This dirt road leads directly to the Public Access Area. The breakwalls that surround the harbor serve as prime resting areas for gulls, making it easy to scan quickly for unusual larids. On these days it often pays to spend considerable time at the Port watching for rarities. Regularly Occurring Migrating and wintering loons, grebes, and bay ducks can be found feeding here when open water is available. Dabbling ducks and other lake migrants can be seen mainly in flight during migration.
Gulls are common year-round.
Harlequin Ducks are often found diving in the rough waters near the outer breakwalls. They are most prevalent November through March, often overwintering if open water remains available. The Port may be the most reliable location on the Indiana Lakefront for Great Black-backed Gulls in the months of January and February. Snowy Owls , usually perched on harbor breakwalls, have been occasional in recent years in November and December. Horned Larks, Snow Buntings , and Lapland Longspurs are often found after a fresh snowfall eating spilled grain along the main road inside the Port.