Forest birding habitat

Mason Farm Biological Reserve

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Mason Farm Biological Reserve is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Barred Owl among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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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

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

5/31/2026Bird Forest1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/31/2026Lake Crabtree Nature Trail--Southport Entrance1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/30/2026Cane Creek Reservoir (Restricted Access)1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/30/20261228–1616 Tody Goodwin Rd, Apex US-NC 35.72290, -78.983791 observed

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja

5/30/20261228–1616 Tody Goodwin Rd, Apex US-NC 35.72290, -78.983791 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/30/2026Jordan Game Land--New Hope Creek (Chatham Co. Seasonal Mudflats)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/29/2026Brumley Nature Preserve--North1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/29/2026Falls Lake--Ellerbe Creek RR Grade1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/29/2026Dan K. Moore Freeway, Cary, North Carolina, US (35.838, -78.778)1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/28/2026Jordan Game Land--New Hope Creek (Chatham Co. Seasonal Mudflats)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/30/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

25/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

55/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

25/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

55/30/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

85/30/2026

Carolina Wren

55/30/2026

Eastern Bluebird

45/30/2026

American Goldfinch

15/30/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/30/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

25/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mason Farm Biological Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Mason Farm Biological Reserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Mason Farm Biological Reserve?
Notable species at Mason Farm Biological Reserve include Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Barred Owl, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mason Farm Biological Reserve?
Birding at Mason Farm Biological Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mason Farm Biological Reserve?
Mason Farm Biological Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.