Grassland birding habitat

Indiana Dunes National Park - Beverly Drive - Closed West Section

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Indiana Dunes National Park - Beverly Drive - Closed West Section is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/21/2026New Buffalo beach and marina2 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/19/2026New Buffalo beach and marina1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

7/19/2026New Buffalo beach and marina1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/19/2026New Buffalo Marsh2 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/19/2026New Buffalo beach and marina1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/18/2026Miller Beach, Lake Street1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/16/2026Miller Beach, Lake Street1 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

7/12/2026New Buffalo beach and marina1 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

7/12/2026Miller Beach, Lake Street1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

27/21/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

37/21/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/21/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

67/21/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

37/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

37/21/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

37/21/2026

Gray Catbird

47/21/2026

Veery

17/21/2026

American Robin

37/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/21/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

107/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/21/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

47/21/2026

Bank Swallow

127/21/2026

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 Indiana Dunes National Park - Beverly Drive - Closed West Section for birding?
The best months to visit Indiana Dunes National Park - Beverly Drive - Closed West Section for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Indiana Dunes National Park - Beverly Drive - Closed West Section?
Notable species at Indiana Dunes National Park - Beverly Drive - Closed West Section include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Indiana Dunes National Park - Beverly Drive - Closed West Section?
Birding at Indiana Dunes National Park - Beverly Drive - Closed West Section is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Indiana Dunes National Park - Beverly Drive - Closed West Section?
Indiana Dunes National Park - Beverly Drive - Closed West Section offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.