Wetland birding habitat

Shelby Farms Park - Gardner Road Marsh

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
WetlandUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Shelby Farms Park - Gardner Road Marsh is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 253 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard 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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/27/2026Ensley Bottoms--Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

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

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/26/2026Ensley Bottoms--Greater Ensley Bottoms2 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/26/2026Ensley Bottoms--Greater Ensley Bottoms1 observed

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

5/26/2026Ensley Bottoms--Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/25/2026Robco Lake/Coro Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

745/29/2026

Mallard

25/29/2026

Wild Turkey

135/29/2026

Rock Pigeon

45/29/2026

Mourning Dove

25/29/2026

Green Heron

15/29/2026

Great Egret

15/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/29/2026

Mississippi Kite

35/29/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/29/2026

Fish Crow

15/29/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/29/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

65/29/2026

Barn Swallow

25/29/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/29/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/29/2026

Field Sparrow

15/29/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/29/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

45/29/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 - Gardner Road Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Shelby Farms Park - Gardner Road Marsh for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Shelby Farms Park - Gardner Road Marsh?
Notable species at Shelby Farms Park - Gardner Road Marsh include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup. The area supports wetland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shelby Farms Park - Gardner Road Marsh?
Birding at Shelby Farms Park - Gardner Road Marsh 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 - Gardner Road Marsh?
Shelby Farms Park - Gardner Road Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.