Birding Locations In and Around Des Moines

Referenced in our Birding By Month Guide

Don't forget to download the Makoke Birding Trail. For more information, read Des Moines birder Bob Cecil's article on Birding the Des Moines Area from the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Additional birding guides may be found on the IOU Site Guide as well.

Click on a location for the name, county, driving directions, and a brief description of the birding.

Brown's Woods

Brown's Woods - Polk County From 63rd St. in West Des Moines, go south across the Raccoon River. At the top of the long hill, turn west on Brown's Woods Drive. The entrance to area is on your right. This heavy timber is good for some of the rarer species in the area like Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush and Summer Tanager. Hooded and Kentucky Warblers have nested here in the past and are a possibility. Pileated Woodpecker is often heard if not seen in this area. Red-shouldered Hawks are occasionally reported (and suspected to nest) in the park.

Brown's Woods - Polk County
From 63rd St. in West Des Moines, go south across the Raccoon River. At the top of the long hill, turn west on Brown's Woods Drive. The entrance to area is on your right.
This heavy timber is good for some of the rarer species in the area like Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush and Summer Tanager. Hooded and Kentucky Warblers have nested here in the past and are a possibility. Pileated Woodpecker is often heard if not seen in this area. Red-shouldered Hawks are occasionally reported (and suspected to nest) in the park.

Cherry Glen RA

Cherry Glen RA - Polk County Located on the east side of Saylorville Lake on Highway 415. Cherry Glen is the first major recreation area north of the Visitor Center. It is also the western terminus of 1st Street in Ankeny. This is main east/west road through Ankeny that starts at I-35 exit 92. Provides an excellent overview of the lake during migration. The wooded picnic area is one of the best areas along the lake to search for migrant passerines. Bell's Vireo, Orchard Oriole, and both tanagers usually nest here.

Cherry Glen RA - Polk County
Located on the east side of Saylorville Lake on Highway 415. Cherry Glen is the first major recreation area north of the Visitor Center. It is also the western terminus of 1st Street in Ankeny. This is main east/west road through Ankeny that starts at I-35 exit 92.
Provides an excellent overview of the lake during migration. The wooded picnic area is one of the best areas along the lake to search for migrant passerines. Bell's Vireo, Orchard Oriole, and both tanagers usually nest here.

Easter Lake

Easter Lake - Polk County On the southeast part of the city, take Indianola Road to the turn-off on Easter Lake Drive. The entrance to the park is on the north in about a mile.

Easter Lake - Polk County
On the southeast part of the city, take Indianola Road to the turn-off on Easter Lake Drive. The entrance to the park is on the north in about a mile.

Glendale Cemetery

Glendale Cemetery - Polk County From I-235 take the 42nd Street exit and go north to University Ave. Turn left and watch for the entrance on your right in about six blocks. The cemetery has many species of conifers and a small pond kept open year-round by a bubbler. Although birding may be excellent any time of year, this area is best known for wintering finches and Merlins. Up to six Merlins have roosted at the north side (usually area 11) for several years. They are best seen right at sunset. The list of rarities found here in winter is truly impressive: Prairie Falcon, Townsend's Solitaire, Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak, and both Crosbills top the list. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Pine Siskin are often present in winter.

Glendale Cemetery - Polk County
From I-235 take the 42nd Street exit and go north to University Ave. Turn left and watch for the entrance on your right in about six blocks. The cemetery has many species of conifers and a small pond kept open year-round by a bubbler.
Although birding may be excellent any time of year, this area is best known for wintering finches and Merlins. Up to six Merlins have roosted at the north side (usually area 11) for several years. They are best seen right at sunset. The list of rarities found here in winter is truly impressive: Prairie Falcon, Townsend's Solitaire, Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak, and both Crosbills top the list. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Pine Siskin are often present in winter.

