Indianapolis [Big Oaks NWR]

I decided I needed a nature break, so, in spite of the oppressive heat and humidity, I drove the hour and a half South to Big Oaks NWR . This NWR is situated on an old proving ground, so the procedure for gaining entrance is a bit more complicated than usual. First, you have to find the place. That requires carefully following their directions as GPS will not get you there. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Gabriel, who explained that I would need to watch a 20 min video and sign a long list of disclaimers. The biggest issue is that there exists the possibility of unexploded ordinance. And apparently copperheads are also present. The roads in the day use area are gravel and there are also some disclaimers about responsibility for towing any damaged vehicles. Once the formalities were completed, Gabriel and Bob gave me a lot of information about where to go and what I might find.

The refuge is mostly wooded but has a few areas of open grassland, and also a lake. The grassland was replete with late season wildflowers, which had attracted many butterflies. Not wanting to step foot off of the road, I photographed them from my car with my long lens. It was twelve miles to the lake, which had several different approaches. I had been told that there was a bald eagle around, and at the second stop I sited him (or her, no way to tell). There is apparently a nest as well, but not visible and I was advised that there were no eaglets this year. The eagle eventually landed, but on the far side of the lake. I was able to capture a few images, but truthfully pretty small in the frame. I think I was lucky to catch him (or her) at all. On the back side of the loop I stopped for more butterflies.

This was my last day in Indiana. In retrospect, I might have arranged my itinerary differently. I think a day in Fort Wayne would have been sufficient, and I would have spent a couple of days further South so that I could have also visited Clifty Falls State Park. Tomorrow I continue South and a bit East to pick up Kentucky and fill in the last of the Eastern States.