Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area
Natural Areas: Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area
Sandhill Cranes. Click to enlarge
Jasper-Pulaski has other appealing characteristics, but sandhill cranes are the principal attraction. These large birds stand up to four feet tall and sport seven-foot wingspans. Sandhills have shown up at Jasper-Pulaski during every month of the year, but awe-inspiring congregations occur in mid-November, when thousands pause during their annual journey south. Most sandhills east of the Mississippi tarry at Jasper-Pulaski, feeding in nearby fields before returning to roost for the night. As the sun sets, hundreds or even thousands of clattering birds return in small groups, wheeling and calling as they spiral earthward into a vast open field. The state has built a large viewing platform to the east, and watching the birds arrive silhouetted against the setting sun is a rare and wonderful sight. Not to be missed, this is one of the truly great natural phenomena in Indiana.
Directions
Jasper County and Pulaski County. From US 421 X IN 143, go west 1.5 miles on IN 143, then north 0.2 miles on 1650 West to a large parking lot on the west side of the 1650 West. A path runs from the parking lot to the observation platform.
GPS: N 41 08.422 W 86 55.407 (viewing platform)
Facilities
Pit toilets
Finder Sketch
Click to enlarge
Nearby Natural Areas (miles)
Tefft Savanna Nature Preserve (4.2)
Prairie Border (4.7)
Stoutsburg Savanna Nature Preserve (11.9)