The marshy sloughs can be accessed from either the Washington St. parking area on the south, or the Drury Lane parking lot on the west (shorter walk from Drury Ln.) Birds breeding here include Yellow-headed Blackbird, American and Least Bittern, Sandhill Crane, Henslow’s, Savannah and Grasshopper Sparrows, Bobolink and other expected prairie species. In the fall, the wet areas around the slough edges can be excellent for sparrows, especially Nelson’s and Le Conte’s. Short-eared Owls can be seen here in most years from October to December and sometimes through the winter. American Kestrel and Northern Harrier are regulars during winter and during spring and fall, the ponds at Rollins are loaded with all manner of dabbling ducks. It’s the best spot in the area for Northern Pintail. In winter it is not unusual to get Lapland longspur, Horned Lark, and Snow Bunting here as well.

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