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

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

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

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/27/2026Indiana Dunes SP1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/26/202630 East 67th Avenue, Merrillville, Indiana, US (41.497, -87.334)1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

5/26/2026Pine Station Nature Preserve1 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

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

5/17/2026Indiana Dunes SP1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/17/2026Cowles Bog Trail, Dune Acres US-IN 41.63666, -87.088131 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/17/2026Michigan City Harbor1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Sandhill Crane

65/30/2026

Great Egret

25/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/30/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/30/2026

Blue Jay

15/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/30/2026

Northern House Wren

15/30/2026

Marsh Wren

45/30/2026

Gray Catbird

35/30/2026

Veery

15/30/2026

American Robin

15/30/2026

American Goldfinch

65/30/2026

Song Sparrow

15/30/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/30/2026

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.