ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- Elkhart County Parks are getting ready for their Wednesday Bird Walk on May 7 from 7:30 to 11 a.m., at Benton Dam in River Preserve County Park.

Birds are heading to their nesting grounds from the spring migration. Starting early to mid-May marks peak migration as millions of birds head north.

The 350-acre River Preserve County Park provides a crucial stopping point for migrating birds to rest and refuel. The free site-to-site tour will give visitors the chance to follow the path of warblers, tanagers, orioles, and other songbirds, as they move along the river.

“River Preserve is a fantastic place to experience spring migration,” stated Annie Aguirre, who will be leading the tour. “The diverse habitats and waterways at the preserve act like a migration magnet for birds, so on a good day, we could see over 60 species, plus any rarities that decide to drop in," said Aguirre.

The bird walk is free and open to ages eight and up with no registration required.

The public will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Benton Dam in River Preserve County Park, located one mile south of U.S. 33 on C.R. 31, in Goshen. Participants are encouraged to arrive early and dress for extended time outdoors.

The Elkhart County Parks offers free bird walks on the first Wednesday of every month.

The 2025 line-up includes:

• Migration Mania: May 7 at Benton Dam in River Preserve County Park (starts early at 7:30 a.m.)

• Countryside Nesters: June 4 at Pumpkinvine Nature Trail (C.R. 43 Trailhead)

• Rainbow Bingo: July 2 at Cobus Creek County Park

• Little Birds on the Prairie: Aug. 6 at Boot Lake Nature Preserve

• Fall Frenzy: Sept. 3 at Benton Spillway in River Preserve County Park

For more information and upcoming events can be found on the Elkhart County Parks website.