It is better to go early. Some birders find the park productive near dusk as well. Trails are well maintained, but can be icy in winter.

Barred Owl and Pileated Woodpecker breed here. A few species of flycatchers, warblers and vireos breed here annually as well. Excellent for migrants, especially in fall, but spring is definitely worthwhile. Meadow birds can be found here, too.

This park is one of the best for passerines in Oakland County. Plan to spend 2 hours. The park offers a couple of large meadows, riparian habitat as well as a decent-sized forest. There is a 1-mile loop after one crosses the Rouge River, but this loop yields little that can't be found elsewhere. A small wetlands is located next to the sled hill, and it can be good in migration. There is a ramp that leads to a viewing platform. A nature center is open daily after 10 am. and on weekends at noon. Three parking areas: Nature Center (main), amphitheater (near central shelter), and the splash pad/sled hill lot. This is a multi-use park, so if you go later in the morning or in the evening, a lot of nonbirders use the park, especially on weekends. Dogs are not allowed, nor are bikes. Park open dawn to dusk, but it sometimes opens a little late. Good trial maps posted throughout.

Most trails are birdy, but the Meadow trail by the sled hill/scenic overlook is particularly good. The Scout trail is a there-and-back -- the other trails are loops -- and is good in migration; the pines here can yield an owl in the winter months. River trail is fine as well up to the bridge. One of the best area for warblers is "The Triangle," where River and Meadow trails meet, just before the Rouge River bridge. Valley Trail is dependable spot for the Barred Owl, and can be good for migrants from the parking lot to the shelter before it descends.

The feeders are usually well-stocked and can be viewed from the rear on a trail, if the nature center is closed. In spring and fall, there is a brush pile at the extreme northeast corner of the park that is worth checking for wrens and sparrows.