Gray's Lake

Gray's Lake - Polk County Just south of downtown off Fluer Drive, turn east at the stoplight to enter the park. Gray's Lake is a medium sized lake just south of downtown Des Moines. Its proximity to the Raccoon River, accessibility, as well as being an "Oasis" in the middle of urbanization, makes it an attractive birding location. 134 species have been recorded at this park. Spring is the best time to bird here, as Gray's Lake often is one of the first lakes in the area to become ice free, and waterfowl can be quite plentiful. 25 species of waterfowl have been recorded here including relative rarities such as Surf Scoter and Greater Scaup. Grebes, including Red-necked have also been recorded here. This is also an attractive lake for fall and early spring Gulls. Iceland and Sabine's Gulls have been seen here. Shorebirds are rare here, but American Avocets have been seen. All species of Swallows can be numerous over the lake and adjacent river, and there is a colony of Cliff Swallows under the foot bridge. The open park like setting at the southeast section of the lake can be productive for migrating passerines, and there are some bluebird boxes along the walking path which hold both Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows. Osprey and Belted Kingfisher are often seen fishing throughout the lake. This lake is extremely popular in the summer with runners, kayackers, and swimmers, and the birding is not very productive at this time.

Gray's Lake - Polk County
Just south of downtown off Fluer Drive, turn east at the stoplight to enter the park.
Gray's Lake is a medium sized lake just south of downtown Des Moines. Its proximity to the Raccoon River, accessibility, as well as being an "Oasis" in the middle of urbanization, makes it an attractive birding location. 134 species have been recorded at this park. Spring is the best time to bird here, as Gray's Lake often is one of the first lakes in the area to become ice free, and waterfowl can be quite plentiful. 25 species of waterfowl have been recorded here including relative rarities such as Surf Scoter and Greater Scaup. Grebes, including Red-necked have also been recorded here. This is also an attractive lake for fall and early spring Gulls. Iceland and Sabine's Gulls have been seen here. Shorebirds are rare here, but American Avocets have been seen. All species of Swallows can be numerous over the lake and adjacent river, and there is a colony of Cliff Swallows under the foot bridge. The open park like setting at the southeast section of the lake can be productive for migrating passerines, and there are some bluebird boxes along the walking path which hold both Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows. Osprey and Belted Kingfisher are often seen fishing throughout the lake. This lake is extremely popular in the summer with runners, kayackers, and swimmers, and the birding is not very productive at this time.

Greenwood Park

Greenwood Park - Polk County Go west of downtown on Grand Ave. Turn left onto 45th St. signed for the Des Moines Art Center. A second access is the next street west just past the Art Center which is visible on the hill.

Greenwood Park - Polk County
Go west of downtown on Grand Ave. Turn left onto 45th St. signed for the Des Moines Art Center. A second access is the next street west just past the Art Center which is visible on the hill.

High Trestle Trail Hawk Watch

High Trestle Trail Hawk Watch - Boone County From Highway 17 in Madrid, turn west onto Highway 210. Just before you reach the Des Moines River, you will see the turn-off for the boat ramp on your right. This area gives you good viewing but to reach the higher hawk watch platform requires biking or hiking the trail just to the south. The platform is on the west side of the river. October is the best month for raptor migration through the Des Moines River Valley.

High Trestle Trail Hawk Watch - Boone County
From Highway 17 in Madrid, turn west onto Highway 210. Just before you reach the Des Moines River, you will see the turn-off for the boat ramp on your right. This area gives you good viewing but to reach the higher hawk watch platform requires biking or hiking the trail just to the south. The platform is on the west side of the river.
October is the best month for raptor migration through the Des Moines River Valley.

Jester Park

Jester Park - Polk County From I-80/35 on the northwest corner of the city, go north on Highway 141. When the road bends to the west, start watching for signs where you will turn right (north) to the park (approximately 1/2 mile). The road ends at a T-intersection after two miles at the Jester golf course. Turn right to the park entrance. This is one of the best year-round birding areas in Central Iowa. The wooded park borders Saylorville Reservoir, making for a diverse possibility of birds. If water levels aren't too high, thousands of waterfowl and American Pelicans stage here spring and fall. Saylorville Reservoir is recognized as an important migration stop for many species of shorebirds. It's one of the most reliable spots for Buff-breasted Sandpipers in fall (Aug-Sep). Several conifer plantings host Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and Red-breasted Nuthatches in winter. There is a bird-feeding station with a blind near the Bison/Elk enclosure that's always worth checking out.

Jester Park - Polk County
From I-80/35 on the northwest corner of the city, go north on Highway 141. When the road bends to the west, start watching for signs where you will turn right (north) to the park (approximately 1/2 mile). The road ends at a T-intersection after two miles at the Jester golf course. Turn right to the park entrance.
This is one of the best year-round birding areas in Central Iowa. The wooded park borders Saylorville Reservoir, making for a diverse possibility of birds. If water levels aren't too high, thousands of waterfowl and American Pelicans stage here spring and fall. Saylorville Reservoir is recognized as an important migration stop for many species of shorebirds. It's one of the most reliable spots for Buff-breasted Sandpipers in fall (Aug-Sep). Several conifer plantings host Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and Red-breasted Nuthatches in winter. There is a bird-feeding station with a blind near the Bison/Elk enclosure that's always worth checking out.

