jflegelbrooks - Prairie, Dune & Shore

How to Start the Year Strong in Middle School

Posted on June 25, 2026June 25, 2026 by jflegelbrooks

Starting the school year in middle school is its own special brand of chaos. Let’s face it: Middle School requires a certain kind of crazy to function.

Your new roster is a mix of high energy, hidden nerves, awkward growth spurts, girl drama, boy drama, just drama for drama’s sake, and loud social circles. They are hilarious, easily distracted, and somehow already asking, “Wait, does this count for a grade?” before you’ve even finished introducing yourself.

Every veteran middle school teacher knows those first few days set the thermostat for the entire year. Students are scanning the room for more than just their seat assignments. They’re figuring out what your room feels like, where your boundaries are, how you handle disruptions, and—most importantly—if you are consistent enough to trust.

Setting a strong foundation isn’t about running a military state or being strict just to prove a point. It is definitely not solely about compliance. It’s about building a predictable framework where kids know exactly how to win in your classroom.

Let’s look at how to build that framework without losing your sanity before September.

1. Get Clear on Your Classroom’s “Vibe”

Before you print a single syllabus or touch a bulletin board, picture what a successful day looks like in your room.

Ask yourself what you want the energy to be:

Do you want a quiet, focused sanctuary?
A buzzing, collaborative workshop?
High-energy but tightly controlled?
Heavily structured with clear transitions?

Middle schoolers can spot a lack of direction from a mile away. They will test boundaries if they think the map hasn’t been drawn yet. When you decide on the environment you want ahead of time, planning your actual routines becomes much easier.

If you want a highly collaborative room, you need to deliberately teach partner talk and respectful disagreement. If you want a calm retreat, your first week needs to heavily prioritize silent entry routines and managed voice levels. Decide on the vibe first, and let the rules follow.

2. Teach Procedures Exactly Like Academic Lessons

The absolute quickest way to burn out in September is assuming middle schoolers already know how to “do school.”

Sure, they might know what a locker is (opening the locks with a combination is a whole different story), but they have no clue how to navigate your room. Don’t just hand them a syllabus of rules—teach, model, practice, and review your daily logistics.

Spend time practicing the things that seem painfully obvious to adults:

How to cross the threshold at the door
Exactly what to do before the bell rings
Where the extra pencils and scrap paper live
How to signal that they need help without shouting across the room
The workflow for turning in assignments
What “finished early” actually means in your class
How to pack up and exit without it turning into a stampede

Instead of lecturing from a PowerPoint, run your procedures like a lab. Model the wrong way to do it (cue the middle school dramatic laughs), model the right way, have them practice it, and call it out when they nail it. Spending ten minutes on this now will save you ten hours of frustration in October.

3. Strip Back Day One

Your first-day lesson plan does not need to be a masterpiece of complex logistics. Keep it incredibly simple.

Remember, these kids are dealing with new schedules, jammed locker combinations, unfamiliar names, and the general sensory overload of being back in a crowded building. They don’t need a deep dive into your behavior policy; they just need to feel like they have landed in a safe space where it is safe to explore and to make mistakes.

A highly effective first-day roadmap looks like:

A genuine, smiling greeting at the door
Clear, pre-assigned seats (don’t make them suffer through the “where do I sit” panic)
A quick, humanizing introduction to who you are (become a real person to them, not just a being that exists at school
A low-pressure, independent or partner activity
One or two non-negotiable procedures (like how to enter and how to leave)
A simple exit ticket to close out

Skip the massive rule dumps and the boring paperwork collection. Your only real goal on day one is to send them out the door with a clear message: “You are welcome here, this room is structured, and I’m going to help you succeed.”

4. Normalize Bell Ringers on Day Two

If you want to stop chaotic energy before it starts, give students immediate direction the second they walk through the door.

A reliable bell ringer eliminates the awkward, unstructured downtime where side conversations turn into behavioral issues. For the first week, keep these tasks low-stakes, engaging, and personal:

What is one specific thing a teacher can do to help you learn?
What does a truly respectful classroom look like and sound like?
What’s one personal or academic goal you have for this year?
What should I know about you as a learner?

Consistency is the secret sauce here. If they learn by day three that your class always begins the moment they sit down, you’ve won half the battle. Down the road, this slot can transition into skill review, reading comprehension prompts, or test prep, but for now, just establish the habit.

