Geist Reservoir

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Geist Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Gadwall among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

3/5/202680301 observed

Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid)

Mareca penelope x americana

3/3/2026Enterprise Drive, McCordsville, Indiana, US (39.85, -85.909)1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

2/22/2026Morse Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

93/1/2026

Mute Swan

13/1/2026

Gadwall

253/1/2026

Mallard

43/1/2026

Canvasback

73/1/2026

Redhead

203/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

1253/1/2026

Greater Scaup

43/1/2026

Lesser Scaup

63/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

353/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/1/2026

Horned Grebe

23/1/2026

Bald Eagle

13/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/1/2026

Bufflehead

2/21/2026

Common Goldeneye

2/21/2026

Common Merganser

2/21/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

2/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

2/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Geist Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Geist Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Geist Reservoir?
Notable species at Geist Reservoir include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Canvasback. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Geist Reservoir?
Birding at Geist Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Geist Reservoir?
Geist Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.