Urban Park birding habitat

Shelby Farms Park - Conservancy/Penal Farm

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Shelby Farms Park - Conservancy/Penal Farm is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 270 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Hairy Woodpecker, and Red-winged Blackbird 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

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/30/2026Alonzo Weaver Park1 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/30/20261215 Misty Isle Dr, Memphis US-TN 35.17304, -90.051591 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/30/2026Meeman-Shelby Forest SP--Pioneer Springs Trail1 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

5/29/2026Shelby Farms Park--Mid-South Raptor Center Area1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

5/28/2026Mt. Moriah Rd at Lenox Office Park1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/28/2026My Yard1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/27/2026Juice Meadow, Memphis US-TN (35.1462,-89.7999)3 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/27/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Marsh1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

5/25/2026Overton Park1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/24/2026Riverwood Lake1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/24/2026Riverwood Lake1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/24/2026Riverwood Lake1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/24/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Marsh1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/24/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

25/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

Blue Jay

25/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/30/2026

Carolina Wren

15/30/2026

European Starling

45/30/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/30/2026

Eastern Bluebird

35/30/2026

American Goldfinch

15/30/2026

Field Sparrow

25/30/2026

Eastern Towhee

35/30/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/30/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

45/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

55/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Shelby Farms Park - Conservancy/Penal Farm for birding?
The best months to visit Shelby Farms Park - Conservancy/Penal Farm for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Shelby Farms Park - Conservancy/Penal Farm?
Notable species at Shelby Farms Park - Conservancy/Penal Farm include Northern Shoveler, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal, Canada Goose. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shelby Farms Park - Conservancy/Penal Farm?
Birding at Shelby Farms Park - Conservancy/Penal Farm is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Shelby Farms Park - Conservancy/Penal Farm?
Shelby Farms Park - Conservancy/Penal Farm offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.