Lake birding habitat

Prairie Creek Reservoir

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
LakeRiver/RiparianGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Prairie Creek Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Graylag Goose, Canada Goose, 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

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/28/2026Moonville Wetlands Area-300E at 560N/700N/500N.-5 mi1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/25/20262911–3121 E County Road 560 N, Anderson US-IN 40.18832, -85.611401 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/25/2026White River Yorktown2 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

5/21/20263422 E County Road 560 N, Anderson US-IN Cliff Swallow 40.18841, -85.604391 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Graylag Goose

25/24/2026

Canada Goose

355/24/2026

Mallard

25/24/2026

Mourning Dove

85/24/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/24/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/24/2026

Osprey

25/24/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Northern Flicker

15/24/2026

Blue Jay

45/24/2026

American Crow

25/24/2026

European Starling

55/24/2026

American Robin

65/24/2026

House Sparrow

205/24/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

105/24/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

105/24/2026

Common Grackle

85/24/2026

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 Prairie Creek Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Prairie Creek Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Prairie Creek Reservoir?
Notable species at Prairie Creek Reservoir include Graylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Sandhill Crane. The area supports lake, river/riparian, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Prairie Creek Reservoir?
Birding at Prairie Creek Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Prairie Creek Reservoir?
Prairie Creek Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.