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

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/3/2026Smith and Main Parks, Twin Lakes Golf Club1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/3/2026Blackwell Forest Preserve--Silver Lake area1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/3/2026Bird Feeder1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

6/3/2026Home2 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

6/2/2026Douglass Park2 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

6/2/2026Techny Basin--north of Willow Rd.2 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026St. Paul Woods1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

6/2/2026Barrington Road Pond3 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/2/2026Barrington Road Pond1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/2/2026Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

6/2/2026Cosley Zoo1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

6/2/2026Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

26/1/2026

Wood Duck

246/1/2026

Mallard

76/1/2026

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

16/1/2026

Great Egret

16/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Northern Flicker

16/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

European Starling

26/1/2026

Gray Catbird

16/1/2026

American Robin

66/1/2026

Song Sparrow

26/1/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

86/1/2026

Common Grackle

36/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/1/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/1/2026

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.