If there's any wildlife more commonly watched than birds, I'd love it if you told me which ones they are - because let's be real: birding is one of the easiest (and most oddly rewarding) hobbies one can get into, and you can do it from just about everywhere! Luckily for us avian geeks, there's an Audubon sanctuary in Indiana hidden in Fayette County that makes for the perfect birding destination. You'll see more than a dozen species of birds at (almost) any given time - different seasons bring different visitors, after all, and it's never a bad time. When it comes to birdwatching in Indiana, the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary is easily one of - if not THE - best little places of respite in the Hoosier State.

In 1943, a Hoosier by the name of Alice Green-Gray donated 264 acres to the Audubon Society in her daughter's name, as a way to honor her.

In 1947, another gentleman by the name of Finley Gray donated even more land to the sanctuary. This, plus a few smaller donations over the years, has brought the grand total of acreage to more than 700 amazing acres!

From dawn until dusk, this breathtaking little paradise is home to countless species of birds.

Many of them make the sanctuary home year-round; others are just visiting, passing though during annual migrations and calling the preserve home for just a short time.

It's also known as being the site of Indiana's most amazing annual hummingbird festival, which takes place at the end of summer - typically in August.

The precious, tiny ruby-throated hummingbird is the guest of honor at that time; you'll learn everything there is to know about this special little critter, and you'll leave with a whole new appreciation for just how wonderful this world we live in and the creatures in it truly are. Other notable species include both cuckoo species, warblers, tanagers, and many more. How many can you spot?

In the fall, autumn color explodes to life - and in the spring and summer, wildflowers abound. Winter brings a stunning quiet - a perfect stillness sure to quiet the soul.

I'm pretty sure it's impossible to NOT fall head over heels in love with this one. It's astonishing in so many ways - from the birdwatching to the landscape - and I have no doubts you'll find this place as calming to the spirit as I do.

Even if you're not a fan of birdwatching, that's okay - there are so many more reasons to love this incredible place, and I think you'll discover all of it right away.

Indiana is an amazingly beautiful place; it's full of all kinds of surprises, from the kind folks who live here to the amazing flora and fauna that call it home as well.

So come on out to the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary - an absolutely amazing escape from all the pressures of real life.

For more information about this amazing bird sanctuary in Indiana, check out the official Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary website. Planning on visiting and hoping to explore Connersville and need something amazing to remember it by? Check out all the awesome goings-on at Airbnb Experiences.

Do you have any plans to visit this amazing Audubon sanctuary in Indiana any time soon? Tell me about your plans in the comments.