Several years ago, as a newer birder in Steuben County, I had the chance to chase a report of a Yellow-crowned Night Heron. We knew the exact location and had permission to search, but unfortunately, we couldn’t spot it ourselves. However, the original observer had provided photos, so we knew it had been there. Not long after, I received an email from someone named Ken Brock, requesting copies of the photos for his database. We gladly shared them, not yet realizing the significance of his work.
It wasn’t until nearly a decade later, after I moved to the Indiana Dunes in 2007, that I truly discovered what an incredible resource and leader Ken was within the birding community. His dedication to documenting and understanding Indiana’s birdlife had already created a legacy that shaped the passion of countless birders, including myself. In my first year living in the Dunes, I was struck by how much birding knowledge—natural history, identification skills, and insights into birds—seemed to radiate from those around Ken. Many had only been birding for a few years, yet their expertise felt accelerated, as if simply being in Ken’s orbit had amplified their learning and passion for birds.
There isn’t a bird conservation story in Indiana today that hasn’t been touched by Ken’s influence, advice, or research. Though he spent his career as a geology professor before retiring from Indiana University Northwest, his dedication to studying and documenting birds that truly defined him. Ken excelled in ornithology and had a unique passion for mentoring and educating others in the field.
Ken had a true love for data. Working at Indiana Dunes State Park meant I was surrounded by spring bird song, and Ken encouraged everyone to send him their sightings. His responses were often simple but enthusiastic: “Keep them coming.” After sharing a scoter sighting one morning, he replied, “Brad—thank you for taking the time to share your observation from DSP today. This is great information for the database, and I really appreciate receiving it.” His appreciation for every detail made sharing observations with him all the more rewarding.
In 2007, the demolition of Indiana Dunes State Park’s large green water tower sparked Ken to mobilize support and funding for a new birding tower to replace this once vital water source and incidental bird platform. Ken spoke highly of the old tower as a site to explore what he called “longshore flight.” He even recalled a Turkey Vulture landing on the railing next to him, departing moments later, as Ken surmised the vulture figured Ken wasn’t done enough.
Although straightforward, the project faced significant challenges, including the need to account for hurricane-force winds, snow loads, and other environmental factors. Now a short decade later, the longshore birding tower stands as a testament to Ken’s vision, offering excellent opportunities for bird study in this migratory superhighway. It serves not only as a hub for birders but also as a prominent park feature that attracts sightseers, stargazers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
In 2021, Dr. Brock received the Sagamore of the Wabash award, one of Indiana’s highest distinctions, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to conservation and ornithology. I had the privilege of co-leading the nomination for this prestigious award, which celebrates individuals who have rendered distinguished service to Indiana. Ken’s decades-long dedication to studying, documenting, and preserving Indiana’s bird populations—especially in the Indiana Dunes—was a driving force behind this recognition. The award was well deserved.
Even as Ken slowed down with age, his work continued. He published a series of shorebird supplements for Indiana Audubon members, with natural history migration records for each species. His work helped connect the dots on our own journey to discover what birds are and can truly accomplish.
Ken passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024. That same day, my wife and I visited the Project Owlnet station in the Indiana Dunes, less than two miles from Ken’s home as the Northern Saw-whet Owl flies. It was an extraordinary night of migration, with over a dozen young saw-whets, full of spunk and energy, being banded and released in front of an awe stricken crowd of bundled-up budding birders. Among the owls, an old male, rarely banded here, was processed early in the night. That spark in the eyes of both young and old participants was evident as they learned about and connected with these birds, mirroring the passion with which Ken had advocated for all of Indiana’s avian species. One young lady exclaimed that it was the “greatest night of her life!” Reflecting on that moment, I feel the torch of Ken’s lifelong dedication to birding and conservation was passed on to the next generation of birders and conservationists that night.
Keep on birding, Ken.
Brad Bumgardner
Executive Director
Indiana Audubon
