From 4/20/23 press release: The Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge would like to announce a special event at the Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area to celebrate migratory birds on May 5 from 9:00 am–1:00 pm central time. At the event, visitors will be guided to selected areas of Cane Ridge that are normally closed to the public to view migratory birds that are using the managed wetlands. Experienced birdwatchers, Refuge staff and volunteers will be located at these areas to assist with bird identification and discuss bird migration, habitat management and Refuge regulations. No formal programs or presentations will be made, just a casual opportunity to view birds and visit with Refuge staff, volunteers and other birding enthusiasts. Refuge staff and volunteers will be on site from 9:00 am-1:00 pm central time, and participants may come by anytime during that time window, starting at the Observation Deck parking lot. There is limited parking at the Observation Deck so visitors may be required to park and walk a distance to the Observation Deck area.

Cane Ridge has been designated by the National Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area, because of the diversity of habitat found there and its importance to migratory birds. Event participants should expect to see a variety of species of waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds.

Cane Ridge is located in Gibson County just south of Gibson Lake on County Road 1075W. From State HWY 64 heading west from Princeton Indiana, turn south onto State HWY 65, travel 1.3 miles and turn west on CR125 S. Drive 2.25 miles on CR 125 S to CR 850W, turn left on CR 850W, then turn right on CR 150S and follow to the Observation Deck at Cane Ridge.

Contact the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters at 812-749-3199 for more information.

Patoka River NWR Birding Hike sponsored and led by the Ohio Valley Birding Festival
7 A.M. Meet at Boyd Woods on the Refuge
Oakland City, Indiana
Approximately 2-3 hours
Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Join us for a birding walk through Boyd Woods in search of warblers and other migratory songbirds. We'll continue the hike past Snakey Point Marsh for possible views of waterfowl and marsh birds, and end at a little-visited portion of the Columbia Mine Preserve to look for grassland sparrows.
Directions: East on SR 64 out of Oakland City one mile from SR 357 (Main Street) to CR 1275E (look for refuge sign). Turn left and follow signs to Snakey Point Marsh and continue on to the parking lot on the left at Boyd Woods (Maxey Marsh on the right). https://www.evvaudubon.org/copy-of-ovbf