Lakeview RA

Lakeview RA - Polk County From I-80/35 go north on Merle Hay Road through Johnston to the end of the road. At the stop sign turn left on to NW Beaver Drive and follow this road past the Hyperion Golf Club and Camp Dodge. After passing the water tower watch for the turn into Lakeview on your right. Lakeview is a great location for scanning Saylorville Reservoir during spring and fall migrations. The rock jetty often serves as a roosting spot for gulls.

Lakeview RA - Polk County
From I-80/35 go north on Merle Hay Road through Johnston to the end of the road. At the stop sign turn left on to NW Beaver Drive and follow this road past the Hyperion Golf Club and Camp Dodge. After passing the water tower watch for the turn into Lakeview on your right.
Lakeview is a great location for scanning Saylorville Reservoir during spring and fall migrations. The rock jetty often serves as a roosting spot for gulls.

Lincoln Access

Lincoln Access - Polk County At the west end of the Mile Long Bridge at Polk City, turn right at the stop sign and then immediately take another right and wind around the cemetery. Barring flood waters this road will take you to a boat ramp below the bridge. Lincoln Access provides an overview of the lake. While generally not as productive as Cherry Glen, Lakeview, or the dam, it is often a good place to find scoters in the fall. The ponds near the boat ramp can be productive during migration. The wooded area along the road leading to the lake contains many conifers and should be checked for wintering owls. It's also aa good spot for Purple Finch.

Lincoln Access - Polk County
At the west end of the Mile Long Bridge at Polk City, turn right at the stop sign and then immediately take another right and wind around the cemetery. Barring flood waters this road will take you to a boat ramp below the bridge.
Lincoln Access provides an overview of the lake. While generally not as productive as Cherry Glen, Lakeview, or the dam, it is often a good place to find scoters in the fall. The ponds near the boat ramp can be productive during migration. The wooded area along the road leading to the lake contains many conifers and should be checked for wintering owls. It's also aa good spot for Purple Finch.

Maffitt Reservoir

Maffitt Reservoir - Polk County From the Highway 5 by-pass south of the city, take the 35th St. exit and go south to the stop sign - Maffitt Lake Drive. Turn right (west). After you cross the Interstate, the east entrance will be on your left. Access to the west side is on your left after you drive across the dam.

Maffitt Reservoir - Polk County
From the Highway 5 by-pass south of the city, take the 35th St. exit and go south to the stop sign - Maffitt Lake Drive. Turn right (west). After you cross the Interstate, the east entrance will be on your left. Access to the west side is on your left after you drive across the dam.

Neal Smith NWR

Neal Smith NWR - Jasper County Drive east about 15 miles on Highway 163 from Pleasant Hill. Take the Prairie City exit. At the stop sign drive straight ahead and follow the road through the refuge to the Visitor's Center (about five miles) where you can get maps of the refuge. The refuge is about 5600 acres, including a large area of prairie that attracts grassland birds. The tallgrass trail and several roads provide opportunities for viewing grassland birds. Breeding species include Henslow's Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink, Sedge Wren, Dickcissel, and Eastern and Western Meadowlarks. Smith's Longspur and LeConte's Sparrow migrate through in spring and fall, and Short-eared Owl and Northern Harrier are found in fall, winter, and early spring.

Neal Smith NWR - Jasper County
Drive east about 15 miles on Highway 163 from Pleasant Hill. Take the Prairie City exit. At the stop sign drive straight ahead and follow the road through the refuge to the Visitor's Center (about five miles) where you can get maps of the refuge.
The refuge is about 5600 acres, including a large area of prairie that attracts grassland birds. The tallgrass trail and several roads provide opportunities for viewing grassland birds. Breeding species include Henslow's Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink, Sedge Wren, Dickcissel, and Eastern and Western Meadowlarks. Smith's Longspur and LeConte's Sparrow migrate through in spring and fall, and Short-eared Owl and Northern Harrier are found in fall, winter, and early spring.

Oak Grove Beach

Oak Grove Beach - Polk County On the east side of Saylorville Reservoir, this site is the first one north of Cherry Glen off Highway 415.

