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

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

5/30/2026New Buffalo beach and marina1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/30/2026Indiana Dunes NP--Long Lake1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/27/2026Indiana Dunes SP1 observed

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensis

5/20/2026Miller Beach, Lake Street1 observed

Sandwich Tern (Cabot's)

Thalasseus sandvicensis

5/19/2026Miller Beach, Lake Street1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Sandhill Crane

35/31/2026

Least Bittern

15/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

45/31/2026

American Robin

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

65/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

45/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

35/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

American Redstart

25/31/2026

Northern Bobwhite

15/31/2026

Wild Turkey

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/31/2026

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.