Lye Creek Prairie Burn Spring Birding Trip

The Lye Creek Burn is an 80-acre wetland in north central Montgomery County that is a part of the larger Lye Creek Prairie. The site and its birding potential were first discovered in April 2001 as Clint Murray was on his way to check some corn fields he had marked for Smith’s Longspurs. Upon seeing the site and shorebirds present, he knew immediately that this was a place to watch.

The field trip will begin at the Burn on Saturday, April 12. Registered participants will meet at 9:00 AM ET and bird the site for a couple of hours, ending around lunchtime. Expected spring birds may include American Golden Plovers, Wilson Snipe, Ring-necked Pheasant, Northern Bobwhite, Rusty Blackbird, and more. In recent years, the areas near The Burn have also hosted Smith’s Longspurs. By this date, an assortment of other waterbirds, shorebirds, and sparrows should also be present.

The field trip will be led by IAS Board Vice President, Shari McCollough. For a full list of species seen at The Burn, visit the eBird hotspot.

Registration is required below, as most IAS trips fill quickly. Registration is $10 for IAS members, and $15 for non-members.

The birding group is limited to 20 participants, ensuring a more engaging experience as you learn about the property and the diverse bird species inhabiting the area.

There may be up to 2 miles of walking, at a slow to moderate pace, on potentially wet soil and through cornfields. Dress accordingly and be prepared for wet conditions; waterproof footwear is recommended.

There are no restrooms on-site. The nearest public restrooms are in Linden and Crawfordsville.

Parking is available in a gravel lot on the south side of the road. The exact coordinates of the Burn are 40.13495° N, 86.86362° W.

For any inquiries about this trip, email us at [email protected].

All photos by Shari McCollough.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Montgomery County, 1707 E 650 N, Crawfordsville, United States