5. Build Boundaries and Relationships Side-by-Side

Middle schoolers desperately want connection, but they also crave structure—even if they’d never admit it. You don’t have to choose between being the “fun teacher” and the “strict teacher.”

You can get to know your kids through structured, manageable tasks that don’t descend into total chaos. Use purposeful tools during week one:

Quick, digital interest surveys
Rapid-fire “This or That” community builders
Short, private written reflections
Simple goal-setting templates
Name tents with their preferred nicknames and pronouns

The best relationship-builders double as data collection. Find out what they love, what makes them anxious, and how they feel about public speaking or group work. Showing them that you care about their preferences while firmly maintaining your expectations is the ultimate middle school cheat code.

6. Co-Create Expectations (But Stay in the Driver’s Seat)

Buy-in is everything with young teens. When they have a hand in defining what respect and responsibility look like, they are far more likely to police themselves.

That said, this isn’t a democracy—it’s a structured learning space. Invite their voice to define the concepts, but keep your non-negotiables firm.

Try framing the conversation around these prompts:

What helps you feel safe and comfortable in a classroom?
What makes a group project successful vs. miserable?
What does it look like when someone is actively listening to you?

Take their answers and explicitly tie them back to your baseline classroom expectations. It helps them see that your rules aren’t random power trips; they are the literal guardrails keeping their learning environment safe and fair.

7. Don’t Wait Too Long to Sneak in Academic Work

It is incredibly tempting to drag out the icebreakers and syllabus games for a solid five days. Resist the urge. While culture matters, students also need to realize that your room is, first and foremost, a place of learning.

You shouldn’t drop a heavy diagnostic test on day two, but you should absolutely weave in light, low-stakes academic work early on. Consider tasks like:

A short, high-interest reading passage with a partner
A quick, creative response writing prompt
A low-stakes team problem-solving challenge
A visual brainstorm of what they already know about your subject

This does two things: it sets the expectation that work happens here, and it gives you invaluable diagnostic data. You’ll quickly spot who avoids writing, who jumps in to lead, who struggles to follow multi-step directions, and who might need a confidence boost right out of the gate.

8. Script Your Responses to Tough Moments Ahead of Time

The honeymoon period in middle school lasts about four days. Then, the kids get comfortable, the facades drop, and the real testing begins.

Don’t wait for a kid to blurt out or refuse an assignment to figure out your stance. Script your calm, neutral responses before the kids ever walk in.

Know exactly what you will do when:

A student talks over you or a peer
Someone flat-out refuses to start their work
The bathroom requests start arriving back-to-back
Phones or smartwatches become a distraction
A student tests your boundaries with sarcasm

When you have a game plan, you can issue consequences or redirections with a calm, boring consistency instead of reacting emotionally. Middle schoolers don’t need perfect teachers—they need predictable ones.

9. Send a Positive Note Home Before You Have To

Most parents only hear from the school when something goes wrong. Break that cycle in week one by sending a quick, proactive broadcast to your class families.

Introduce yourself, outline what the upcoming unit looks like, and share the best way to get in touch with you. Keep it brief and positive:

Introduce your subject and your excitement for the year
List the 2–3 essential materials they need every day
Explain your policy on missing or late work so there are no surprises later
Give them a direct email address or communication link

Proactive communication builds a massive amount of goodwill. If you have to make a tough behavior call home in October, that conversation will go infinitely smoother because you already established yourself as an ally in August.

10. Give Yourself Grace to Call an Audible

No matter how many hours you spend planning over the summer, something will go off the rails.

A seating chart will backfire. A lesson you thought would take twenty minutes will wrap up in five. A routine that worked flawlessly with your first period will completely tank with your last period.

That isn’t a sign that you failed; it’s just the nature of middle school.

The first few weeks are an ongoing experiment. Watch the data, look at where the friction points are, and be willing to pivot. Tweak the seating chart, retrain them on the entry routine, or scrap an activity that isn’t working. Starting strong doesn’t mean getting it perfect on the first try—it means paying attention and adjusting as you go.

Final Thoughts

The start of the school year is your golden opportunity to build the tracks your classroom train will run on for the next nine months. By focusing on explicit procedures, predictable bell ringers, firm boundaries, and early relationships, you give yourself and your students the gift of stability.

