Scott Starling Sanctuary
Indianapolis, IN
This woodland and restored prairie is located on the northwest side of Eagle Creek Reservoir and provides excellent habitat for many breeding birds.
Specialty Species:
Waterfowl: Many species of waterfowl can be found on the reservoir. Scan from the observation decks.
Shorebirds: Shorebirds can also be found on the reservoir. Scan from the 2nd observation deck.
Warblers: Many species of warblers use this area in migration. Look for Connecticut and Mourning just west of the east parking lot. During the summer, watch and listen for many breeders including Blue-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, American Redstart, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Hooded Warbler, and Yellow-breasted Chat.
Sparrows: Walk the trail through the eastern section for a chance at many species of sparrows especially in the fall.
Where to Bird:
- Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails: Hike throughout this area for a chance at many species of passerines at all times of the year.
It is best to hike all of the trails throughout the park as there are many passerines present all year. Stop at the east parking lots and walk the trail southeast towards the lake. As you walk along the trail, watch for sparrows in the field to your left. Great Horned Owls are also occasionally observed in the trees surrounding the field.
Stop at the first observation deck and scan the surrounding area for ducks, herons, egrets, and passerines. Continue on to the second observation deck. This allows for an expansive view of the northern end of Eagle Creek Reservoir. Scan the area for ducks and gulls. When the reservoir is drawn down the area is a magnet for herons, egrets, and shorebirds. A scope is very helpful in this area. Return to the parking area by following the same trail you entered on.
There is a trail off of the west side of the parking area that leads across a prairie to the other parking area. Start down this trail before entering the prairie. You will go through more forest areas with dense understory. This area is a good place to look for Mourning and Connecticut Warblers. If you choose not to hike across the prairie, return to your car and drive to the parking lot to the west.
From this parking area, follow the trail back into the woods. Stop near the footbridge to look and listen for passerines. This is a great place during the spring and summer. Continue down the trail and take the next trail to the left. Follow this trail along the creek and then up the hill. This is a steep and difficult climb. If you are not able to climb the steep rugged hill, you can return to the main path and turn left. This will take you up the hill more gradually. As you follow this trail at the top of the hill listen for Cerulean, Hooded and Kentucky Warblers as they are easier to locate after you have heard them call. They arrive in the spring and nest at this site. When you get to the grassy area continue west towards the house. Continue past the house and then down the gravel trail back into the woods. Follow this trail back down the hill and back to the parking lot.Hours:
Dawn to Dusk
Fees:
None
Accessiblity:
Most trails are rugged with much of the hiking being uphill.
Trails:
Many trails throughout the park.
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- None
Lenght of Visit:
½ day gives you plenty of time to hike all of the trails.
Map:
Website:
Directions:
From the North: Take I-65 South to the 71st Street exit. Turn left (west). At the first stoplight turn left (north) onto Lafayette Road. After 1 mile, turn left (west) onto Traders Lane. If you reach the 4-way stop, you have gone too far. As you make a sharp curve to the right, Traders Lane becomes Wilson Road. The eastern parking area is located 0.15 miles from the start of Wilson Road. If the gate is not open, park outside of it and hike into the area. The western parking area is located 0.32 miles past the eastern parking area.
From the South: Take I-65 North to the 71st Street Exit. Turn right (east). At the first stoplight turn left (north) onto Lafayette Road. After 1 mile, turn left (west) onto Traders Lane. If you reach the 4-way stop, you have gone too far. As you make a sharp curve to the right, Traders Lane becomes Wilson Road. The eastern parking area is located 0.15 miles from the start of Wilson Road. If the gate is not open, park outside of it and hike into the area. The western parking area is located 0.32 miles past the eastern parking area.
From the East: Take W. 71st Street west from I-465 for 1.10 miles. Turn right (north) onto Lafayette Road. After 1 mile, turn left (west) onto Traders Lane. If you reach the 4-way stop, you have gone too far. As you make a sharp curve to the right, Traders Lane becomes Wilson Road. The eastern parking area is located 0.15 miles from the start of Wilson Road. If the gate is not open, park outside of it and hike into the area. The western parking area is located 0.32 miles past the eastern parking area.
From the West: Take I-74 East towards Indianapolis. Take Exit 66 and turn left (north) onto SR-267. After 0.45 miles, turn right (east) onto East CR 700 N. After 3.45 miles, continue straight on W 62nd Street. As you continue around the bend in the road it becomes N. Raceway Road. When Raceway Road sharply curves to the right it becomes Fishback Road. Follow Fishback Road to the next stop sign and turn right (east) onto Wilson Road. The western parking area is located 0.32 miles past the stop sign and the eastern parking area is 0.32 miles farther down Wilson Road. If the gate is not open at the eastern parking area, park outside the gate and hike in.
Address:
None Available
Nearby Birding: