Field Birding on the Indiana Birding Trail: Brookville Lake

Brookville Lake and nearby Whitewater Memorial State Park are among Indiana's best spots for November birding and are featured sites on the Indiana Birding Trail. Early November is prime time for Sandhill Cranes, Bonaparte’s Gulls, and a mix of late migrants and waterbirds as conditions shift toward winter.

This Field Birding on the Indiana Birding Trail outing is designed for birders of all experience levels. First-time visitors and returning birders alike will find a relaxed, supportive way to explore the shoreline and open-water areas that are especially productive this time of year while making progress on the Indiana Birding Trail Checklist Challenge (see details below).

Indiana Audubon board member Jeremy Proeschel will lead the trip. The group will meet at the Silver Creek Boat Ramp in Whitewater Memorial State Park at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

The initial outing will last approximately two to three hours, with a planned break for participants who wish to wrap up at that point. For those who want to continue birding, there will be an optional extended portion of the trip to explore additional nearby areas around Brookville Lake.

Registration

Registration is required and limited to 20 participants. Event tickets are $5 per person for Indiana Audubon members and $15 per person for non-members.

Accessibility

This outing includes short walking distances with frequent stops for birding. Most birding will take place from flat gravel or paved surfaces, parking lots, and gently sloped surfaces near the lake. Please bring your own binoculars. Spotting scopes and cameras are welcome.

Admission

Indiana State Park entrance fees apply and are paid at the gate, currently $7 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $15 per vehicle for non-residents. However, by this date entrance gates are typically not staffed.

Checklist Challenge

This field trip counts toward the Indiana Birding Trail Checklist Challenge, a free yearlong activity. Visit trail sites to earn points, collect badge stickers, and qualify for prizes through seasonal and year-end drawings in 2026.

Questions

For any questions about this event email info@indianaaudubon.org or call 765-205-1255. If you require accommodations to participate, please contact us as early as possible. While we may not be able to meet every request, we will make every reasonable effort to do so.

Photo Credit: WikiCommons