Be on the lookout for these tiny winged wonders feeding on Pavonia bahamensis or the Chinese hat plant, Holmskioldia sanguinea from August to April. You can often hear hummingbirds before you see them by listening for quick, high pitched chirping. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird found regularly in Florida, but at any time, we may be graced by a visiting hummingbird from west of the Mississippi or even from the Caribbean. During the last few years, we have had several sightings of the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, a rare visitor from the eastern coasts of Texas and Mexico.

Warbler Zone

Warblers can often be seen hopping from branch to branch devouring small insects. Over 12 species of warblers have been recorded at Fairchild. These small, active birds are usually found during the spring and fall migrations when they drop in for a delicious meal and much needed rest. This particular zone not only attracts many species of warblers, but also many other migrating songbirds.

Heron Zone

Fairchild's lakes attract numerous herons and other water birds. Here you will find Anhingas perched on branches, drying their wings in the sun; Common Moorhens swimming in the open water and Little Blue Herons stalking their next meal. Herons adapt to new ways of finding food, and you might see a Green Heron using bait to "fish" or the Great Egret hunting lizards on land. White Ibis, with their signature curved beaks, are found throughout the garden, probing not only in the shallow water for food, but also in the soft soil.

Bunting Zone

The Keys Coastal Habitat attracts many species of wintering song birds. Here you will find many warblers and songbirds scouting for insects and tiny fruit. If you are lucky, you might spot the shy Painted Bunting hopping from branch to branch and eating tiny seeds. The Keys Coastal Habitat also attracts many other species of birds due to the abundance of berry-producing native plants.

Hawk Zone

At Fairchild you will observe numerous resident and migrating hawks. Red-shouldered Hawks can regularly be heard screeching from high above and have been known to nest in choice locations in the Garden. During migration in spring and fall, many migrating hawks are seen passing through taking advantage of the open green space of the garden to hover and hunt. Also during migration and all summer long, the majestic Swallow-tailed Kites and regal Short-tailed Hawk, both Florida specialties, can be seen overhead.