Bird (and birder) attracting features include the 300-acre Oumessourit Natural Area with a wetland boardwalk accessed by a trail from near the west-most picnic shelter.  A nesting Bald Eagle may often be seen from the trail to the boardwalk.  The natural area includes the marsh, fens, bottomland and upland forest.

The picnic area is a favorite haunt of Red-headed Woodpeckers, and the whole park is good habitat for the full suite of Missouri woodpeckers. The small marsh traversed by the boardwalk attracts an interesting array.  The many Killdeer have been joined by Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Wilson’s Snipe, Sora, at least one King Rail, American and Least Bittern.  It pays to be alert on the boardwalk!

From Marshall, at the intersection of US 65 and MO 41 (Santa Fe Trail) go east for about .6 miles to the left to stay on MO 41 north (N. Miami Ave.), go 7.1 miles to a park sign, and a left (west) onto MO 122 for 1.8 miles to the park. From US 24, east of Carrollton and west of Brunswick, take MO 41 south past Miami to a right (east) onto MO 122 into the park. A detached section, site of the Missouri Indian Village, is on the east side of CR 427, off MO 122, north of the main entrance to the park.

The park, in Saline County northwest of Marshall, is an island-like collage of bird-friendly habitats amid a vast “sea” of agricultural landscape. It has long been a favorite of birders, especially in spring migration.  The 173-bird species checklist is a fair representation of the birdlife to be found here, and reflects bottomland and upland land features and associated habitats.

A network of hiking trails provides access to this broad spectrum of habitats.  Three trails lead from the parking area at the top of the hill.  Lakeview and Loess Hills Trail lead to and around the lake; the short Missouri River Overlook Trail does just that and can be good for birds, too.

The Earthworks Trail is designed for access to and education about the archaeological features, but also allows access to forest and open land birding.  The downhill end is reached from the area of the picnic shelters along the paved road.  It is fairly steep along some portions.

The trail to the family cemetery is an easy walk and can produce several birds in a short stretch.