Interpretive Birding Trail, also, Research and Conservation. Welcome, also, Explore. , Interpretive Birding Trail , Located in the watershed of the Whitewater River, Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary protects critical habitat, resources, and water quality for migrating and nesting birds., Explore the Interpretive Birding Trail , . Hike the 1½-mile loop through a variety of habitats. , . Learn about the birds and other wildlife that live here. , . Follow the red cardinal trail markers to guide your way., An Indiana Icon , Northern Cardinal , Cardinalis cardinalis, For over 100 years Indiana Audubon has incorporated the Northern Cardinal in its logo. On the Birding Trail, watch for the flash of the bright red males and the more muted females., The Indiana Legislature named the Northern Cardinal as the state bird in 1957., Growing a Sanctuary in Memory of Mary Gray , 1943 Alice Green Gray gives the initial 264 acres to Indiana Audubon Society as a living memorial to her daughter Mary., 1947 Congressman Finley H. Gray wills property to the Society bringing the total to more than 600 acres., 2018 Nearly 30 acres are dedicated by the Department of Natural Resources as the Mary Gray Nature Preserve, due to its high-quality upland forests., Today Gifts from members have provided for additional acquisitions and the Sanctuary now occupies over 700 acres., A Place for Birds , . Over 200 species of birds have been seen at the Sanctuary. , . Many species nest here; others stop to refuel during migration. , . Diverse plant life provides cover as well as seeds and fruits that birds depend on in all seasons., Research and Conservation , Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary serves as an outdoor laboratory to study birds and apply best conservation practices. By promoting an ecologically diverse landscape, the Sanctuary leads by example while learning from other environmental organizations and landowners., Tracking Birds for Science , Bird banding is one of the oldest techniques for studying bird movement and longevity. Researchers use aluminum leg bands, each with a unique 9-digit number to identify the bird. Observations of banded birds allow us to learn about migration, habitat use, population rates, and more., Tracking Birds through the Motus Network , New advances in technology allow real-time tracking by satellite and GPS. Tiny transmitters, carried like backpacks, "ping" special receivers when a banded bird passes over a Motus tower, similar to the one here at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary., Caring for the Land through Resource Management , Human influences, including habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species introduction have all taken a toll on the natural world. Indiana Audubon works to protect the Sanctuary for habitat, wildlife, and visitors who enjoy them., Prescribed fire and invasive species removal are two of the tools used to improve habitat., Support the Sanctuary , Indiana Audubon members and visitors provide most of the support to maintain the Sanctuary. Inquire online or at the Manager residence to help!, Volunteer for… , . bird banding research , . invasive species control , . trail work days , . special events and more