Take a deep breath. You don’t have to conquer everything by Friday. Just focus on the basics: clear routines, steady expectations, and a classroom where every kid knows exactly what to do. You’ve got this.

Want to Skip the First-Week Planning Stress?

Grab our free Middle School First Week Checklist to map out your procedures, bell ringers, and family communication templates before day one ever arrives!

5 Ways to Beat the Gloomy Weather Blues

Posted on April 2, 2023April 2, 2023 by jflegelbrooks

Not winter, but not really spring. (photo credit)

Introduction

In Northwest Indiana, Mother Nature loves to tease us. Some days it seems like she tries to squeeze all four seasons into one day. Layering is a must and keeping extra sweaters or sweatshirts in your vehicle is always a good idea. Early Spring is always the toughest time I think.

Unlike fall where the autumn colors keep things lively until the first snow, early spring can be gray and dreary. The trees are still bare. The leaves haven’t budded out yet. The weather is crazy. A few days warm up enough to tease you into thinking that nice weather is around the corner only to snow the next day. My husband calls this season the gloom and doom of Northwest Indiana.

Despite the dreary days and drippy weather, all is not lost. Although summer may seem far off on the horizon, you can engage in a few activities to keep your mood up and your eyes on that sunny, blue sky in the summery distance.

1. Create Your Summer Bucket List

Let the excitement of planning summer fun carry you through the dim light of Early Spring. Think about what you want to do to have some fun this summer. Even though to-do lists are great, work is not the goal for this exercise. We are not working on a honey-do list. Sure. There’s a time and a place for that kind of list making, but not now. Equally important to our mental health are exercises that focus on positive and fun aspects of our lives.

For example, research fun day trips in your area. Definitely include a goal for engaging in your favorite summer activity. Top of my list is making it to the beach for sun and fun (and the relaxing sound of the waves). Despite the fact that list making might seem to be work, it can help you brainstorm things you want to do and note down events or activities you don’t want to forget. Then, post that list where you can see it each day, keeping that sunshine in your sights!

2. Light it Up!

Let the light into your life (photo credit).

Feeling the winter blues is common for lots of folks. Indeed for 10 million Americans, it is a diagnosed condition. Seasonal Affective Disorder. While most of us may not have the full-blown disorder, we can still benefit from what we’ve learned from its treatments. Light therapy has proven effective for many suffering from this condition.

What does that tell us? Let the light in. Sit in a sunny window or take a brisk walk on a sunny day. For even more intensive light immersion, you can look into the use of light box. These are much stronger than the everyday lights we use in our homes. Moreover, you can look at it as the prep for your summer-time sunshine fests.

Read More Here: Seasonal Affective Disorder

3. Build Your Summer Playlist

Hear me out. (See what I did there??) Without a doubt, music, and certain songs, can trigger memories. What better way, then, to get you in the summer mood than building an entire playlist. Take, for example, the song “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses. I can’t hear that song without the smells and feels of a late July day coming to mind. No matter my mood before hearing it, once it starts playing I’ve got those good-time summer vibes flowing.

What songs bring summer to mind for you? Create that playlist and starting adding them when the mood strikes. Then, on those gray, gloomy and gusty days of March and April, put on your headphones and dip your toes into summer for a little bit.

4. Find Some Good Smells

Capture the smells of summer (photo credit)

Aromatherapy isn’t just for stress relief. In this case, we are conjuring all the feels of summer by capturing its scents. Whether you want to capture the beachy scents of lazy days at the lake or the clean smell of summer days, several candle companies have you covered. From tropical fragrances to clean linen, you can immerse yourself in the scents that bring summer into your home, regardless of what month it is.

Summer Reads

I mean, if you’re here, you’re a reader. Actually, this one feels like a gimmee. What better way to get yourself facing the fun of the summer? You can create a wish list in your Kindle app, on Amazon or in Goodreads. Not sure what you want to add to your list? No problem. Goodreads has you covered with existing lists like “Chick Lit for the Beach” and “Smart Summer Reads.”

Further, you can get a summer reads pile going and help your local library. Check out the used book table or sale at your community library. Then, you get a win-win. The library gets some money and you get to start the paperback stack that will entertain you on the hazy, lazy days of summer.

