Overview
Songbird Slough consists of natural and constructed wetlands, restored prairies and meadows, and Songbird Lake, whose southern 14 acres are remnants of a natural “slough,” a shallow lake formed thousands of years ago by the Wisconsin Glacier.
This urban retreat serves as a nesting spot for numerous grassland birds and songbirds, and is a great spot for wildlife viewing, especially during waterfowl migration season. Of the more than 200 kinds of birds recorded at the preserve, almost one third are on state lists: 13 endangered, two threatened, and 61 of special concern or in greatest need of conservation.
Songbird Slough has several picnic tables and grassy areas where you can spread a blanket.
Hikers and bicyclists can use Songbird Slough’s 1-mile paved entrance road. A turf footpath runs along the north side of Songbird Lake, and several unmarked dirt footpaths connect the main road to the lakeshore.