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

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/20/2026Jordan Game Land--New Hope Creek (Chatham Co. Seasonal Mudflats)1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

7/20/2026Jordan Game Land--New Hope Creek (Chatham Co. Seasonal Mudflats)2 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/20/2026Jordan Game Land--New Hope Creek (Chatham Co. Seasonal Mudflats)1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/18/2026Jordan Lake--Highway 641 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

7/18/2026Jordan Game Land--Transis Camp Rd (general area)1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/18/2026Meadow View Area (Birding From Roads Only)1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/14/2026Jordan Game Land--New Hope Creek (Chatham Co. Seasonal Mudflats)8 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

7/14/2026Jordan Game Land--Transis Camp Rd (general area)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/19/2026

Great Egret

17/19/2026

Osprey

17/19/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/19/2026

Blue Jay

17/19/2026

American Crow

17/19/2026

Fish Crow

17/19/2026

Carolina Wren

27/19/2026

American Goldfinch

27/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/19/2026

Blue Grosbeak

27/19/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

27/18/2026

Gray Catbird

17/18/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/18/2026

Summer Tanager

17/18/2026

Indigo Bunting

47/18/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/18/2026

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.