Stillwater Marsh/McGowan Road
Bloomington, IN
This large seasonal marsh just north of Lake Monroe is comprised not only of marsh habitat but also woodland area that provides a refuge for many species of birds.
Specialty Species:
Waterfowl: Scan the marsh during the spring and fall for a large variety of waterfowl. Swans, geese, grebes, and ducks all use this marsh during migration.
Flycatchers: Look for flycatchers from the spring-fall. During migration uncommon species such as Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers can be found with regularity. During the summer Acadian Flycatchers are common through the area.
Vireos: During the summer, Yellow-throated along with the other common breeding vireos nest along the road.
Thrushes: During migration, any of the Indiana thrushes can be found along the road including Veery and Gray-cheecked Thrush. Wood Thrush is a very common nester.
Warblers: Any of the Indiana warblers can be found along the road during migration. During the breeding season, look and listen for uncommon breeding warblers such as Cerulean, Yellow-throated, Worm-eating, Prothonotary, Kentucky, Hooded, and Louisiana Waterthrush.
Where to Bird:
- Stillwater Marsh Overlook
- McGowan Road
- North Fork Waterfowl Resting Area
Stillwater Marsh Overlook: This overlook close to the start of McGowan Road offers a great view of Stillwater Marsh. During the spring and fall, scan the marsh for waterfowl. At certain times, this spot can be amazing not only for diversity but also for numbers of each species present. Scan the dead trees in the area for Olive-sided Flycatcher during the spring and fall. Bald Eagles and Northern Harriers are also commonly seen here from the fall-spring.
McGowan Road: Drive this road with your windows down looking and listening for migrant passerines during the spring and fall. Any area on the road can be good on any given day.
North Fork Waterfowl Resting Area: The marshes at the end of the road can be very good at times. Look for herons, egrets, and shorebirds during dry years. Many migrant passerines also use this area.
First stop at the Stillwater Marsh Overlook. When you are finished at this site return to your vehicle and continue down McGowan Road. As you drive along this road, be sure to listen for migrant passerines. This road has a tendency to flood during the spring. If the road is flooded DO NOT CROSS. This can be extremely dangerous and there is a high likelihood of your vehicle becoming stuck in the mud. If the road is not flooded, continue to the end of the road. Park near the gate and walk the trails around the marshes. Do not enter this area if there are hunters present. Return to your vehicle and return to SR-46 via McGowan and Kent Roads.Hours:
None Posted
Fees:
None
Accessiblity:
Almost all birding is done from the car or by walking on the gravel road.
Trails:
Some trails around the marsh can be productive but don’t go out on the trails if hunters are present.
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- None
Lenght of Visit:
Up to ½ day
Map:
Website:
Directions:
From the East: From the intersection of SR-135 and SR-46 in Nashville, take SR46 West. After 10.75 miles, turn left (south) onto Kent Road. After crossing the bridge, turn right (south) onto the first gravel road. This is McGowan Road. Follow this road to the observation platform located on the right side of the road.
From the West: From the intersection of SR-446 and SR-46 in Bloomington, take SR-46 East. After 4.45 miles, turn right (south) onto Kent Road. After crossing the bridge, turn right (south) onto the first gravel road. This is McGowan Road. Follow this road to the observation platform located on the right (west) side of the road.
Address:
None Available
Nearby Birding: