Discover Birds in the City This September with Indiana Audubon

Photo: A Peregrine Falcon soars above the Indianapolis skyline at sunset. Falcon created by artist Scott Arvin.

Indianapolis may be known for its skyline and busy streets, but its parks, high-rises, and hidden green pockets tell another story. Swifts swirl into their evening roost, Peregrine Falcons hunt between high-rises, and songbirds rest in trees along downtown paths. This September, Indiana Audubon is offering four chances to discover birds woven into the city.

Anyone who registers will also be entered into a drawing for a limited-edition Peregrine Falcon woodblock print by artist Matt Rees (valued at $200). Space is capped for each outing, so advance registration is required. Bird lovers statewide can also take part in the drawing by purchasing raffle tickets at urbanbirds.givesmart.com. The winner will be announced Sept. 28, and the print will be mailed to the recipient.

Here’s what’s ahead:

• Sunset Swift Spectacle at Fountain Square (Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m. ET—SOLD OUT): Watch a colony of Chimney Swifts funnel into their evening roost above the Rooftop Garden at the Fountain Square Theatre Building with naturalist Wes Homoya.
• Downtown Urban Birding & Peregrine Watch (Sept. 10, 9 a.m. ET): Take a weekday walk from Military Park to Monument Circle, watching for Peregrine Falcons overhead and migratory songbirds moving through the trees and plazas with Wes Homoya.
• Urban Accessible Birding at the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park (Sept. 20, 8 a.m. ET): Join Olivia Bautch for a low-mobility friendly outing along accessible paths by the canal, the White River, and a small lake.
• Urban Accessible Birding at the Eagle’s Crest Trails (Sept. 27, 8 a.m. ET): Wander an ADA-accessible loop on the west side of Eagle Creek Park with Olivia Bautch, taking in fall color and enjoying looks at sparrows and other migrants.

Event tickets are $5 for Indiana Audubon members and $10 for non-members for the walks led by Wes Homoya. The accessible outings with Olivia Bautch are free for members and $5 for non-members.