Morse Reservoir
Cicero, IN
Morse Reservoir is a large lake located in northwest Hamilton County. It is one of the only reliable places in the county to find waterfowl.
Specialty Species:
Waterfowl: The best area for waterfowl is Morse Reservoir Park and Beach.
Shorebirds: Look for shorebirds at the Seventh Day Adventist Church or in dry years at the Jackson Street Causeway.
Terns: The only reliable place in Hamilton County to see Forster’s, Common, and Caspian Terns is the Jackson Street Causeway.
Where to Bird:
- Morse Reservoir Park and Beach
- The Marina
- Jackson Street Causeway
- Seventh Day Adventist Church
Morse Reservoir Park and Beach: The Morse Reservoir Park and Beach provides the most varied habitat on Morse Reservoir. Scan from each of the parking lots to find many species of birds. Start by going straight into the park and taking the left fork into the parking lot. From this spot you get a good vantage point of the dam. Wading birds, waterfowl, shorebird, gulls, terns, and swallows can all be present. After birding the dam, drive toward the exit. Take a left turn immediately before exiting the park. Proceed to the secondary parking area. Scanning from this area gives the best vantage point for the southern part of the reservoir. Many waterfowl and gulls can be present depending on the time of year.
The Marina: The Morse Reservoir marina is a great place to scan the central part of the reservoir. The docks in the marina usually have resting gulls on them and there may be waterfowl out farther on the water.
Jackson Street Causeway: The Jackson Street causeway provides the best view of the northern part of the reservoir. The docks on the southeast side of the causeway usually have gulls resting on them, and often times there are a few terns with them as well. During dry years you should scan north of the causeway for shorebirds. Sometimes you may also see bald eagles in the area as well.
Seventh Day Adventist Church: The Seventh Day Adventist Church usually has mudflats during the fall. Many Great Egrets congregate in this area. Park in the northeast corner of the parking lot and walk the brick trail to the shelter. There are some clearings in the trees that provide excellent places to scan the mudflats from. Please only visit this site when there are few cars in the parking lot.Hours:
Morse Park and Beach is open from dawn to dusk.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church can only be visited when there are only a few cars in the lot. Please do not visit at any other time as to not risk access issues in the future.
The other locations are always open.
Fees:
None
Accessiblity:
Mostly roads or paved trails making the area handicapped accessible.
Trails:
Some trails are located at the Morse Park and Beach.
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- None
Lenght of Visit:
1-2 Hours
Map:
Website:
Directions:
From the North: From the intersection of SR-28 and SR-19 in Tipton, take SR-19 South. After 9.95 miles, turn left (east) into the Seventh Day Adventist parking lot.
From the South: From the intersection of SR-32 and Hague Road, take Hague Road North. After 1.25 miles, turn left (west) onto E 196th Street. The entrance to Morse Park and Beach is 0.5 miles straight ahead.
From the East: From the intersection of SR-37 and SR-32 in Noblesville, take SR-32 West. After 1.6 miles, turn left (north) onto Sheridan Road. Go 1 mile and turn left (north) onto Hague Road. After 0.45 miles, turn left (west) onto E 196th Street. The entrance to Morse Park and Beach is 0.5 miles straight ahead.
From the West: From the intersection of US-31 and SR-32 in Westfield, take SR-32 East. Go 5 miles and turn left (north) onto Hague Road. After 1.25 miles, turn left (west) onto E 196th Street. The entrance to Morse Park and Beach is 0.5 miles straight ahead.
Address:
19777 Morse Park Lane
Noblesville, IN 46060
Nearby Birding: