Aviary

Two habitats are featured in the Great Lakes Aquarium aviary: Pictured Rocks and Kakagon Slough. These habitats are found along the southern shore of Lake Superior. Here you may meet a variety of wetland bird species such as common goldeneye and wood duck. In addition to providing nutrients, wetlands act as sponges for floodwaters and serve as filters that trap excessive pollutants.

Species You’ll See:

GoldeneyeGoldeneye
One of the last ducks to migrate south in the fall

Black-crowned Night HeronBlack-crowned Night Heron
Perch with their head tucked up into their shoulders

Wood DuckWood Duck
One of few North American ducks that nest in trees

Green HeronGreen Heron
Uses bait to lure small fish

Snapping Turtle
Kills other turtles by decapitating them

CrowCrow
Group together to vocally harass predators

Red-eared SliderRed-eared Slider
Will stack up on top of each other three feet high

Painted TurtlePainted Turtle
Gender is determined by egg incubation temperature

Spiny Soft-shelled TurtleSpiny Soft-shelled Turtle
Females are twice as large as males

Wood Turtle
Growth rings on shell may determine its age

Learn more about Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Wind swept rock formations provide dramatic scenery and a unique habitat. Here you will find shorebirds racing on the sand, turtles basking in the morning sunlight and several species of heron perched high above it all.

Learn more about Kakagon Slough: A slough is a wetland through which water moves slowly. Kakagon Slough is a wetland located in Chequamegon Bay, near Ashland, WI. This is one of the most important wetlands left on Lake Superior’s shoreline. These extensive coastal marshes provide nutrient rich areas for spawning and wildlife habitat. These areas also produce wild rice, which is culturally significant to the Anishinabeg who developed ecologically friendly harvesting methods.