Fall in Love with Local Flavors & Awesome Vintage Stops

Posted on July 7, 2022June 11, 2026 by jflegelbrooks

Michigan City, IN

Looking for something to do on your Lake Michigan Beach vacation on a rainy day?

The resale and antique stores in Michigan City, IN offer a day full of wandering and unique finds. One thing Prairie, Dune & Shore wants to do is highlight our local businesses that give flavor to NWI towns. We want to share with you our thrifty finds and a quick review of a tasty menu at an Uptown Arts District eatery.

There are no affiliate links. These were not solicited reviews.

Michigan City in Indiana has long been a tourist destination due to the beauty of its beaches. The lighthouse at Washington Park is often photographed and is a local favorite for shutterbugs at sunset. In addition to gorgeous beaches, Michigan City boasts many antique and resale shops, including several located in the Uptown Arts District.

Antique Shops Near I94

We begin our journey south of Michigan City, just off US 421. This is the main artery into the city and is one of the exits off I94. As you head north from 94, there are two antique shops on the east side of 421. The larger store is the Antique Market. Directly behind this store is Nanni’s Over the Fence Antiques.

Antique Market of Michigan City

The Antique Market is huge. Seriously. You can spend half a day easily browsing this store. We only covered half the store in the morning before heading to our next location. Plan on wearing comfy shoes. For those new to antiquing, the Antique Market can be overwhelming, due not only to its size, but also the sheer number of items on sale.

The Market is tailored to higher price antiques. That is not to say that there aren’t lower price items available, however, these tend to be smaller items. From our visit, price was definitely a con. The things we liked about this location were the number of different booths from different sellers. There is a vast array of items available to purchase. We found some really interesting old postcards from NWI, including ones showing scenes from decades ago in Michigan City, Hammond and Gary. Additionally, there was a huge area of old vinyl records and more scattered throughout in boxes at various vendor stalls.

Due to the sheer size of the store, the Antique Market has something for everyone. Jewelry, tools, furniture from different periods and so much more. If you are looking for something specific or certain types of items, make sure to ask the staff at the main counter as you enter. They are very helpful and can assist with general questions about the city as well.

Nanni’s Over the Fence Antiques

Nanni’s is just behind the Antique Market. Follow the access road next to the brightly colored doors. This was our first visit to Over the Fence Antiques. We were pleasantly surprised with all that the store offered. Although smaller in size, the shop has multiple vendors represented and a wide diversity of inventory on hand. Vintage clothing to antique toys, the variety is worth a lengthy browse.

We really had only positives about this one. We found some Marvel comic books and a few fun jewelry finds. The furniture that was for sale was decent quality for its age and reasonably priced. There was an old file cabinet at the front that was displayed as though it was from a 1920s film noir detective movie. An old wooden Singer sewing machine with foot pedal was on sale. In addition to these bigger items, there were multiple vintage hats and jewelry pieces to pick through. The owner was friendly and she is willing to deal. Inventory moves quickly here, so if you see it and you want it – buy it.

Nanni’s is a must-stop if you are antiquing in Michigan City. We will definitely be going back soon as there were a few potential gifts we want to snag. We are just hoping they will still be there next weekend!

Local Flavors: Fiddleheads Restaurant in the Uptown Arts District

Located at the northern end of the Arts District, Fiddleheads was our lunch stop. It has a beautiful indoor dining area and some limited outdoor seating. Inside, there is family dining and a full service bar. Seating is comfortable with both booth and table seating. Tables are well-spaced so that even when busy, you feel like you are having an intimate meal. All the staff we interacted with were friendly and helpful.

The menu has many options and a large selection of gluten-free and vegetarian choices. There is a make-your-own mac and cheese that allows you to add-on caramelized onions, tomatoes, onion straws, your choice of meat and more. The menu is reasonable, but there are some higher-priced item. If you are on a budget, however, you can still find some delish eats.

