According to the 2025 U.S. State of the Birds Report, one-third of North American bird species are at risk. Many of them live in Indiana or pass through during migration. Protecting these birds requires more than good intentions. It takes statewide research, collaboration, education, and community involvement.
At Indiana Audubon, we lead programs that track migration, restore habitat, and study vulnerable species across the state. We collaborate with agencies, researchers, and community scientists, and we offer resources and opportunities that help people take part in bird conservation close to home.
Just as important, we invest in the people and places that shape Indiana’s birdscape. From funding local projects and certifying Bird Towns to distributing gear and grants, our initiatives create stronger connections between birds, habitats, and the communities that care about both.
Each of these efforts reflects our mission: connecting birds, people, and habitats across Indiana.
SCIENCE AND SPECIES
Indiana Barn Owl Initiative
We’re partnering with the Indiana DNR and working with landowners to expand nesting opportunities for barn owls in Indiana. Launched in March 2026, this initiative focuses on properties where adding a nest box can make nesting possible.
Learn more about the initiative →
Lake Michigan Migration Surveys
We conduct seasonal bird counts along Lake Michigan to document the shoreline’s role as a vital corridor for migratory birds. These long-running surveys track songbirds, waterbirds, and shorebirds, helping build the data needed to protect this region for the species that depend on it.
Explore our seasonal bird counts →
Project Owlnet
Each fall, we take part in a continent-wide effort to study the Northern Saw-whet Owl, Indiana’s smallest and most secretive owl. At our banding stations in the Indiana Dunes and Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, we gather migration data and welcome visitors to experience the research up close.
Learn how we monitor the owls →
Chasing Melody
We’re using Motus technology to track Wood Thrushes that nest in Indiana and migrate across the hemisphere. By tagging individual birds with our conservation partners, we’re uncovering where they go and how to better protect them. Adopt a thrush and receive seasonal updates as your bird journeys beyond the state.
Follow the journey of a Wood Thrush →
Echoes of the Night Sky
Each night during migration, thousands of birds pass unseen overhead. With recording equipment and a trained group of volunteers, we capture and analyze their flight calls. By identifying which species are flying above and in what numbers, we’re adding new insights to the story of nocturnal migration.
Discover nocturnal flight calls →
Secretive Marshbird Monitoring
We help coordinate surveys in the Dunes-Calumet region to track rare marshbirds and assess wetland health. In partnership with Audubon Great Lakes and the Indiana DNR, this work combines community science with emerging technologies to improve how we detect and protect these elusive species.
Read about wetland bird research →
Adopt a Shrike
Our Adopt a Shrike program helps restore habitat for one of Indiana’s rarest breeding birds. Donations support the Indiana DNR in planting native shrubs on private lands, creating much-needed nesting areas for Loggerhead Shrikes and boosting their chance of survival.
Support shrike conservation in Indiana →
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary
We own and operate Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary in Connersville, with more than 700 acres of forest, wetlands, and grassland. The property supports a wide range of bird species and features more than 8 miles of trails, multiple facilities, and year-round programming that connects visitors to bird conservation.
Plan your visit →
Indiana Dunes Birding Festival
Since 2015, we’ve hosted a multi-day celebration of spring migration in the Indiana Dunes, one of the most bird-rich areas in the Great Lakes. With more than 180 trips, talks, and experiences, the festival blends fun, learning, and community while supporting our conservation work year-round.
Visit the festival website →
Indiana Birding Trail
Birding trails inspire exploration while protecting what matters most. The Indiana Birding Trail links a region’s best natural resources, guiding birders to iconic sites while creating economic and conservation benefits along the way. It’s a direct expression of our mission in action.
Find your next birding destination →
Mumford and Keller Grants and Scholarships
Our Mumford & Keller program offers funding for bird-focused education, research, and conservation in Indiana. Grants and scholarships help students, professionals, and communities take meaningful action to protect birds and the places they depend on.
View eligibility and requirements →
Bird Town Indiana
We certify towns, cities, and campuses that take measurable steps to protect birds, improve habitat, and engage their communities. Through Bird Town Indiana, we provide resources and support while local leaders drive long-term conservation efforts where they live.
