Blue Grosbeaks have nested in the copse just to the east of the pit. Eastern Meadowlarks are abundant in grassy areas. Bald Eagles sometimes perch on trees on the far side of the pit, adjacent to the Ohio River. Look for an Osprey nest on the high-tension power lines tower where Peregrine Falcons sometimes perch. In the pond, look for waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, cormorants, and grebes.

The former Shelly Gravel Pit is private property and gated, but there is a pull-off at the gate large enough to accommodate several cars. Please, view birds from the roadside only.

A scope is very helpful for viewing birds on the water. From the gate, it is possible to peer into the shallow pond in the old gravel pit.