Since it was lunch and we had an afternoon filled with shops ahead of us, we ordered sandwiches, as well as a few appetizers. The pierogis were an unexpected treat on the menu. Another appetizer that was a big hit at our table was the stuffed mushrooms. Out of the sandwiches, we highly recommend the Hipster, a pulled pork yum-fest. The Chicken Salad Sandwich is a tasty twist on the traditional version. All-in-all, for a great sit down lunch that included two appetizers and a few adult beverages, our bill before tip was just over $80. We also had leftovers to take home as no one finished their sandwiches. Fiddleheads is worth the stop for a comfortable meal with a delicious menu and friendly service staff.

Antique and Resale Shopping in the Uptown Arts District

After lunch we started our wanderings at the southern end of the Arts District. There are several shops and eateries in the District and it is very walkable. In addition to vintage and antique stores, there are contemporary boutiques and beach jewelry stores, as well as arts options. Our goal for the day was to check out the vintage offerings, but they are just a sliver of what you can do in the Arts District.

Hoity-Toity

One of the first shops as you head into the Uptown Arts from 421 (which turns into Franklin St. as you enter Michigan City) is Hoity Toity. A home décor thrift and consignment shop, it has a ton of stuff packed into its space. The shop is very eclectic, showcasing a range of items from resale to vintage to newly made products. There is a mix of home offerings as well as a section selling incense and gift cards. In reviews we read prior to our visit, some customers had indicated that the incense smell was overwhelming. We did not find it so on our visit. Although we could tell incense was burning within the store, the scent was light and not at all overwhelming.

Good News Vintage

Of all our stops on this thrifty resale day, Good News Vintage was our fave. The store has a treasure trove of vintage finds. We scored a new pair of stools for our breakfast counter. My find of the day, however, was a board game I loved to play with my Grandmother. We always called it “Michigan Rummy,” but the official box calls it “Rummy Royale.” My daughter loved the vintage clothes corner. The store is easy to shop, with enough stock to keep you looking but not so much that it is overwhelming to the eye. There was a great mix of furniture and smaller pieces. Additionally, items were priced fairly without a ridiculous mark-up. If you are planning a trip to the Uptown Arts District in Michigan City, Good News Vintage is a must-stop. Keep in mind that the stock in this store turns over quickly. The owner is always on the hunt for unique finds to highlight in her shop and they do not stay long.

One for the Road: Carlson’s Drive-In

On our way out of town, we stopped at the local carhop to grab a gallon of fresh root beer to go. No summer day in Michigan City would be complete without a stop at Carlson’s Root Beer Stand. The restaurant is just off Franklin Street, thus it is easy to pop in for a quick bite or a gallon to go before leaving town or heading back to your home base. Carlson’s has been a staple in Michigan City for over 70 years. It boasts a full drive-in menu. One of the benefits of eating at the Root Beer Stand, you can come straight from the beach. No shirt or shoes required to eat in your vehicle.

Conclusion

Whether you live in the area and your are looking for a rainy day activity or you are visiting for vacation, the Uptown Arts District in Michigan City offers a plethora of activities. From contemporary boutiques to charming vintage shops, you can walk and window shop to your heart’s content. The District also boast several eateries from a quick bite at Mucho Mas to a sit down in Fiddlehead.

Dangerous Beauty: Lake Michigan Summers & Beach Safety

Posted on June 5, 2021June 5, 2021 by jflegelbrooks

Lake Michigan 5.2021 Photo Credit: Nancy J. Addie (c) 2021

Beach Season Is Upon Us

May weather starts to bring the beach bugs out! The true beach season kick-off, however, is Memorial Day Weekend. For those of us blessed to live near the beaches of Lake Michigan’s southern shore, we start judging the day by whether it is a “good beach day.” It doesn’t matter that the water in Lake Michigan is still cold. Even though we know that the Lake is still cold, we will dip our toes into the water – just in case it is warmer than we expect for those early summer days. In truth, it takes until well into July for the water to get warm for comfortable swimming. Prior to that, you just go numb and get blue-lipped, telling everyone that “it’s not so bad once you get it.” It is. We all know it. But, the game remains the same and the chilly water is always more fun with someone else. Children will especially try to lure you into the water, despite shivering with goosebumps as they drip water onto the sand by your towel, telling you with enthusiasm that the water is good. They are definitely, they say, NOT cold. Uh. Yeah. I don’t think so.