Oak Grove Beach - Polk County
On the east side of Saylorville Reservoir, this site is the first one north of Cherry Glen off Highway 415.

Runnells Overlook

Runnells Overlook - Warren County From the Highway 5 bypass take the Carlisle exit and proceed to the southeast on Highway 5 past the town of Hartford. After crossing the broad South River valley, watch for the turn onto Highway 316 on your left. Go north for about three miles and just as the highway makes a sharp bend to your left, the parking area will be on your right. In years of flooding this area may hold large pools of water for spring and fall observation of waterfowl and shorebirds. If there is water, this area is the upper reaches of Red Rock Reservoir and can be a staging area for American White Pelicans. It also provides a nice wide view for fall raptor migration as the birds move south along the ridges of the Des Moines River.

Runnells Overlook - Warren County
From the Highway 5 bypass take the Carlisle exit and proceed to the southeast on Highway 5 past the town of Hartford. After crossing the broad South River valley, watch for the turn onto Highway 316 on your left. Go north for about three miles and just as the highway makes a sharp bend to your left, the parking area will be on your right.
In years of flooding this area may hold large pools of water for spring and fall observation of waterfowl and shorebirds. If there is water, this area is the upper reaches of Red Rock Reservoir and can be a staging area for American White Pelicans. It also provides a nice wide view for fall raptor migration as the birds move south along the ridges of the Des Moines River.

Sandpiper Beach

Sandpiper Beach - Polk County From Highway 415 just south of Polk CIty, the entrance turn in to the south. Follow the road to the back parking lot.

Sandpiper Beach - Polk County
From Highway 415 just south of Polk CIty, the entrance turn in to the south. Follow the road to the back parking lot.

Saylorville Visitor Center

Saylorville Visitor Center - Polk County The Visitor Center is just north of Saylorville Dam on the east side of the reservoir. Watch for signs to the dam. Situated along the lake in a mature woodland, the Visitor Center can be surprisingly good for both spring and fall migrants. Working the edge of the parking lot allows good viewing of the canopy for warblers and vireos. Thrushes and sparrows frequent the dogwood thickets. An observation deck provides an overview of the lake, as well as an opportunity to look down (!) on migrant passerines. Des Moines Audubon maintains an extensive feeder setup from November through March. Spotted Towhee and Common Redpoll have been recent winter visitors. Scarlet and Summer Tanagers nest around the parking lot. Great Horned Owls are resident in the area.

Saylorville Visitor Center - Polk County
The Visitor Center is just north of Saylorville Dam on the east side of the reservoir. Watch for signs to the dam.
Situated along the lake in a mature woodland, the Visitor Center can be surprisingly good for both spring and fall migrants. Working the edge of the parking lot allows good viewing of the canopy for warblers and vireos. Thrushes and sparrows frequent the dogwood thickets. An observation deck provides an overview of the lake, as well as an opportunity to look down (!) on migrant passerines. Des Moines Audubon maintains an extensive feeder setup from November through March. Spotted Towhee and Common Redpoll have been recent winter visitors. Scarlet and Summer Tanagers nest around the parking lot. Great Horned Owls are resident in the area.

Snake Creek Marsh

Snake Creek Marsh - Greene County From the northwest corner of I80/35, go north on Highway 141. Continue to the town of Perry (25 miles). Turn north in Perry on Highway 144 and drive about 10 miles to the town of Rippey. At the north edge of Rippey, turn north on Co. Rd. P46. In about two miles Snake Creek Marsh will be on your right. 270th bisects the marsh, with prime habitat on both sides of the road. 260th forms the north border and has a parking lot with an overview of some wetlands. Other parking lots are available along P46. This is probably the primo spot in central Iowa to find LeConte's and Nelson's Sparrows in late September and early October. Yellow Rail has also been found here with some regularity although Virginia Rail and Sora are more likely. Trumpeter Swans, Least Bitterns and (occasionally) American Bitterns nest here.

Snake Creek Marsh - Greene County
From the northwest corner of I80/35, go north on Highway 141. Continue to the town of Perry (25 miles). Turn north in Perry on Highway 144 and drive about 10 miles to the town of Rippey. At the north edge of Rippey, turn north on Co. Rd. P46. In about two miles Snake Creek Marsh will be on your right. 270th bisects the marsh, with prime habitat on both sides of the road. 260th forms the north border and has a parking lot with an overview of some wetlands. Other parking lots are available along P46.
This is probably the primo spot in central Iowa to find LeConte's and Nelson's Sparrows in late September and early October. Yellow Rail has also been found here with some regularity although Virginia Rail and Sora are more likely. Trumpeter Swans, Least Bitterns and (occasionally) American Bitterns nest here.

