Watchable Wildlife Sites
They're found along roads and highways, are brown with the outline of binoculars on them, and are usually near brushy areas or wetlands. They are the Watchable Wildlife signs which identify areas with a high probability of viewing wildlife.
Download the Watchable Wildlife Brochure
Each area offers a unique or exceptional chance to view wildlife in their natural homes. Part of the excitement lies in the uncertainty. Unlike more predictable opportunities to view wildlife, these sites are homes to a diverse number of animals, any of which you might encounter during your visit. To improve your chances, walk quietly and slowly into the wind, come early in the morning, or late afternoon, and above all be patient.
The Forest is a collage of ecosystems. Each ecosystem is unique in the types of animals who make their home there. The Watchable Wildlife sites showcase some of these habitat types. Bring your binoculars and your camera, and tread softly to view the real owners of the Hoosier National Forest.
Wildlife Sites on the Hoosier National Forest
The abundance of wildlife on the Hoosier National Forest is impressive: 50 species of mammals, 142 bird species, 36 reptillian and 28 amphibian species, 125 fish, and we're finding more species all the time. Finding these animals is part of the adventure.
Watchable Wildlife Sites on Hoosier National Forest
This small pond is located near open grasslands, shrubby fields, cedar thickets, and small woodlots. A buried natural gas pipeline runs behind the pond, and the mowed pipeline corridor attracts songbirds and small mammals.
There is a high probability of viewing meadowlarks, bluebirds, sparrows, bobwhite quail, and many other open-ground bird species in certain seasons. Wild turkey have become common in this area so in May and June, watch for hen turkeys leading broods of young birds called poults into the grassy areas to feed on insects. Adult turkeys eat mostly seeds, fruits, and nuts, but poults need the high protein content of insects to sustain their rapid growth.
Deer may be seen on the edge of the pipeline corridor at dawn or dusk. Prairie grasses and wildflowers are abundant in the open areas during spring and summer.
Hunting is permitted on these public lands so use caution during any hunting seasons.
Size: 5 acres.
This high prominent lookout above the Ohio River offers a beautiful view of the river and the patchwork of farmland across in Kentucky. Fall colors are spectacular.
Here you have a high probability of viewing hawks and turkey vultures soaring on thermal air currents rising from the river valley during the summer. Bald eagle are often seen along the river in winter. Woodland songbirds are common in the forested areas along the river.
Hunting is permitted on these public lands so use caution during any hunting seasons.
Size: 80 acres.
In this flooded stand of bottomland trees along an oxbow of the Lost River, there's a high probability of seeing beaver and muskrat. Surrounding lowlands contain hardwood forest, a white pine plantation, and shrubby, old field areas.
Beaver are mostly nocturnal, however, you may catch a glimpse of them when they emerge from their lodges before sundown. Deer are common in the area and you'll see their narrow trails along the river.
Heron and egrets are often seen on the marsh and along the river. Winter songbirds may be seen frequenting the area of pine and shrubby fields between the parking lot and the marsh.
Hunting is permitted on these public lands so use caution during any hunting seasons.
Size: 5 acres.
This site is around two clear lakes nestled in the wooded hills of the Hoosier National Forest. Roads and trails through the native hardwood forest mixed with pine provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Woodland songbirds are common in this area. Winter viewing is especially good in the pine plantations. There is a high probability of seeing deer along the roads and trails, and beside the lakes in early morning. Hawks and turkey vultures are often seen soaring above the lakes. Bald egles and osprey are seen occasionally perched in shoreline trees during winter. Hike the trails in April and May to see an abundance of spring wildflowers.
The 12 mile Two Lakes Loop Hiking Trail traverses the area.
-
-
Additional Resources
Lists butterflies likely to be found on the Hoosier National Forest