Central Indiana Birding Opportunities - Hayes Arboretum

Its diverse landscape includes woodlands, meadows, swamps, ponds, and streams. The predominant old-growth Beech-Maple forest, constituting 3% of Indiana’s old-growth forests, is complemented by ponds, wetlands, prairies, and Indian mounds. Sixteen miles of trail, including eight miles of mountain bike trail and a three-mile paved auto loop, facilitate exploration with the main entrance featuring a nature center, pollinator garden, and a bird viewing area.

Despite eBird records dating back to only 2017, 144 species have been reported, likely representing around 180 species. Of these, 134 are reported annually.

The forests offer a thriving habitat for warblers, vireos, thrushes, flycatchers, and tanagers. Common sightings include Wild Turkey, Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Eastern Screech-Owl, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Pileated Woodpecker, and a variety of warblers such as Cerulean, Black-throated Blue, and Kentucky Warbler. The prairies, adorned with native grasses and flowers, host American Goldfinch, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Eastern Kingbird, and Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Ponds, swamps, and wetlands attract Mallard, Wood Duck, Green Heron, Sora, and Common Yellowthroat. Rarer sightings include Alder Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Blue Grosbeak, Golden-winged Warbler, and American Bittern. Historical records suggest the presence of Eastern Whip-poor-will and Ruffed Grouse.