Check the marsh pools for waterfowl and locally rare species typical of pothole wetlands such as American Bittern, Virginia Rail, Common Gallinule, Great-tailed Grackle, and Yellow-headed Blackbird.

Primarily popular for pothole marsh breeders and migrants.  This spot has had King and Yellow Rails, both bitterns, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and Common Gallinule.  This is a consistent spot for LeConte's and Nelson's Sparrow in the cattail and grassy fringes of the wetlands.  Depending on the stage of grassland management and types of food plots present, this can be a good spot for Smith's Longspur in the fall.  The big pool at the northeast corner is usually productive but what is present varies greatly based on water levels.

Important Bird Area.
In northeast Polk Co. Off I-35 at Ankeny, go three miles east on Hwy. 931 to 46th St. Proceed north on 46th one mile to 102nd Ave., then east one half mile to the south end of the marsh area. The area extends north one mile to 110th Ave. and generally along 56th St., the next road east.