Winter: This is a good spot to see numbers of wintering Trumpeter Swans.  It also is worth checking for uncommon overwintering species like Hooded Merganser, Belted Kingfisher, Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, and American White Pelican.

Spring/fall: A good area for migrant passerines.

Summer: The riparian woods in this area have quality species like Yellow-throated Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, and Pileated Woodpecker, and less regularly, Cerulean Warbler.

There are parking lots on both the north and south sides of NW 66th Avenue just east of the Des Moines River bridge.  The north corner of the north parking lot provides a view of a stretch of river that is popular with waterfowl in winter.  Both parking lots provide direct access to the Neal Smith Trail which runs north and south through riparian forest habitat for many miles.