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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/13/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

4/12/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower1 observed

Smith's Longspur

Calcarius pictus

4/12/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower2 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/11/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Picnic Area1 observed

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

4/11/2026SR-49 S, Valparaiso US-IN (41.5537,-87.0469)1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

4/9/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

4/7/2026334 East Beam Street, Porter, Indiana, US (41.619, -87.073)1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/4/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/4/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

14/15/2026

American Herring Gull

34/15/2026

Common Loon

14/15/2026

House Finch

24/15/2026

Canada Goose

34/15/2026

Wood Duck

54/15/2026

Blue-winged Teal

284/15/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/15/2026

Mallard

64/15/2026

Green-winged Teal

34/15/2026

Bufflehead

14/15/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

704/15/2026

Ruddy Duck

44/15/2026

Mourning Dove

264/15/2026

Chimney Swift

44/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

504/15/2026

Caspian Tern

434/15/2026

Horned Grebe

44/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

374/15/2026

Great Egret

14/15/2026

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.