Directions:  From the intersection of Elliot Rd and Mt Zion Rd, head east on Mt Zion Rd for 0.4 miles from Elliot Road until you crest the hill and come to a gate on both sides of the dirt road. The pines to the north hold Vesper Sparrow, Prairie Warbler, and other songbirds during breeding season. Twice, this area has hosted breeding Short-eared Owl. Dicksissel have also bred here. Northern Harrier breed in the grassy areas between the pines. Savannah and Grasshopper sparrows buzz all through the summer and "TSLICK" (Henslow's Sparrow) is a common song. Horned Lark breed here (but not as commonly in recent years). In the winter, these pines hold roosting Short-eared and Long-eared owls, Northern Harrier, and other raptors. Feel free to walk among the pines or along the trail that heads north. Dark-eyed Junco, American Tree Sparrow, and other passerines can be observed foraging among the pines or along the road. Snow Bunting have been seen here on the road and passing over in flight. Fox and Lincoln's sparrows and other passerines can be observed during migration. The trail that heads south and up the hill goes one way approximately two miles (see map). It is mostly flat and easy walking. Approximately 0.5 miles up the trail you will pass through some locust and into a small pine plantation. Prairie Warbler, Vesper Sparrow , Indigo Bunting, and Chipping Sparrow abound here. During the 1998 breeding season, two Clay-colored Sparrow were located here and breeding may have occurred. Northern Harrier are frequently seen hunting the fields and the forested 'bowl' to the west holds other forest birds. Ponds and wet areas have held breeding geese and ducks. At approximately 1 mile, the trail turns east and then northeast. Cattails here hold breeding Red-winged Blackbird and Swamp Sparrow. Rails have been noted in migration along with other migrating species such as Marsh Wren. Killdeer breed along the trail and on bare areas in the fields. American Woodcock can be observed in spring and Wood Duck have been reported feeding here and breeding along Anderson Run to the East. From here you can go back or continue until the trail joins the road again. Either way, if you haven't found Ring-necked Pheasant or Wild Turkey yet, you still have a chance of finding them along the trail. The Aspen groves along parts of the trail are good for Eastern Kingbird , other passerines, and woodpeckers. From back at the gate, continue east on Mt Zion Road for 0.22 mile to a dirt road that goes north to a section of deciduous woods that contains many birds during appropriate seasons. It is best to park here and walk to the woods if that is your intention. Just past this road and on the same side is a large multiflora rose bush that the Northern Shrike seems to enjoy roosting in during the winter.