Summerset (Banner Lakes) SP/Banner WA

Summerset (Banner Lakes) SP/Banner WA - Warren County Go south of Des Moines on E. 14th St/Highway 65/69 for about five miles from the county line. At the 65 mile marker (Elk Horn) turn left (east). A paved loop through the park is immediately on your right. Continue to east on a rock road to the second entrance where you may park and walk the bike trail overlooking the marsh. Parts of the marsh may also be observed from continuing on the rock road to the north and then east. The park has a variety of normal passerines and can be a good place to hear Wood Thrushes singing. The draw, however, is the marshy area to the east. In years when the water level is high enough, Least Bittern, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Great-tailed Grackle have nested. Waterfowl are numerous in the spring and both spring and fall migration produce good counts of shorebirds. A Great Blue Heron colony is nearby and Bald Eagles have nested in this proximity and are frequently seen soaring.

Summerset (Banner Lakes) SP/Banner WA - Warren County
Go south of Des Moines on E. 14th St/Highway 65/69 for about five miles from the county line. At the 65 mile marker (Elk Horn) turn left (east). A paved loop through the park is immediately on your right. Continue to east on a rock road to the second entrance where you may park and walk the bike trail overlooking the marsh. Parts of the marsh may also be observed from continuing on the rock road to the north and then east.
The park has a variety of normal passerines and can be a good place to hear Wood Thrushes singing. The draw, however, is the marshy area to the east. In years when the water level is high enough, Least Bittern, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Great-tailed Grackle have nested. Waterfowl are numerous in the spring and both spring and fall migration produce good counts of shorebirds. A Great Blue Heron colony is nearby and Bald Eagles have nested in this proximity and are frequently seen soaring.

Sycamore Access

Sycamore Access - Polk County From the city of Johnston go east on NW 66th. Just after you cross the Des Moines River, there will be parking lots on either side of the road. Walk the bike trail to the north an into the COE picnic areas. Yellow-throated Warbler nests in this area.

Sycamore Access - Polk County
From the city of Johnston go east on NW 66th. Just after you cross the Des Moines River, there will be parking lots on either side of the road. Walk the bike trail to the north an into the COE picnic areas.
Yellow-throated Warbler nests in this area.

Terra Park, Johnston

Terra Park, Johnston - Polk County Go north from I-80/35 on Merle Hay Road. Turn left on Pioneer Parkway and go .4 miles to Columbine Parkway. The entrance to Terra Park is on your left. Terra Park is a part of the Beaver Creek Natural Resource Area and contains about 200 acres of grassland, wetland and woodland. The BCNRA has several miles of trails which connect to trails throughout Johnston as well as to surrounding communities. Within the BCNRA there are two loops of about a mile each. The thickets of young trees provide in the loop to the right habitat for American Woodcock. Western Kingbirds nest along the power lines on the trail to the left. Some species to look for in the grassland area include Sedge Wren and Dickcissel. Shrubs provide habitat for Bell's Vireo and Willow Flycatcher, and Yellow-throated Warblers are found along Beaver Creek.

Terra Park, Johnston - Polk County
Go north from I-80/35 on Merle Hay Road. Turn left on Pioneer Parkway and go .4 miles to Columbine Parkway. The entrance to Terra Park is on your left.
Terra Park is a part of the Beaver Creek Natural Resource Area and contains about 200 acres of grassland, wetland and woodland. The BCNRA has several miles of trails which connect to trails throughout Johnston as well as to surrounding communities. Within the BCNRA there are two loops of about a mile each. The thickets of young trees provide in the loop to the right habitat for American Woodcock. Western Kingbirds nest along the power lines on the trail to the left. Some species to look for in the grassland area include Sedge Wren and Dickcissel. Shrubs provide habitat for Bell's Vireo and Willow Flycatcher, and Yellow-throated Warblers are found along Beaver Creek.

Walnut Woods State Park

Walnut Woods State Park - Polk County From the Highway 5 by-pass south of the city, take the 35th Street exit and go north a few hundred feet to Army Post Road. Go left (west) for about a mile where you will see the sign to turn right to Walnut Woods.

