Wetland birding habitat

Indiana Dunes National Park - Cowles Bog

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Indiana Dunes National Park - Cowles Bog is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/16/2026Oak Savannah Trail Tail1 observed

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

Canada Goose

64/13/2026

Wood Duck

74/13/2026

Blue-winged Teal

614/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/13/2026

Mallard

244/13/2026

American Black Duck

44/13/2026

Green-winged Teal

44/13/2026

Sandhill Crane

274/13/2026

Killdeer

14/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

34/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

44/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

24/13/2026

American Crow

34/13/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/13/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/13/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/13/2026

Brown Creeper

14/13/2026

Brown Thrasher

34/13/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 - Cowles Bog for birding?
The best months to visit Indiana Dunes National Park - Cowles Bog for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Indiana Dunes National Park - Cowles Bog?
Notable species at Indiana Dunes National Park - Cowles Bog include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid), Green-winged Teal. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Indiana Dunes National Park - Cowles Bog?
Birding at Indiana Dunes National Park - Cowles Bog is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Indiana Dunes National Park - Cowles Bog?
Indiana Dunes National Park - Cowles Bog offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.