We have a variety of programs that cover everything from beneficial backyard birds to the superheroes of the bird world.
Beneficial Birds
Suffer from hay fever? Ragweed is often responsible, and certain birds will help cut down on the amount of ragweed growing near you. Do you like fruit or nuts? Birds can protect those trees from harmful insects. Would you prefer that ticks and rodents stay away from you and your home? Ask a bird for help!
The Beneficial Birds Program begins with a discussion about the various methods we use to identify birds (physical appearance, behavior, sound, nest/eggs, etc.). Once we learn to identify them, we talk about several beneficial birds and the various ways in which they help people.
During the program, we also discuss ways that humans can return the favor. We can help birds by using bird-friendly landscaping, constructing nest boxes, and more.
On this page, you’ll find photos of some of the beneficial birds you can find in your yard. You’ll also find a few of the handouts we provide during the program. Simply right-click on the item you want to print or download then click “Print” or “Save as”.
Keep in mind that this is just a small sample of the program. To schedule this program and a tour, contact the Limberlost State Historic Site.
Nest Box Plans
A Few Beneficial Birds
Chimney Swifts
The Chimney Swift program on August 9 for a Swift Night Out was a huge success! An informative program about Chimney Swifts was held at Limberlost State Historic Site at 7:30 p.m. We had hands-on activities for the children, fantastic door prizes and more!
Alex Forsythe gave an entertaining and educational program in which you were be able to peek inside Swift nests, see and touch Swift tail feathers and their unusual spikes, and more! Afterward, we went on a short walking tour to watch the Chimney Swifts perform their breathtaking aerial acrobatics.
Eagles
The Bald Eagle: A Symbol of Freedom, A Symbol of Survival
Not long ago, our national symbol was driven to the brink of extinction. Indiana no longer had nesting pairs of Bald Eagles; only a stray eagle migrating through could be seen now and then. Using a combination of corrective measures, the number of Bald Eagles in Indiana has risen dramatically. Learn more about these majestic birds, their life history, and their amazing story of survival in this program.
Extreme Birds
Indiana’s Extreme Birds
You might think that Indiana’s birds are rather ordinary, but you would be wrong. Indiana is home to many extreme birds that make our extreme sports seem tame! You’ll learn about several birds and their amazing feats, then compare your abilities against theirs. This program involves several hands-on activities and is perfect for all ages.
Indiana’s Raptors
Indiana’s Raptors
From the diminutive Northern Saw-whet Owl to the mighty Bald Eagle, Indiana has a fascinating array of raptors. Each of our owls, eagles, hawks, falcons, osprey and vultures have very specialized skills. Did you know that a Golden Eagle can take a deer? Or that a Cooper’s Hawk squeezes its prey a bit like a boa constrictor? Find out more about Indiana’s “tigers of the sky” in this program.
Owls of Limberlost
Did you know that an owl can hear a mouse’s heartbeat from 30 feet away? Do you know how many eyelids an owl has? Why is an owl’s left ear differently shaped than the right ear? The popular Owls of Limberlost program explores the world of these magnificent raptors and their amazing adaptations. In addition to a presentation and hands-on activities, live raptors may visit for a close-up encounter.
Some of the worksheets are below and can be downloaded by right-clicking on the worksheet then clicking “Save as” or “Print”. Additional booklets and handouts for this program are available as free downloads by clicking here, then clicking on “Resources”, then “Free downloads”.
Schedule this program by contacting the Limberlost State Historic Site, and be sure to combine the program with a tour of the site.
Peregrine Falcons
Peregrine Falcons
Meet the rockets of the bird world! These birds can fly faster than the Indy 500 cars, catching their prey in midair. But how do they do attain such speeds and how do they breathe when they are flying that fast? Why do they bow to each other? How common are they in Indiana? Learn the answers to these questions and much more in this program.
Vultures
Vultures
Vultures are often thought of negatively, but such thoughts could not be more wrong. Without vultures, we would have to contend with far more diseases. Vultures help protect us from outbreaks of rabies, anthrax, cholera, botulism and more. They might not be the prettiest bird, but they have some of the most specialized adaptations of any animal. Learn about Indiana’s two types of vultures in this program, and you’re sure to become a fan of these birds!
Friends of the Limberlost 