Goose Pond Winter Day Tour

Get together with fellow birders and embark on an awe-inspiring birdwatching adventure at Goose Pond – Indiana’s top destination for observing magnificent cranes, pelicans, eagles, and swans. This extraordinary wildlife spectacle appeals to all birding enthusiasts, especially beginners, thanks to easy observation and an abundance of birds. On this unforgettable tour, you can witness firsthand the enchanting yet ancient calls of Sandhill Cranes and observe their fascinating social behaviors as they feed, bow, jump, and soar through the sky. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the rare Whooping Crane and ready to be captivated by the mesmerizing sight of tens of thousands of Snow Geese in flight. If you’re looking for a birding experience this winter – don’t miss this unforgettable Goose Pond adventure!

We’ll begin the day by either meeting in Bloomington or at the Linton Wal-mart parking lot. We will then travel in my vehicle to various Goose Pond FWA observation points. Here you see both the wintering grounds for some Sandhill Cranes and a staging area for many more during their northward migration. We will also be searching for birds that don’t occur in many other places in Indiana. One of the goals of our day together will be finding the Whooping Cranes that winter here every year. Most guests will also have the chance to observe Greater White-fronted Geese and Snow Geese in huge numbers, which is an amazing experience for all. We’ll also be on the lookout for birds of prey like the Rough-legged Hawk that make their home at Goose Pond during the winter, as well as swans and Bald Eagles that use the large wetlands for foraging. If you’re doing this tour in March, then the number of American White Pelicans builds during migration. After approximately 5 hours of birding fun, we’ll head back to where you started the day.

Please note: 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 comfort 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!

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. Private tours are especially recommended for photographers or people with particular target species. Please send me an inquiry if you wish to discuss your private tour options and objectives.