Spring Migrant and Breeding Birds Nature Walk

Theme: Spring Migrant and Breeding Birds Nature Walk

Location: Indian Creek State Wildlife Area

Date:  Saturday, May 23, 2026

Meet:  At 8:00 AM at the Marathon Gas & Food Mart in Fayetteville Ohio, located on the northwest corner of the US 50 & SR 68 intersections in Fayetteville. See directions below.

Leader: Bill Stanley, (513) 324-2796, tyrannus58@gmail.com

We have not visited this unique area for quite a while, but prior ASO trips have always proved popular and successful. If you have never been to this location, you are in for a surprise.

Located about 20 miles east of Milford and just south of US 50, the 1800 acre Indian Creek State Wildlife Area (SWA), is a little known, but wonderful hidden gem that can teem with birds and other wildlife and provides excellent birding at any season. Woodlands, weedy and brushy fields, many marshy ponds, wooded riparian Indian Creek and a managed wetland create a multitude of habitats which in turn attract a diversity of birds and other species. This quiet and little visited area has miles of gravel roads which make for easy access and walking.

On this date spring migration may be a bit past peak, but there still should be many migrants moving through. Summer resident birds should be abundant and near their breeding peak. Many songbirds, raptors and wetland birds should be found. Some interesting species that are likely present include Northern Bobwhite, Red-headed Woodpecker, Bell’s Vireo, and Blue Grosbeak.

Our trip leader, Bill Stanley, is an expert birder and naturalist who knows this area very well.  Bill is the current president of our Audubon Society (ASO) and also an officer of the Cincinnati Herpetological Club. We will meet Bill at the Fayetteville Marathon Station (see directions below) and caravan from there.  Indian Creek is easily accessed off of US 50 and is only about a 3 minute drive from our meeting spot. Expect mostly walking on this trip, but the walking will be moderate over level ground and at a leisurely birders pace. Bill will probably occasionally drive from one stop to another.

Bill figures this trip will last no later than noon. It can be hot in late May, so you may want to bring water, sun screen, insect repellent and a hat to make your trip more comfortable. Bill will plan restroom stops along the way. There is a restroom at our meeting location and a few primitive facilities at Indian Creek. Feel free to contact Bill if you have any questions.

Directions to Marathon Gas & Food Mart in Fayetteville, Ohio:

From I-275 at the Milford Parkway/US 50 Exit # 59, take US 50 east for about 20 miles to the intersection of US 68 in Fayetteville, Ohio. The Marathon Station is located on the NW corner. Meet in the Parking Lot, but park away from the front doors if possible.

Indian Creek SWA website:

https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/indian-creek-wildlife-area

(Contributed by Jay Stenger)