Songbird Slough Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandForest
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

3/6/2026Air Station Prairie, Glenview2 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Loyola Park1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/5/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026US-IL-Bolingbrook-60440 - 41.7277x-88.07391 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/4/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/4/20261207 Dobson1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/2/2026Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center31 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/2/2026Raceway Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/1/2026Bailey House1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

163/5/2026

Mallard

93/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/5/2026

American Crow

13/5/2026

European Starling

693/5/2026

American Robin

523/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/5/2026

American Black Duck

13/4/2026

Common Merganser

13/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

American Goldfinch

43/4/2026

American Tree Sparrow

13/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

13/2/2026

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.