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

Loading map...

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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/18/2026Richard Clark Park1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/17/2026Northbrook House New1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/15/2026Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow)2 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

7/15/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)3 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/15/2026Canal Shores Golf Course1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

7/12/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

17/16/2026

Chimney Swift

27/16/2026

Northern Flicker

17/16/2026

Blue Jay

57/16/2026

Tree Swallow

17/16/2026

Barn Swallow

17/16/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/16/2026

Gray Catbird

17/16/2026

American Robin

197/16/2026

American Goldfinch

17/16/2026

Song Sparrow

17/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

67/16/2026

European Starling

17/15/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/15/2026

Orchard Oriole

27/15/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/15/2026

Mourning Dove

17/13/2026

Great Egret

17/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/13/2026

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.