Wetland birding habitat

Songbird Slough Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Songbird Slough Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Mourning Dove among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/17/2026Cooney1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Linne Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

4/17/2026Skokie Lagoons Forest Preserve--Willow Rd.1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Westell1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/17/2026Morton Arboretum--West Side1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/17/20264047 West Patterson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, US (41.947, -87.729)1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/17/2026Blackwell Forest Preserve--Silver Lake area2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/17/2026California Park1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/16/2026Air Station Prairie, Glenview1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/17/2026

Mallard

94/17/2026

Mourning Dove

24/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

34/17/2026

Caspian Tern

14/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

44/17/2026

Northern Flicker

44/17/2026

Tree Swallow

44/17/2026

American Robin

44/17/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

14/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

184/17/2026

Rusty Blackbird

134/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/15/2026

House Finch

24/15/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/15/2026

Common Grackle

44/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/13/2026

European Starling

64/13/2026

Song Sparrow

14/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Songbird Slough Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Songbird Slough Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Songbird Slough Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Songbird Slough Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, American Crow. The area supports wetland, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Songbird Slough Forest Preserve?
Birding at Songbird Slough Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Songbird Slough Forest Preserve?
Songbird Slough Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.