BIRDSEYE – Nature enthusiasts in and around Bedford are invited to join Let the Sun Shine In – Indiana and the U.S. Forest Service-Hoosier National Forest for a unique opportunity to seek out the captivating Eastern Whip-poor-will. This special “Whip-poor-will Tour” will occur on Saturday, May 17, from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. EDT in the forested areas of the Birdseye Trailhead, in Dubois County, east of Birdseye.
This free event will guide participants through the birds’ natural habitat, allowing them to hear and potentially see these nocturnal creatures. Known for their distinct and evocative three-syllable call that echoes through the night, Eastern Whip-poor-wills are a fascinating part of the region’s biodiversity.
If you plan to attend, please contact Judi Brown, the coordinator, by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 16, at 812-631-4904 or email JBrown@abcbirds.org.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will be postponed.
Famous in folklore, songs, poems, and literature, these medium-sized birds are masters of camouflage. Their brindled plumage blends seamlessly with the gray-brown leaf litter of the open forests where they breed and roost. As the sun sets and moonlight graces the landscape, these insectivores emerge to hunt from perches, sweeping up insects with their cavernous mouths.
The tour will focus on forested areas where the open forest understory provides the ideal habitat for these birds. As these open forests mature and become too dense, the whip-poor-wills often decline in those areas, making this tour a chance to appreciate them in their preferred environment. The exploration will be conducted by car and on foot, allowing for a comprehensive search of suitable locations.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic of the night and listen for the enchanting calls of the Eastern Whip-poor-will in its natural Hoosier National Forest habitat.
