Birds of Westler Lake

A Local Guide to Our Feathered Neighbors

Westler Lake isn’t just a haven for boaters and anglers, it’s also home to a vibrant variety of birds that call the lake and surrounding woodlands home. Whether you're a dedicated birder or just enjoy spotting wildlife from your dock, learning about the birds of Westler Lake can deepen your appreciation for the natural beauty of our community.

Common Birds Seen Around the Lake

Great Blue Heron

Tall and elegant, these long-legged waders are often seen standing still in the shallows or gliding low over the water.

• Where to spot them: Near marshy coves and along the shoreline

• Fun fact: They can strike fish with lightning speed using their sharp bills.

Bald Eagle

A symbol of American pride, bald eagles have made a strong comeback in Indiana and are often seen soaring above the lake or perched in tall trees.

• Where to spot them: High treetops near water, especially in early morning

• Fun fact: They often return to the same nest year after year, adding new material each season.

Common Loon (Spring/Fall Migration)

With their eerie, echoing calls, loons occasionally stop by during spring and fall migrations.

• Where to spot them: Open water during migration seasons

• Fun fact: Loons have solid bones and sit lower in the water than ducks.

Wood Duck

One of the most colorful ducks in North America, wood ducks nest in tree cavities and are often seen in early morning hours.

• Where to spot them: Quiet, wooded coves or near floating vegetation

• Fun fact: Wood ducklings jump from the nest to the ground within 24 hours of hatching!

Mallard Duck

Common and easy to recognize, mallards are often seen in pairs or groups cruising near the shoreline.

• Where to spot them: Near docks, open water, or feeding on shore

• Fun fact: The familiar “quack” is only made by the female mallard.

Killdeer

These small, noisy shorebirds are known for their “broken wing” act to distract predators from their nests.

• Where to spot them: Gravel shorelines, driveways, and grassy areas near water

• Fun fact: Their call sounds like “kill-deer,” which gives them their name.

Red-Winged Blackbird

A familiar sight (and sound!) in the summer months, males have bright red and yellow shoulder patches.

• Where to spot them: Reeds and cattails in shallow coves

• Fun fact: They're fiercely territorial and will dive at intruders—even humans.

Other Species to Watch For

• Eastern Kingbird – often seen darting for insects mid-air

• Tree Swallow – nests in boxes or cavities and puts on aerial acrobatics

• Barn Owl – a rare but exciting nocturnal visitor

• Canada Goose – often nesting near shorelines in spring

• Sandhill Crane – sometimes seen flying in formation or foraging in nearby fields

Creating a Bird-Friendly Shoreline

You can support local bird populations by:

• Planting native shrubs and grasses

• Avoiding pesticide use near the water

• Installing birdhouses or nesting platforms

• Maintaining natural shoreline buffers instead of manicured lawns

Share Your Bird Sightings!

Have you captured a great photo of a Westler Lake bird? We’d love to feature it in a future blog post or on our Facebook page!

👉 Send your pictures or birdwatching stories to info@westerlake.com