David took us on a birding tour around Yellowwood State Forest. He has a great ear for bird calls, which definitely upped the amount of birds we were able to spot. We saw a number of species our group had not seen previously.
Warbler Haven
Songbird Diversity
Learn & Identify Bird Songs
Birding in Brown County: Unveiling the Beauty of Eastern Songbirds
Discover the enchanting “Warbler Alley,” a name I’ve given this area of western Brown County that serves as a haven for a remarkable variety of warbler species. This captivating tour is designed for bird enthusiasts seeking specific warblers as well as those eager to experience the awe-inspiring diversity of eastern songbirds. You’ll embark on a memorable journey through the heart of Yellowwood State Forest in western Brown County, a prime birding destination teeming with melodious songbirds. We’ll explore multiple birding hotspots, maximizing our chances of spotting an extensive list of species. Throughout the tour, you’ll receive expert guidance on identifying the birds by their distinctive songs and calls. Join us!
Tour Highlights
Find most of the 18 species of warblers that nest in the area, including sought-after species like Cerulean, Worm-eating, Prairie, and Prothonotary
Revel in the huge diversity of warblers, thrushes, vireos, orioles, and more species that pass through Yellowwood State Forest during spring and fall migration
Discover unique species that are only found in very particular places
Learn the distinctive birdsongs and calls of Eastern birds
Spot tanagers and woodpeckers at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site
Enjoy the company of fellow birders in a beautiful location
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Public Tour Price
$50/person
Private Tour Price
$200/group – extend a private tour to a full day (6-8 hours) for $300 total
Meeting point
In Bloomington or at Yellowwood State Forest. The exact location will be communicated via email.
Seasons
April to October
Duration
4 hours – mornings are best
Group size
- Public tours – 3 to 5 guests
- Private tours – No minimum or maximum for private tours, but my vehicle can only hold up to 5 guests. For larger groups, a caravan is possible if guests are willing to drive their own vehicle. Walkie talkies can be used for communication between vehicles.
Included
- Transportation
- Binoculars if needed
- Use of spotting scope
Not included
Snacks and drinks, so be sure to bring what you might need.
What to bring
- Water bottle
- Appropriate clothing for the season
- Jacket
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Your own binoculars or scope
- 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 to Expect
We’ll start the day by meeting on the east side of Bloomington or in Brown County. We’ll then head in my vehicle to either Yellowwood Lake or Crooked Creek SRA, where the edge habitat attracts a diverse array of birds. We might also venture to the T.C. Steele State Historic Site, an ideal location for spotting tanagers and woodpeckers, before heading to Lucas Hollow – a true paradise for warbler enthusiasts. You will be sure to head back to our meeting point at the end of the tour with a smile on your face!
Private Tour Option
We do our best to customize the tour to match your interests, schedule, and physical abilities as well as to find the most dazzling birds for the time of year. Private tours are especially recommended for photographers, those with limited mobility, or people with particular target species. Please send me an inquiry if you wish to discuss your private tour options and objectives.
See How Previous Guests Sang Our Praises
We had terrific looks at Cerulean Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Prairie Warbler and several others. We spent most of our time in a slightly remote portion of Yellowwood State Forest. The forest vegetation was unforgettable with the many shades of brilliant green, especially for those of us from drought-plagued California! David knew all of the bird calls as well as songs, which it always much appreciated when looking for little songbirds, and they were singing their hearts out!
