From downtown, follow Grand Ave. Entering the area across from the Gray s Lake entrance takes you through the arboretum, noted for the spring bloom of a large grove of flowering crab trees. A favorite birding spot is the iron pedestrian bridge across the Raccoon River, 1.3 miles from the entrance off Fleur. Crossing the bridge provides access to both riparian woods and thickets to the left, or to a grassy area with scattered large trees straight ahead. During Spring migration.
Warblers can be abundant here, and it is also good for woodpeckers, thrushes, and flycatchers.
With some luck, you may find one of the Pileated Woodpeckers that nest in the area. Nesting species include Wood Duck, American Redstart, Belted Kingfisher, Blue Gray Gnatcatcher, and others. Near the iron bridge and on into the park are a number of sycamore trees. Yellow-throated Warblers can be found singing high in their treetops in late April, but nesting has not been confirmed. At mile 1.7, the road forks.