Grassland birding habitat

Cutright State Recreation Area

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cutright State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Common Goldeneye, and Common Merganser among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/18/2026Brown County SP--Trail 81 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

4/18/2026.Valley View Dr, Ellettsville US-IN1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

4/14/2026Home 4202 W Morgan Cir, Ellettsville US-IN 39.26399, -86.590941 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/14/2026Lower Woodall Rd.1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/14/20267655 East Allens Creek Road, Bloomington, Indiana, US (39.032, -86.419)1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/13/2026Beanblossom Bottoms Trail (SLT)1 observed

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus

4/13/2026Beanblossom Bottoms Trail (SLT)1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/12/2026Beanblossom Bottoms Trail (SLT)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

64/11/2026

Mallard

24/11/2026

Killdeer

24/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/11/2026

Northern Flicker

14/11/2026

Blue Jay

14/11/2026

American Crow

104/11/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/11/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/11/2026

American Robin

64/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

404/11/2026

Common Grackle

124/11/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

34/11/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cutright State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Cutright State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cutright State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Cutright State Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Killdeer. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cutright State Recreation Area?
Birding at Cutright State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cutright State Recreation Area?
Cutright State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.