Birding at Ferncliff Cemetery and Arboretum: A Peaceful Refuge for Birds and Bird Lovers Alike
Driving by the beautifully manicured grounds and stately black fence, you catch a glimpse of the most brilliant, Northern Cardinal, Ohio’s state bird. More than just a symbol of beauty and resilience, this bird offers comfort as it evokes memories of lost loved ones—and it’s just one of many local and migratory birds that find sanctuary at Ferncliff Cemetery and Arboretum in Springfield.
A Wood Thrush at Ferncliff Cemetery & Arboretum in Springfield Ohio. Photo by Terri Norris.
A Historic Haven for Birds and Nature
Since 1863, Ferncliff Cemetery and Arboretum’s grounds have featured beautiful landscaping incorporating diverse tree species, creating the perfect natural habitat for birds.
Our grounds are carefully curated and maintained, filled with sheltered areas, water features, and plant life – all vital to the bird species that live within them. Whether you’re a lifelong birdwatcher or new to the experience, Ferncliff’s rich landscape offers an inviting haven to observe and appreciate the many bird species that call it home.
Bird Species You’re Likely to Encounter
Ferncliff is a refuge for an estimated 125 species of birds, 20 of which have been identified and recorded by our friends at eBird:
- Mallards, whose males have a distinctive iridescent green head and yellow bill, had the most recorded sightings.
- The familiar and stunning Blue Jay, with bright blue coloring, and a harsh “jay” call, landed the number two spot.
- Last but not least, known for its lovely song echoing through the canopy, the American Robin captured third place. 10 species were only spotted and recorded once by eBird contributors, ranging from the Black-bellied Plover to the Scarlet Tanager.
- Most notably, the European Starling and House Finch, two species identified as exotic, yet naturalized, were also spotted and recorded.
Quiet Observation
Birdwatching is a quiet endeavor. At Ferncliff Cemetery and Arboretum, you’ll find an atmosphere of reflection, tranquility, and peacefulness – the perfect combination for birdwatching.
Our self-guided tours will wind you through the property, taking you on a walk through history, all while enjoying the sights and sounds of beautiful birds.
A Mallard duck resting at Ferncliff Cemetery & Arboretum in Springfield, Ohio. Photo by Terri Norris.
Capturing the Experience
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to capture a few amazing photographs of your favorite bird species during your walk? We found a helpful article with 10 Tips for Photographing Birds that is sure to help the novice or the professional birder snap the perfect photo.
Now that you have a wonderful portfolio of photos, what should you do with them? Consider sharing and tracking your photos with the world’s largest birding community – eBird. Here you’ll find a group of dedicated individuals striving to provide the most current and useful information to the birding community.
And we always love to see the images you capture at Ferncliff – so send them our way or share them on our Facebook page.
Begin Your Exploration
We are pleased to be recognized as one of the top birding hotspots in our region and can’t wait for you to begin or continue your journey with us as a birdwatcher! Ferncliff Cemetery & Arboretum is open during the winter from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Join us today, the birds await.
Plus: keep an eye out for future tours featuring our feathery friends, like this walking tour led by local birding enthusiast Doug Overacker of Clark County Birding!
