Discover the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary
Discover the Wetlands of the Heard Natural Science Museum andWildlife Sanctuary
Autumn: As the wetlands begin to dry up in August and September, mudflats emerge, providing a resting place for migrating shorebirds. Look out for mother white-tailed deer guiding their fawns through the mud for a drink.
Winter: With the arrival of winter ducks, the wetlands transform into a haven for these migratory visitors. Occasionally, the wetlands freeze over, creating a breathtaking winter landscape.
Spring: The rookery comes alive with the sounds and sights of great blue herons, great egrets, and other bird species raising their young. The prothonotary warbler and pileated woodpecker add their distinct calls sounds of spring.
Summer: Beavers, otters, raccoons, and frogs emerge to enjoy the warm evenings while aquatic turtles and snakes bask on logs in the sun. The wetlands' vernal nature means they dry up, but the lush surroundings remain teeming with life.
While our live stream offers a glimpse into this vibrant ecosystem, nothing compares to experiencing it firsthand. We invite you to visit the Heard and explore the Wood DuckTrail. This boardwalk takes you over the wetlands, offering an unparalleled view of the natural beauty that surrounds you.
To continue preserving and protecting these vital habitats, we rely on the generosity of donors. Your support ensures that the Heard remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a place of learning and enjoyment for generations to come. Consider making a donation today to help us maintain this precious ecosystem.
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Black Vulture Nest Cam
The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is excited to share peeks into our Black Vulture nest! These birds are secretive and rarely reveal when or where they are nesting which is why being able to share these glimpses with you is so remarkable! Black Vultures will use the same nest multiple times and we are lucky enough to have this pair come back again this year.
Did you know that Black vultures breed from February through May, only once a year and mate for life? The eggs are laid on the ground, not really in a nest, and usually only 2 eggs a year. After about a month and a half, the babies will hatch and both parents will continue to feed them for up to 8 months after fledging - that’s growing feathers and learning to fly! It’s lovely to see these strong social bonds and we hope you’ll watch them with us!
Tune in regularly to the Fairview YouTube channel and, please, come visit the Heard to watch our adorable babies grow!
Your contributions are vital for us to maintain and enhance the habitats at the Heard, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for wildlife to thrive and raise their young. Consider making a donation today to support our ongoing conservation efforts and educational programs. Your generosity helps preserve these natural wonders for future generations to enjoy.
Blackland Prairie and Wetland Viewscape at the Heard NaturalScience Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary
We are pleased to share views into our wetlands and Blackland Prairie. While we hope you will visit and experience first-hand the beauty and wonder of the Sanctuary, in partnership with the Town of Fairview, we are pleased to offer a glimpse into this ever-changing environment.
See if you can find waterfowl, turtles, and beavers in our wetlands or deer and migratory birds and butterflies wandering through the wildflowers and native grasses.
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Seasonal Highlights
Autumn – Many species of birds are migrating south and make the Heard a resting stop. Monarchs are also migrating. Cooler days may bring out some of our mammal species, such as white-tailed deer, beaver, and maybe otters. Leaves on our trees start to turn Fall colors.
Winter – Although many birds migrate, we have quite a few that stay year round. These are Cardinals, Blue Jays, Chickadees, Red-bellied, Red-headed, and Downy Woodpeckers, and Titmice. A variety of ducks make the wetlands their winter home. Turtles and snakes are hibernating. Deer are still moving. You might see a coyote or the otters.
Spring – So much is happening! Trees bud. Flowers bloom. Some flowers you might see are thistles, gaura, wild indigo, and Missouri Primrose. Birds migrate and many stop and stay. You may see Painted Buntings, Vireos, Prothonotary Warbler, Phoebes, and numerous ducks and shorebirds. Great blue Herons, Great Egrets, and Snowy Egrets make their rookery at the wetlands. Turtles and snakes are out sunning on logs.
Summer – Flowers such as horse mint, Indian Blanket, and Standing Cypress continue to bloom for a while into the summer month. As it gets hotter, turtles and snakes will be sunning more in the morning and evening times. Birds will still be out feeding on insects or looking for seeds. Mammals, like the reptiles, will make their appearances more in the morning and evening hours.
Staying in Fairview?
Check back here for our special "Heard Rate" coming soon!