Waterfowl Festival - Northern Indiana Spring Migration

Start: Saturday, March 28, 2026 8:00AM
End: Saturday, March 28, 2026 4:30PM

This March, bird watchers, nature lovers, and curious minds alike are invited to experience spring migration up close. The Waterfowl Festival offers a full day dedicated to birds, wetlands, and conservation. Tippecanoe Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, and Chautauqua-Wawasee jointly host the festival. The event takes place at the Oakwood Resort in Syracuse. It welcomes participants of all ages and experience levels. March marks peak migration along the Mississippi Flyway. During this time, waterfowl and other wetland birds move north through the region. The Waterfowl Festival in Northern Indiana offers a rare chance to observe this seasonal movement firsthand. Guided Birding Experiences Festival participants can join guided field trips to Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area and the Pisgah Marsh Boardwalk. Both locations sit along key migration routes. Expert birders lead these outings in coordination with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Participants learn to observe and identify birds in real time. These trips provide hands-on experience in active wetland habitats. Workshops and Hands-On Activities In addition to outdoor birding, the festival offers an indoor activity track. This option allows participants to balance time inside and outside. Ducks Unlimited volunteers lead waterfowl identification workshops, duck box building, and decoy painting activities. These sessions help participants tailor the day to their interests. They also provide flexibility based on weather or comfort level. Speaker Series on Waterfowl and Conservation An afternoon speaker series rounds out the program. These talks focus on waterfowl biology, migration, and conservation. Featured speakers include • Adam Phelps, Indiana DNR Waterfowl Biologist, discussing changes to migration patterns along the Mississippi Flyway • Hunter Mentges, presenting an introduction to identifying and aging waterfowl • A representative from Indiana Audubon, discussing the successful reestablishment of sandhill cranes in Indiana Tickets and Registration Tickets to the Waterfowl Festival are $20 per person. The price includes a buffet lunch. Registration is strongly encouraged. Tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite. Follow us on Facebook for updates!