The Beauty of Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is beautiful in all seasons, but the summer sun shimmering across the water can’t be beat. The blue of the sky merges with the blues and greens of the lake, sometimes it is hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. At sunset the colors can be vibrant pinks and purples, while other days are pastel pinks, blue and buttery yellow. There are days where the water is almost as smooth as glass. Other days there is a gentle breeze that has the waves quietly lapping against the shoreline. Even the days when Lake Michigan is at its most wild, when the waves are crashing and roiling to the shore, it is breathtakingly beautiful.

Hidden Dangers

Lake Michigan Waves at Washington Park, Michigan City, IN Photo Credit: Nancy J. Addie 5.29.2021 (c) 2021

Under all that beauty, however, there is danger. The danger is hidden both physically, but also from visitors’ thoughts. Since Lake Michigan is, indeed a lake, many who visit the area think of it as harmless. After all, you don’t have to worry about things that can sting or bite you. No sharks or eels. No stingrays or jellyfish. The myth of the harmless lake takes a toll on the unsuspecting. Most locals are taught from an early age to “respect the Lake.” Respecting Lake Michigan isn’t just about clean-up and conservation. It is about respecting the Power of the Lake. The waves that are so alluring to beachgoers can also hide dangerous rip currents and undertows.

Safety at the Lake

National Park Service Rip Current Warning Sign. Photo Credit: National Park Service: Indiana Dunes National Park

From July into August, the sound of a helicopter overhead makes me cringe. You hope and pray that they aren’t heading to the lake front, that it is not another lost swimmer. While most of the casualties are from people visiting the area, Lake Michigan has claimed its share of locals also. My young aunt drowned in Lake Michigan after being caught in the undertow. A boy I went to school with lost one of his brothers who attempted to brave the waters off the pier.

The Park Service and cities put up signs. They have pictures warning of the dangers. Most area beaches also have warning flags flying on dangerous days. But people want to have their fun. And, after all, it is a fresh water lake. What can go wrong. We know that so much can go wrong. Even strong swimmers can wear themselves out trying to fight against the undertow.

What can visitors due to increase their fun, while mitigating the chance for something to go wrong. Respect the Lake. Pay attention to the signs and warnings. Don’t overestimate your swimming abilities. How you swim in a pool is very different from the lake with its currents and cross-currents. If you are new to the area and swimming in Lake Michigan, choose a beach with a lifeguard on duty. They are trained to recognize the signs of drowning which are very different in reality from the loud splashing and spluttering portrayed in movies and on TV.

Tips for swimming safely:

Learn how to swim.
Swim in supervised areas.
Use the buddy system. Keep track of each other.
Know where your spot on the shore is. Be aware if the current has pulled you too far away from your friends, family and the lifeguard station.
Keep a close watch on children. They can get in trouble faster than you think.
Floats are not safety devices.

If you get caught in the undertow:

Try to remain calm.
Don’t fight the current.
Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.
Float or tread water and wave/call for help.

This video shows how quickly a swimmer can get in distress and how silent drowning can be.

Special thanks to Nancy J. Addie at Addie Acres for the beautiful photos of Lake Michigan. You can find her work on Facebook or Instagram. If you watch WGN Channel 9 out of Chicago, you may have seen her work. It is often chosen as one of the visitor pictures for the weather segment.

Drink Your Tea and Other Birdy Fun in NW Indiana

Posted on April 10, 2021June 5, 2021 by jflegelbrooks

Pelicans on Stone Lake, LaPorte, Indiana. Image courtesy of Nancy J Addie.

Drink Your Tea

I am by no means a birdwatcher, even an amateur birdwatcher. But. I love to hear the songs of our resident birds. The “Drink Your Tea” call of the Rufous-sided Towhee is one of my favorites. As soon as weather permits, I open the windows so I can hear their calls. There is nothing better than sipping on a morning cup of joe or tea as I am sitting in my home office, listening to the birds at the feeder while smelling the lavender from my front garden bed. I don’t keep an ongoing list of bird’s I have seen at the feeders, but bet your bottom, I dial up my dad if there is a visitor in the mix I can’t identify.

Eastern Blue Bird. Image by Jalynn from Pixabay

The day I had a molting Eastern Blue Bird show up, I was instantly texting my dad with pictures. Unfortunately, he was in a meeting. Hello! This is important. Luckily, my Dad is a nature lover too, so he multi-tasked and sent me his answer. (Spoiled? Maybe.) Even though, I’m not a formal, or even a hobby birder, I enjoy watching them when the chance arises.

