In Indiana, we have a relatively new area in which to bird called Goose Pond.  It is in the middle of nowhere, there are no facilities to speak of, most of the roads are gravel and most of the parking areas might fit two small cars side-by-side.  You probably won't see too many people, unless there is a rare bird sighting.  You definitely want to wear rain boots or hip waders, or be prepared to have squishy shoes and socks the rest of the day.  You should also pack bug spray, depending on the season.  The name is a bit misleading; there is more than one body of water.  There are several, in fact, and some of them are channels that you'll have to slosh through if you hope to see anything.  The "trails" are anything but "clearly defined".  I was bush whacking through grasses that towered over my head.  So is it worth the effort?  YES!  The area is perfect for wading birds, shore birds, migratory birds, and more.  On the mid-October day that I visited, I saw Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, White Pelicans, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, huge flocks of Red-Winged Blackbirds and American Coots, Blue-Winged Teals, Northern Rough-Winged Swallows, Swamp Sparrows, Marsh Wrens, Northern Shovelers and so many others.  Since it is about four hours away from my home, I won't be able to visit often, but I definitely want to go back some time.

This is an interesting time of year as our summer birds head south for the winter, and the far northern birds move in to our area either to stay for winter, or to grab a snack and rest on their way to a more mild climate.  You might see some Red-Breasted Nuthatches, Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, Dark-Eyed Juncos, or Ruby-Crowned Kinglets.  Keep your feeders filled with sunflower, thistle, peanuts, suet and millet and keep your eyes peeled for these hungry little travelers.

When I first heard there was such a thing as a birder's conference, I couldn't believe my ears!  You mean, there are other people out there like me?  By "other people like me" I meant avid birders who are unfairly (or maybe fairly) described as obsessed.  I could not believe there were enough birders in my state to justify an entire conference, but there it was in black and white!  According to the agenda, there was going to be a keynote speaker and several other speakers, birding trips (of course!) and other activities.  I had to see this!  To say I had a wonderful time was an understatement!  The keynote speaker was none other than Greg Miller, the person on whom Jack Black's character in "The Big Year" was based!  Plus, I met birders of all ages, and all of them treated me like family.  I got some lifers during the birding trips, so that was icing on the cake.  It was a tremendous experience, one that I would recommend to any birder - novice or advanced.  Check your local Audubon for events and if there is a conference for birders, sign up immediately!  You'll be glad you did!

It's Halloween season.  Shadowy figures lurk in the dark woods, watching you with big, yellow eyes.  You know they are out there, watching and killing.  Your plan is to catch one of these creatures and you set a trap while it was still light.  After the darkness has taken over the land, you bravely walk through the woods with very little light to guide you.  After all, you want to stay as invisible as possible.  As you approach your elaborate trap, you are relieved to find your prey is caught in your net.  It watches you with large eyes, flashing you a look mixed with panic and anger.  You free the creature and place it in a bag, then you haul your prize back to the comfort of civilization, where you will show your trophy to the crowd that has gathered to see this wild creature.  And what is this creature?  Brace yourself.... It's a Northern Saw-Whet Owl - in my opinion one of the cutest birds that has ever existed!  At the Indiana Dunes and in numerous other locations across the country, Saw-Whet Owls are being studied and banded to help us learn more about these tiny little owls.  The Dunes invites the public to the banding programs where you will get up close and personal with an owl and learn quite a bit about them.  If you have never seen one of these cuties up close, it's an opportunity you don't want to miss!  Check your local parks to find a Northern Saw-Whet Owl banding program near you.