This was a wonderful, rather magical experience. We’ve lived within an hour of Goose Pond and had never been. David led us on a four-hour guided tour (3-7) pm that began with a closeup sighting of a huge bald eagle in her nest…
Witness Migration Spectacles
Large Charismatic Birds
Great for Beginners
Marvel at the Incredible Goose Pond Spectacles at Sunset
Join us on this spectacular adventure to Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area – the best place in Indiana to see large charismatic birds such as cranes, pelicans, eagles, and owls! Our birding tour offers a captivating experience for bird enthusiasts of all levels. Towards the end of the day, you can witness Sandhill Cranes returning to Goose Pond from the neighboring fields where they have been foraging. This mass flight of thousands of cranes is a truly wondrous sight and sound to behold. Not only that, but at dusk, we will settle down to watch the sunset and observe the activity of Short-eared Owls beginning their nightly hunt. It is a day you will never forget!
What’s more, you can choose from our public and private tour options. By scheduling a private tour, you can get a customized experience. If you want to spend more time enjoying the cranes or searching for raptors, just let me know. A private tour is highly recommended for photographers and for families or groups of friends.
Tour Highlights
Witness one of the many true wildlife spectacles in Indiana: potential for huge numbers of Snow Geese (Jan. & Feb.), Sandhill Cranes (Dec.-Feb.), and American White Pelicans (March)
Take your chance at spotting the endangered Whooping Crane on its wintering grounds
See a nesting Bald Eagle and maybe other raptors like Merlin and Rough-legged Hawk
Spot the Short-eared Owls that come out to play just before sunset
Bring your camera to snap amazing wildlife spectacles at sunset
Learn from our expert guide all about the amazing birds we see and their behaviors
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Public Tour Price
$75/person
Private Tour Price
$300/group
Meeting point
In Bloomington, at the Goose Pond Visitors Center, or at the Linton Walmart parking lot.
Seasons
November – March
Duration
5-7 hours
Group size
- Public tours – 3 or 4 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
- Food
- Drinks
- Appropriate clothing for the season – layers of clothing advised for the time of year
- Jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- 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 either meeting in Bloomington or at the Linton Walmart parking lot(opens in a new tab). We’ll then head to Goose Pond for the ultimate introduction to a couple of the most spectacular wintering species: the Short-eared Owl and the Sandhill Crane.
The tour will start with a visit to the variety of habitats at Goose Pond, searching for birds that don’t occur in many other places in Indiana. Most guests will have the chance to observe Greater White-fronted Geese and Snow Geese in large numbers. Birds of prey like the Rough-legged Hawk make their home at Goose Pond during the winter. In March, the number of American White Pelicans builds during migration.
As the day draws to a close, the Sandhill Cranes will begin returning to Goose Pond from the neighboring fields where they have been foraging. The flight of thousands of cranes is a sight and sound to behold!
The amount of walking we do is dependent on the weather. If the weather is really cold, we will spend more time viewing the birds from the comforts of the vehicle. However, the best views (especially with the spotting scope) are from outside of the vehicle. Please bring plenty of warm layers – it’s always colder than you think at Goose Pond!
See How Previous Guests Sang Our Praises
From the first stop to the last, David found for us all our “wish list” species with a few added treats at sunset like the American Woodcocks and the coyote chorus. So knowledgeable and informative, just a perfect way to spend time with family or friends. Indigo Birding Tours never disappoint.
