Photo: Longshore Tower sunset at Indiana Dunes, photographed by Whitney Yoerger.
BY WHITNEY YOERGER
Birders gathered in the Indiana Dunes from May 15 to 18, 2025, for our biggest and birdiest festival yet, tallying 212 species across the region. That total marks a new record for the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival (IDBF), surpassing the previous high of 208. From warbler waves to unexpected flybys, the collective eBird trip report reflected sharp eyes, great habitats, and a little migration luck—257 checklists submitted in total.
This year, we welcomed 815 registered attendees, not including scholarship recipients or community event participants. That’s a 9% increase from 2024. When you factor in those free events, the festival’s reach stretched even further. Attendees came from 23 states and five countries, including Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Australia, and Uganda. We’re officially international, but still proudly rooted in the Dunes.
Here’s how the U.S. crowd shaped up:
- 54% of attendees were from Indiana.
- 26% came from Illinois.
- Others joined us from Michigan, Wisconsin, California, New York, Maine, Colorado, Texas, and beyond.
- A few even came from states we rarely see represented at the festival.
Despite some extreme storms during the week, the energy never faded. Thanks to the commitment and flexibility of more than 70 volunteers, we kept the experience both safe and special.
Some numbers we’re especially proud of:
- Nearly half of attendees were first-timers.
- A strong portion of our participants identify as beginner birders, continuing the festival’s tradition of being welcoming to all experience levels.
- $24,800 was raised through the IDBF silent auction to support Indiana Audubon’s Mumford and Keller Grants and Scholarships program, with a small portion allocated to the 2026 IDBF Stewardship Fund.
IDBF is one of the top three birding festivals in the country and the largest on Lake Michigan. It’s also the only birding festival held within one of the 63 designated U.S. National Parks. Out of more than 400 National Park Service units, that’s something worth celebrating.
One of the most powerful moments came during our keynote evening, when Sacha Dench, a world record breaking biologist and conservationist, shared her story of flight and perseverance on behalf of Bewick’s Swans. Her message deeply resonated with the event attendees and earned earned the first standing ovation in festival history, a moment that spoke to the impact of her work and the spirit of the audience.
Photos and feedback are still rolling in, but the memories are already vivid. Sunrise and sunset hikes, lifers spotted through shared scopes, peaceful moments on the water during kayak birding, and surprise sightings along bike routes all stood out. From big mornings in the field to relaxed afternoons with local food, art, and conversation, the festival offered something for every pace and interest. Whether you came to build your list or simply take it all in, there was room to connect, explore, and remember why we bird.
Our attendees came from every corner for one reason: the shared joy of birds. It’s a reminder that birding isn’t just a hobby; it’s a common language that brings people together.
Thanks to everyone who made this possible. From the behind-the-scenes crew and volunteers to trip leaders, participants, and sponsors, your support helped make this our most memorable festival yet.
Already thinking about 2026? So are we! Mark your calendar for May 14-17, 2026.
Tags: indiana dunes birding festival
