Stedman sod farm

Directions

Sod farms may attract migrating shorebirds, especially during the protracted fall migration season. Sod farms are most productive after periods of heavy rain, but irrigated farms may produce some sightings even during dry periods. As with most sod farm birding, birders should ask permission to bird from the roads along the fields, should not drive on the sod fields at any time, and should obtain permission before walking across sod.

This medium sized sod farm is just south of the town of Stedman and east of Fayetteville. From I-95 take exit 52 for NC Route 24 east (toward Clinton). After a few miles you enter Stedman, passing the elementary school on the right. After the next light look for Hillsboro Rd on the right. Turn right and proceed a short distance to a sharp right curve. Start looking for the dirt road through the sod farm on the left (Horne Farm Rd) a short while later. The dirt road passes through a gate, then a short section of woods before emerging at several sod fields with circular irrigators. Most birds have been found around these irrigators.

To date the owners of the sod farm have been amiable to birders, although this is always subject to change.