Geist Reservoir

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Geist Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Mallard 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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/6/2026Eagle Creek Park--Coffer Dam1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

3/6/2026Holcomb Estate2 observed

Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid)

Mareca penelope x americana

3/3/2026Enterprise Drive, McCordsville, Indiana, US (39.85, -85.909)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Redhead

93/6/2026

Greater Scaup

63/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

403/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

133/6/2026

Mute Swan

23/6/2026

Bufflehead

23/6/2026

Common Goldeneye

43/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

13/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

33/6/2026

Killdeer

13/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

83/6/2026

Horned Grebe

33/6/2026

Northern Flicker

13/6/2026

House Sparrow

23/6/2026

House Finch

13/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/6/2026

White-throated Sparrow

13/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/6/2026

American Robin

23/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Geist Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Geist Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Geist Reservoir?
Notable species at Geist Reservoir include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Bufflehead, Common Merganser. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Geist Reservoir?
Birding at Geist Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Geist Reservoir?
Geist Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.