Walnut Woods State Park - Polk County
From the Highway 5 by-pass south of the city, take the 35th Street exit and go north a few hundred feet to Army Post Road. Go left (west) for about a mile where you will see the sign to turn right to Walnut Woods.

Waterworks Park

Waterworks Park - Polk County Go south of the western downtown area on Fleur Drive. The entrance to the park is to the west at the stoplight for Gray's Lake. Follow the road around the ponds to get to the more western parts of the park where the birding is better. Situated along the Raccoon River and just south of downtown Des Moines, Waterworks Park offers some premier birding for folks who want to get away from the bustling concrete jungle that is metro Des Moines. Starting at the main entrance off of Fleur Dr. and just across from Gray's Lake, you will start out at in an arboretum of crabapple trees which can be quite productive in winter for fruit eating birds like Cedar Waxwings. Keep a lookout for a stray Bohemian Waxwing, or perhaps a Varied Thrush mingling with the overwintering American Robins. Further down the road, there are some fishing ponds which can be productive in Spring for waterfowl. These ponds are small, and often contain open water before the larger water bodies in the area, so watch for early ducks and geese in early March. Herons can be found along the water's edge in Summer. Further along, the road travels along the Raccoon River, and habitat switches over to bottomland hardwoods. There are several pull offs along the river as well as 2 noted "hot spots" for passerines. The first you will encounter is the footbridge area. Park your vehicle, and walk across the footbridge, and there will be an equestrian trail along the river to your left. Walk along this path a ways during April/May and August through October, and the woodlands can be full of migrating warblers, thrushes, vireos, and flycatchers. Eastern Wood-pewee, 3 species of Vireo, Barred Owl, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo are just a few of the summer residents here. Continuing along the main road of the park, you will encounter a larger lake, which occasionally is productive for waterfowl. Broad-winged Hawk has nested in this area. Turn right and drive along the edge of the lake. Continue about a mile to a gate, which is open except during times of excessive ice and snow. Once through the gate, this is a one-way road, and the first area you will encounter is a semiopen wooded area with a couple of old chimneys still standing. This is another productive area for migrating passerines as well as nesting Pileated Woodpecker. Finally, as you complete this one way loop and just before arriving back at the gate, there is a small wetland, which can hold some puddle ducks. Cattle Egret has been seen here.

Waterworks Park - Polk County
Go south of the western downtown area on Fleur Drive. The entrance to the park is to the west at the stoplight for Gray's Lake. Follow the road around the ponds to get to the more western parts of the park where the birding is better.
Situated along the Raccoon River and just south of downtown Des Moines, Waterworks Park offers some premier birding for folks who want to get away from the bustling concrete jungle that is metro Des Moines. Starting at the main entrance off of Fleur Dr. and just across from Gray's Lake, you will start out at in an arboretum of crabapple trees which can be quite productive in winter for fruit eating birds like Cedar Waxwings. Keep a lookout for a stray Bohemian Waxwing, or perhaps a Varied Thrush mingling with the overwintering American Robins. Further down the road, there are some fishing ponds which can be productive in Spring for waterfowl. These ponds are small, and often contain open water before the larger water bodies in the area, so watch for early ducks and geese in early March. Herons can be found along the water's edge in Summer. Further along, the road travels along the Raccoon River, and habitat switches over to bottomland hardwoods. There are several pull offs along the river as well as 2 noted "hot spots" for passerines. The first you will encounter is the footbridge area. Park your vehicle, and walk across the footbridge, and there will be an equestrian trail along the river to your left. Walk along this path a ways during April/May and August through October, and the woodlands can be full of migrating warblers, thrushes, vireos, and flycatchers. Eastern Wood-pewee, 3 species of Vireo, Barred Owl, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo are just a few of the summer residents here. Continuing along the main road of the park, you will encounter a larger lake, which occasionally is productive for waterfowl. Broad-winged Hawk has nested in this area. Turn right and drive along the edge of the lake. Continue about a mile to a gate, which is open except during times of excessive ice and snow. Once through the gate, this is a one-way road, and the first area you will encounter is a semiopen wooded area with a couple of old chimneys still standing. This is another productive area for migrating passerines as well as nesting Pileated Woodpecker. Finally, as you complete this one way loop and just before arriving back at the gate, there is a small wetland, which can hold some puddle ducks. Cattle Egret has been seen here.