Northeast Indiana Birding Opportunities - Pisgah Marsh
The Pisgah Marsh Nongame Area and half-mile Boardwalk is located in Kosciusko County and has three areas set aside to preserve habitat resources for a variety of plant and animal species.
Waterfowl tend to begin showing up at Pisgah Marsh as soon as ice-out occurs. Sandhill Cranes and Wild Turkey are common nesting species and observed in all seasons. Most of the ducks are dabblers in Pisgah Unit 1 viewed off the Boardwalk or a short trail that extends west where the entrance road ends. However, large numbers of Ring-necked Ducks, a few Lesser Scaup and a few Herons and grebes have staged during both migrations in the large pond north of the west side (350 N) entrance road (to Durham Lake Unit). The particularly best reason to visit Pisgah is to look for marsh species that are hard to find in NE Indiana, such as Common Gallinule (probable nesting), Soras, Green Heron, Virginia Rail (a few nest annually), American Coot (may nest), and Black-billed Cuckoo (usually heard calling across from the Boardwalk).
Fall birding can be like spring, although some of the species above are harder to find and not vocal. The grasslands can be birded, but it is recommended that contact be made with Tri-County FWA to navigate the ever-changing Dove and Duck seasons. US 30 (5 miles south) serves as a rough dividing line between Carolina and Black-capped Chickadee. The plant life at Pisgah is more boreal, with several Tamarack trees (Redpolls fed on them) on the east side, south of the Boardwalk. Both Purple Finch and Pine Siskin have been recorded.
Rarities have included Cackling Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Long-eared Owl and Common Redpoll.
eBird Hotspot Link:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L563713
|
Total Birding Time: |
Best Times to Bird: |
| <SIDNEY WEATHER |
Address:
CR 350 N
Pierceton, IN 46562
Follow the signage, as there is very limited access outside of the boardwalk and roads. Much of this beautiful marsh is off-limits and would be challenging to navigate if access were allowed.
Hours: The marsh is open
Ownership: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife
Admission: Admission and parking are free
Restrictions: Fishing and hunting are permitted on the property; during hunting seasons, birders should take care to avoid units where hunters may be present.
Parking: Gravel parking areas are located at most units throughout the property.
Nearby Amenities: Portable restrooms are available on property. Larwill, 7 miles south has food and fuel, as does North Webster, 5 miles NW.
Accessibility: Parking areas are accessible, but trails are not.
Website: wildlife.in.gov
Phone Number: (574) 834-4461
Written by: John Kendall
Photo by: Ryan Sanderson