Certainly, Springtime in Northwest Indiana is flush with bird species with the regulars waking up and doing their Spring things and the migrating species stopping in for a visit. Indeed, this seasonal flow of species is how we end up with a group of pelicans swimming on Stone Lake in LaPorte (see pic at top of page) in April.

Bugling Calls and Cranes, oh My

Along the Indiana Dunes, and the wetlands near it, you can find a variety of migrating species at this time of year. Once that first Robin makes an appearance, you know that you can start looking for the water birds that will be passing through the area. My favorite migrants are the sand-hill cranes. Check out my post on Spring is Peeking to hear the bugling call of the sand-hill cranes.

Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area

The Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area indicates that the best viewing time for these majestic birds is during their Fall Migration (peaking usually between October and December). In the 2020-2021 season, the Indiana DNR stats show a weekly high of 30,701 sandhills for December 1st! That’s a lot of birds! It has been years since I have made the journey down to Jasper-Pulaski in the Fall, but I never get tired of hearing them flying over my house in early Spring.

Birdy Things To-do in Northwest Indiana

If you are looking for birdy things to do in Northwest Indiana, you won’t be disappointed. The diversity of bioregions offers the opportunity to see a great variety of species (more than 350, in fact!). Indiana Dunes Tourism has a cool self-guided birding tour that includes some great sites, including:

Indiana Dunes State Park

Indiana Dunes National Park – Great Marsh Trail

Below are just a couple of the pictures I took on a recent hike through the Great Marsh Trail. Of course, we had Luna the Lunatic along with us on this day. Although she was quiet as a Cowboy Corgi can be, the birds weren’t impressed. Subsequently, the birds tended to be heard rather than seen.

Indiana Dunes National Park – Heron Rookery Trail

Dunes National Park Cowles Bog (one of my favorites!)

I really can’t stress how much I love the Dunes, regardless of whether you visit the State Park or the National Park. You never know what you are going to see. For instance, driving along Highway 12 near the Dunes is the first time I saw a pair of Bald Eagles in the wild. And, yes. I made my husband pull over, even though it was probably going to make him late for picking up his work trip. Again, important stuff happening here!

Another cool thing happening in the Dunes for bird lovers occurs May 13th -16th, 2021 when the Indiana Dunes hosts the Indiana Dunes Bird Festival. This year (thanks, Co-Vid) the event is hybrid, meaning they will offer both virtual and in person events.

There are many more birding things to do then those I have listed here, but I am a dabbler, not a true player. Comment below and share your favorite bird watching location or birding program in Northwest Indiana!

Signs that Spring Is Finally Peeking

Posted on March 30, 2021April 4, 2021 by jflegelbrooks

We’re almost into April. In other places, that may mean Spring is here. When I lived in Washington, D.C., it meant things were already blooming, maybe even past their peak. Here on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, April isn’t always, clearly, or undeniably Spring-like. The weather forecast for later in the week is calling for snow (even though it is in the mid-60s and pleasant right now) and, sigh, possible lake effect snow showers. Although, the news will bring groans and moans because so many of the folks in the Region are ready for Spring, it is pretty typical. When you go out for the day here, you pack for all four seasons!

Despite the snow in our forecast, there have been undeniable signs that Spring is indeed being coy. She is peeking around the corner and giving us a glimpse, here and there, that she will see us soon. The Spring Peepers have been peeping – these are little frog that sing like the chorus at school at the first signs of Spring. Another example of the changing season, a couple weeks back I heard the flocks of cranes migrating through the area. If you haven’t heard their call, you should check it out! When you first hear it, you have no idea what it is. It is that different from other bird calls. You can find a good example here from MyBackyardBirding.

Moreover, the daffodils are fully bloomed in my front flower bed. Some years, if they are really late, we wont’ see these until my birthday at the end of April. I have two volunteer crocuses in the middle of my backyard. They have been a constant source of wonder to our Cowboy Corgi puppy, Luna (aka the Luna-tic).

All this means that despite the snow if the forecast, the seasons are transitioning. Soon, we will be planting new annuals and cleaning up the perennial beds. Keep an eye out for our post on our go-to local nurseries and garden centers.