Lake birding habitat

Lake Monroe

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Monroe is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This lake 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

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/18/2026Brown County SP--Trail 81 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

4/18/2026.Valley View Dr, Ellettsville US-IN1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

4/14/2026Home 4202 W Morgan Cir, Ellettsville US-IN 39.26399, -86.590941 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/14/2026Lower Woodall Rd.1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/14/20267655 East Allens Creek Road, Bloomington, Indiana, US (39.032, -86.419)1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/13/2026Beanblossom Bottoms Trail (SLT)1 observed

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus

4/13/2026Beanblossom Bottoms Trail (SLT)1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/12/2026Beanblossom Bottoms Trail (SLT)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

24/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/18/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

24/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Blue Jay

24/18/2026

American Crow

24/18/2026

Carolina Chickadee

34/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

44/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/18/2026

Carolina Wren

24/18/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/18/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/18/2026

House Finch

144/18/2026

Purple Finch

84/18/2026

American Goldfinch

164/18/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/18/2026

White-throated Sparrow

34/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Lake Monroe for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Monroe for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Monroe?
Notable species at Lake Monroe include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Monroe?
Birding at Lake Monroe is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Monroe?
Lake Monroe offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.