Wellfield Botanic Gardens is many things to many people – and a dynamic, diverse habitat for over 100 bird species throughout the year!
Whether you’re an avid birder or curious first-timer exploring a new hobby, Wellfield is an ideal location to walk and easily observe a broad diversity of species due to Wellfield’s various themed gardens and habitat types that attract a wide range of wildlife. We encourage self-guided walks anytime during business hours, but if you’d like a little guidance from an expert in the field, check out our scheduled, guided bird walks.
Join Audubon Society member and Indiana Master Naturalist Mary Kauffmann-Kennel for family-friendly bird walks along Wellfield trails to see and hear the numerous bird species that live and frequent our wonderful habitat. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring any bird guide books you have and binoculars (not required). Beginning and experienced birders are welcome. The walk generally lasts about an hour or so.
Winter 2021-22 Bird Walk dates:
Sunday, December 5, 2 p.m.
Sunday, January 9**, 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 6**, 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 6**, 2 p.m.
(**If you are an Elkhart County resident, you are eligible for free admission to the Gardens today! Please register IN PERSON at our Visitors Cottage – proof of Elkhart County residency is required for ALL adults in your party to gain free admission.)
Register Here
Bird Walks are included with Membership or Standard Admission ($8 adults/$4 children ages 3-12). Reciprocal privileges honored. Please RSVP for upcoming walks (walk-in registrations are accepted). There is construction affecting access to the Gardens, please refer to our Modified Visitation Plan for details.
For more birding information, events, local knowledge and FUN, check out these resources:
- South Bend-Elkhart Audubon Society Check out their Resources for Birders page – – GREAT information, including a printable field checklist for this area!
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds website – terrific for online birding identification, with links to educational articles about birds, birding ID, bird biology, nest box building, information about ebird and Merlin apps for bird identification on the go!
- And don’t forget to join and like a local birding FACEBOOK page in your area – – for our immediate area, we suggest:
Photos by Emma Wynn
Wellfield Botanic Gardens 