(Cootie Ponds is a Local Name)
Slack Slough – on McKenzie Rd (Twp Rd 37-4) east of QEII (Hwy 2). Cootie Ponds (broken off from Slack Slough by QEII) – go west from the QEII on McKenzie Road (Twp Rd 37-4) then south on Rge Rd 27-4A to the T-intersection (Twp Rd 37-3), then east on Twp Rd 37-3.
Shallow slough with cattails surrounded by cultivated fields, mud flats during dry spells.
Slack Slough has a parking lot. For Cootie Ponds, park on shoulder of Twp Rd 37-3 and view from the road. This is private land so stay on the road.
Unusually high density of nesting waterfowl, Eared Grebe, Sora. Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet and other shorebirds may be seen at Slack Slough.
Since the viewing platform was removed at Slack Slough, it is hard to see the birds, even with a scope. Slack Slough is a Conservation Site. Check Alberta Discover Guide for details.
Watch for birds along the mud flats west of the main slough at Cootie Ponds
The Red Deer River Naturalists are not liable for any injury or damage whatsoever caused to yourself or others by using this guide.
More birds will be seen in the spring and summer seasons, but all locations will have some winter birds. Typical and common species can be expected for each habitat described. Large deep lakes typically attract migrating waterfowl, (ducks, swans, and geese). Notable Species are species of special interest that have been recently recorded in or near the area.
Alberta Conservation Association’s (ACA) Alberta Discover Guide has 170 + Conservation Sites listed for the Central Alberta area. Check their website www.albertadiscoverguide.com for locations to pick up a printed version or get the pdf or app version at: www.albertadiscoverguide/getyourguide.cfm
