I recently had the pleasure of joining the Indiana Audubon Society on a birdwalk at the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary in Fayette County. As an avid birdwatcher, I had been looking forward to this trip for weeks and was not disappointed. The sanctuary is a beautiful and peaceful place, and the staff and volunteers were incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about birdwatching.
As soon as we arrived, we were warmly greeted by Libby Keyes, the Operations Manager, who gave us a brief overview of the property and its history. It was clear from the start that this was a place dedicated to the conservation and protection of birds and their habitats.
We began our hike early in the morning, and the cool temperatures and calm atmosphere made for perfect birdwatching conditions. The sanctuary did not disappoint! As we walked through the woods and fields of the sanctuary, we saw a wide variety of bird species, including warblers, vireos, and woodpeckers. However, the highlight of the trip for me was undoubtedly the ruby-throated hummingbirds. These tiny, colorful birds are always a treat to see, and we were lucky enough to spot several of them. The light was just right, and I was able to snap some great pictures.
Overall, my visit to the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary was a wonderful experience. It's clear that the Indiana Audubon Society is doing important work in protecting the habitats of these beautiful creatures, and it was a privilege to be a part of it, even just for a morning. I highly recommend a visit to anyone interested in birdwatching or nature conservation.
