with fellow birding enthusiasts.***
Tour Highlights
Travel with us in a small, intimate group allowing for greater assistance in spotting the birds
Lean on the knowledge of our experienced and friendly guide, helping you get the most out of this great birding experience
Form long-lasting friendships with fellow birders on this memorable adventure
Learn about Native American history as we explore the Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Visit the J.J. Audubon museum housed in a historic stone chateau-style building where you can learn all about the life and work of John James Audubon
Capture amazing photographs in every destination from your accommodation to birding hotspots
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
$490 double occupancy
Meeting point
Bloomington or Evansville
Availability
April 28-30, 2023
Sold Out
This tour is full for 2023, but check back next winter for details about the 2024 trip. Better yet, sign up for the e-newsletter or request to be on the early notification list!
Duration
3 days, 2 nights
Group size
6 to 8 participants
Included
- Entrance fees
- Transportation from Bloomington in a 12-passenger van
- Binoculars are available to borrow if requested beforehand
- Cottages are fully equipped with linens, coffee maker, microwave, fridge, stove, and basic utensils and tableware
Not included
Food is not included; we will have breakfasts in the cabins, picnic lunches, and dine in restaurants in the evening.
What to bring
- Picnic lunch
- Water bottle
- Appropriate clothing for the season
- Jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Your own binoculars
- Phone/camera
About your guide
David Rupp, owner of IndiGo Birding, will lead this trip. David has over 25 years of birding experience and loves to share his joy for birding.
What You’ll See & Do
Day 1
Our trip starts in Bloomington on the morning of the 28th where we meet to drive to the beautiful Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge for birding at Sycamore Land Trust’s Columbia Mine Preserve – a real hidden gem. If time allows after lunch, we will continue to Angel Mounds State Historic Site which is a great place to learn about Native American history in the Indiana region, before checking into the cabins at Audubon State Park in the evening.
Day 2
After breakfast in our cabins, we start the second day by birding John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, KY. This beautiful state park is located just across the Ohio River from Evansville, IN and you will spend time hiking trails, birding the wetlands, and visiting the nature center/museum (if the weather isn’t cooperative). After a picnic lunch, our destination in the afternoon will be Sloughs Wildlife Management Area for even more great birding opportunities. We’ll dine in Henderson, KY, then head back to the cabins and discuss what target species we’ve found and what we’ve seen in this magnificent area for birding.
Day 3
All good things must come to an end, but the birding isn’t quite over yet. Once we’ve checked out of our cabins we will be heading to the Eagle Slough Natural Area for an easy hike along a nice nature trail. Later, we travel on to Howell Wetland and Wesselman Woods to spot more migrating birds before wrapping up our memorable adventure with a drive back north to Bloomington.
