Fairfax SRA
Bloomington, IN
This wooded area is situated on the southern part of Lake Monroe providing great views of a large section of the lake.
Specialty Species:
Diving Ducks: Scan the lake from the Beach Parking Lot, Parking Area 2, and Parking Area 3.
Gulls: Scan the beach at the Beach Parking Lot and the docks for resting gulls.
Warblers: Hike the trail that leaves from Parking Area 7 and check the trees around Parking Area 3.
Where to Bird:
- The Beach
- Parking Area 7
- Parking Area 3
- Parking Area 2
The Beach: Walk the beach for a chance at multiple species of gulls and waterfowl in the fall and winter. Watch the trees for migrating birds including warblers and vireos, especially during spring and fall.
Parking Area 7: Hike the trail from this parking area and proceed around the small woodland pond. Look for Barred Owls along the trail.
Parking Area 3: Park in this lot and scan the lake for waterfowl. Bald Eagles often hunt in this area. Look for them in the trees surrounding the lake.
Parking Area 2: Park in this area and scan the lake for waterfowl and gulls.
After passing the gate house take the first left into the beach parking lot. Bird the shore and trees for a chance at a good diversity of birds. Go back to the main Fairfax road and turn left. Park in the next lot on your right which is Parking Area 7. Hike the trail that starts from this lot. Turn right on the main Fairfax road and follow it until it ends and turn right. Park in Parking Area 3 and scan the lake for waterfowl and Bald Eagles. Return back to Fairfax Road but instead of turning onto it go straight and you will arrive at Parking Area 2. Scan the lake and docks for a diversity of birds.Hours:
Dawn to Dusk
Fees:
$4 Monday-Thursday, $5 Friday-Sunday for Indiana plates
$7 Daily for non-Indiana plates
Accessiblity:
Most areas are paved. Most birding can be done from the car making this location very accessible.
Trails:
There are a couple of woodland trails on the property.
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- None
Lenght of Visit:
Less than a half day
Map:
- Indiana DNR - Lake Monroe Map
Website:
Directions:
From the North: Go south on SR-37. Take the Monroe Dam Road exit. Turn right (east) and go 1 mile. Turn left (north) onto South Strain Ridge Road. Continue on this road as it becomes East Pointe Road. When you get to the T-intersection at South Fairfax Road, turn right (south). Follow this road into Fairfax SRA.
From the South: Go north on SR-37. Take the Monroe Dam Road exit. Go 0.8 miles and turn left (north) onto South Strain Ridge Road. Continue on this road as it becomes East Pointe Road. When you get to the T-intersection at South Fairfax Road, turn right (south). Follow this road into Fairfax SRA.Address:
None Available
Nearby Birding: