Saganashkee Slough

One visit, in winter

Open water beside a winter shoreline

Brian visited Saganashkee Slough once, during winter. These photographs record that outing: birds on open water and ice, eagles perched in bare trees, and paths beside the slough.

Managed by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Saganashkee Slough is a 377-acre lake near Willow Springs. Its broad water views and birdlife are part of its appeal, with several public access points around the shoreline.

The collection shows one part of the year, rather than a complete tour. Fallen branches, exposed wood, dormant grasses, and leafless shrubs provide plenty to notice between bird sightings.

A narrow path along the winter shoreline

Look across the water—and up

Eagles and winter waterfowl

Bald Eagles are a highlight of this visit, including an immature bird with mottled brown plumage. Common Goldeneyes, Common Mergansers, Canada Geese, and gulls appear on the water or ice, while a European Starling perches in the shoreline trees.

Select any photograph to open the slideshow. Use the arrows to browse or swipe on a phone. Sightings reflect Brian’s past visit and will vary with conditions.

Bald Eagle with developing adult plumage at Saganashkee Slough — Bald Eagle with developing adult plumage

Immature Bald Eagle perched above the slough at Saganashkee Slough — Immature Bald Eagle perched above the slough

Immature Bald Eagle looking down from its perch at Saganashkee Slough — Immature Bald Eagle looking down from its perch

Canada Geese on the ice at Saganashkee Slough — Canada Geese on the ice

Common Goldeneye swimming near gulls at Saganashkee Slough — Common Goldeneye swimming near gulls

Common Goldeneyes on open water at Saganashkee Slough — Common Goldeneyes on open water

Waterfowl gathered near the ice at Saganashkee Slough — Waterfowl gathered near the ice

Male Common Merganser at Saganashkee Slough — Male Common Merganser

View 4 more bird photographs

Common Mergansers gathered at the water’s edge at Saganashkee Slough — Common Mergansers gathered at the water’s edge

Common Goldeneyes moving through open water at Saganashkee Slough — Common Goldeneyes moving through open water

European Starling on a bare branch at Saganashkee Slough — European Starling on a bare branch

Common Mergansers swimming across the slough at Saganashkee Slough — Common Mergansers swimming across the slough

Along the winter shoreline

Ice outlines fallen wood, narrow paths pass through bare vegetation, and the open slough contrasts with the close details of the wooded edge.

A broad winter view across the slough at Saganashkee Slough — A broad winter view across the slough

A narrow path along the winter shoreline at Saganashkee Slough — A narrow path along the winter shoreline

A winter path through bare shrubs at Saganashkee Slough — A winter path through bare shrubs

Rocky ground along a woodland path at Saganashkee Slough — Rocky ground along a woodland path

Ice around fallen shoreline wood at Saganashkee Slough — Ice around fallen shoreline wood

Branches resting along the icy water’s edge at Saganashkee Slough — Branches resting along the icy water’s edge

Exposed wood on a shoreline tree at Saganashkee Slough — Exposed wood on a shoreline tree

A leaf-covered woodland path at Saganashkee Slough — A leaf-covered woodland path

Visiting Saganashkee Slough

Choose an access point

The Forest Preserves lists East, Central, and Boat Launch locations. The East entrance is on Willow Springs Road/104th Avenue; Central and the Boat Launch are on 107th Street. Check the official map for parking and trail access.

Check seasonal conditions

The boat launch normally closes roughly October through April for migrating waterfowl. Check current alerts before visiting. Winter photographs do not indicate that ice is safe to walk on.

Official visitor information & maps Back to Places to Explore

Photographs by Brian Woolman, from a single winter visit. Location, lake size, access points, and seasonal boat-launch information: Forest Preserves of Cook County. Information reviewed October 2026.

Saganashkee Slough

Open water beside a winter shoreline

Eagles and winter waterfowl

Along the winter shoreline

Visiting Saganashkee Slough

Choose an access point

Check seasonal conditions

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Open water beside a winter shoreline

Eagles and winter waterfowl

Along the winter shoreline

Visiting Saganashkee Slough

Choose an access point

Check seasonal conditions

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Like this:

Refine your search