River/Riparian birding habitat

Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka The Burn

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka The Burn is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and grassland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, and Mallard 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

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

5/26/2026Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka The Burn1 observed

House x Eurasian Tree Sparrow (hybrid)

Passer domesticus x montanus

5/26/2026Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka The Burn1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/25/2026Sugar Creek Nature Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/29/2026

Northern Bobwhite

15/29/2026

Mourning Dove

35/29/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

25/29/2026

Killdeer

15/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Northern Flicker

15/29/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/29/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/29/2026

Blue Jay

15/29/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/29/2026

Tree Swallow

25/29/2026

Northern House Wren

25/29/2026

European Starling

15/29/2026

Gray Catbird

25/29/2026

American Robin

25/29/2026

Cedar Waxwing

15/29/2026

American Goldfinch

25/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka The Burn for birding?
The best months to visit Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka The Burn for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka The Burn?
Notable species at Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka The Burn include Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, American Crow. The area supports river/riparian, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka The Burn?
Birding at Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka The Burn is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka The Burn?
Lye Creek Prairie Burn, aka The Burn offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.