Discover the Best Birding Spots in Pennsylvania

Despite being one of the most populous states in the U.S., forests make up more than half of Pennsylvania’s total land area, offering many opportunities for bird watching. In fact, Pennsylvania has 20 State Forests and 86 areas designated as Important Bird Areas by the Audubon Society. Over 436 bird species have been recorded in the Keystone State. Whether you’re new to the hobby or an avid birding enthusiast, the following locations are some of Pennsylvania’s best birding spots.

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area

The 6,000-acre Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is primarily known for its abundance of waterfowl, grassland birds, and wetland species. Located around 15 miles west of Reading, the area is home to more than 270 species of birds. Massive flocks of snow geese and large numbers of tundra swans are highlights of the area from November to April. The woodlands and fields also support a wide variety of nesting birds, including flycatchers, sparrows, warblers, and more. There are over 20 miles of hiking trails, or visitors can take the seasonal wildlife driving tour that is typically open from March 1st to September 30th.

Common birds at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area include:

• Blue-winged warbler
• American redstart
• Northern parula
• Grasshopper sparrow
• Blue grosbeak
• Orchard oriole
• Yellow-billed cuckoo
• Pileated woodpecker
• Willow flycatcher
• Eastern bluebird

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

Known as America’s First Urban Refuge, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum supports over 300 bird species in its wide range of wetland and woodland habitats in the heart of Philadelphia. The wetlands attract migratory waterfowl and a variety of shorebirds, as well as nesting wading birds and marsh birds. The surrounding woodlands are a haven for migratory songbirds in this heavily urban area. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department manages water levels, which can be lowered to expose mudflats during shorebird migration or raised during waterfowl migration. The refuge features 10 miles of trails, and the visitor center offers birding checklists and binoculars for loan, free of charge.

Birds you may see at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum include:

• Common redpoll
• Cooper’s hawk
• Northern goshawk
• Spotted sandpiper
• Northern saw-whet owl
• Swamp sparrow
• Indigo bunting
• Wood duck
• Ruby-throated hummingbird
• Bald eagle

Bald Eagle State Park

The 5,900-acre Bald Eagle State Park is located in Bald Eagle Valley of north-central Pennsylvania. The hotspot of birding activity in this park is the 1,730-acre lake, where birders can find a variety of waterbirds. The surrounding forests, fields, streams, and wetlands are home to breeding species such as pileated woodpeckers, ovenbirds, black-and-white warbler, scarlet tanagers, and many others. As the park’s name suggests, bald eagles are the main attraction and can be seen year-round. There are over 14 miles of trails at the park, including a path along the shoreline. Download the Common Birds of Bald Eagle State Park brochure for a list of birds visitors are most likely to see and the habitats in which they can be found.

Birds you may see at the Bald Eagle State Park include:

• Blue jay
• Black-capped chickadee
• Downy woodpecker
• American kestrel
• Northern cardinal
• Song sparrow
• Eastern bluebird
• Canada goose
• Great blue heron
• Belted kingfisher

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, located in Lehigh Valley, is the best place to see raptors. When the sanctuary was established in 1934, it was the first protected area for birds of prey. Today, the sanctuary is one of Pennsylvania’s best bird-watching spots for hawks, falcons, eagles, and other raptors. The autumn migration is the most popular time to visit. Migration generally begins in August and continues into December. September is the peak of broad-winged hawk migration, but the greatest diversity of hawks occurs in October. The sanctuary estimates that an average of about 18,000 hawks visit each year during the autumn migration.

Birds you may see at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary include:

• Rough-legged hawk 
• Bald eagle
• Broad-winged hawk
• Sharp-shinned hawk
• Red-tailed hawk
• Golden eagle 
• Northern goshawk
• Merlin
• American kestrel
• Peregrine falcon 

Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park in northwestern Pennsylvania is a peninsula stretching into Lake Erie. Its location along the Atlantic Flyway makes Presque Isle a popular stopover for migrating birds to feed and rest before crossing over Lake Erie. Over 339 species of birds have been recorded on the peninsula, including rarities such as harlequin ducks, Kirtland’s warblers, and wood storks. Waterfowl migration occurs during March and again from late November through December. April and September are peak times for shorebirds, while warblers typically migrate in mid-May and September. Visitors can pick up a bird checklist in the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in the Nature Shop.

Birds you may see at Presque Isle State Park include:

• Fish crow
• Common gallinule
• Iceland gull
• Purple sandpiper
• Connecticut warbler
• Red-necked phalarope
• Great horned owl
• Prothonotary warbler
• Eastern screech owl
• Snowy egret

The locations covered above are some of Pennsylvania’s best bird-watching spots, but there are many more to discover. Other popular spots include Lake Ontelaunee, Peace Valley Park, Loyalsock State Forest, Pymatuning State Park, and the Susquehanna River Birding & Wildlife Trail. You can also find birding hotspots at Pennsylvania’s many state parks. The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers several ways for birders to get involved in research and conservation to help inform the agency’s management decisions for birds and their habitats.