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

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

7/17/2026Mississippi River--Mud Island--Greenbelt Park1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

7/15/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Marsh1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/6/2026Ensley Bottoms--Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

7/5/2026Hinton Park1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/5/2026Ensley Bottoms--Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

17/18/2026

Mallard

27/18/2026

Wild Turkey

177/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

27/18/2026

Mourning Dove

17/18/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

37/18/2026

Killdeer

57/18/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/18/2026

Green Heron

37/18/2026

Great Egret

37/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/18/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

37/18/2026

American Goldfinch

27/18/2026

Field Sparrow

27/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/18/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

57/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/18/2026

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.