Muscatatuck NWR
Seymour, IN
Muscatatuck NWR is an important migration site for many waterfowl species. It has also been used as a stopover site for the Ultra-Light led Whooping Cranes.
Specialty Species:
Waterfowl: Waterfowl can be found on any of the lakes and ponds within the park. Richart Lake and McDonald Marsh usually have the best numbers and variety of species.
Least Bittern: These birds can be most easily found in Endicott Marsh. Scan the reeds and cattails from the viewing platform.
Northern Shrike: Northern Shrike is an occasional winter visitor to the park. When present they are typically found near the Endicott Marsh Parking Area.
Tundra Swans: Another winter resident, Tundra swans can typically be found in the pond located where the one-way wildlife loop Ts into the two-way road.
Where to Bird:
Visitor Center: The visitor center is the first place that you should stop. Here you can pick up information about the refuge and check out the wildlife viewing window. The window has lots of common birds and can also be good in the winter for species such as Purple Finch and Red-breasted Nuthatch.
Richart Lake: Richart Lake is the first body of water you see once leaving the Visitor Center. It is a good lake for waterfowl and swallows. Sometimes you can find a group of the reintroduced River Otters feeding and playing in the lake.
McDonald Marsh: After turning right onto the one way auto-tour loop, McDonald Marsh is the first large body of water you will see. There are typically many dabbling ducks in the marsh. It is also common to see raptors and woodpeckers perched on the dead trees located on the west side of the marsh.
Endicott Marsh: Endicott Marsh has a paved walkway and a raised viewing platform with permanent spotting scopes. This is a great place to find bitterns.
Auto-Tour Loop: This loop provides access to some of the best habitats in the refuge. Following this loop and stopping to scan along the way is a sure way to find many great species.
Hours:
Sunrise to Sunset
The refuge gates are automatic. They open and close at sunrise and sunset but usually allow plenty of time to exit after sunset. It is best to be out of the park at sunset just to be sure that you can get out.
Fees:
None
Accessiblity:
Accessible paved trail located near the Visitor Center. Another paved trail is also located at Endicott Marsh and leads to a raised observation deck that is also handicap accessible.
Trails:
There are 8 trails located throughout the property.
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- None
Lenght of Visit:
3-4 Hours
Map:
Website:
Directions:
From the North: Take I-65 South to Exit 50A (US-50 East). Follow US-50 for 2.5 miles and the entrance to Muscatatuck NWR is on the right (south).
From the South: Take I-65 North to Exit 50A (US-50 East). Follow US-50 for 2.5 miles and the entrance to Muscatatuck NWR is on the right (south).
From the East: Take US-50 west from North Vernon for 10 miles. The entrance to Muscatatuck NWR is on the left (south).
From the West: Take US-50 out of Seymour for 5 miles. The entrance to Muscatatuck NWR is on the right (south).
Address:
12985 East U.S. Highway 50
Seymour, IN 47274
Phone: 812-522-4352
Nearby Birding: