PENNSYLVANIA - Whether you are a seasoned ornithologist or just picking up your first pair of binoculars, Pennsylvania is a premier destination for birdwatchers. Thanks to its diverse geography ranging from the coastal shores of Lake Erie to the heavily forested Appalachian Mountains, the state hosts hundreds of avian species year-round. The editors at PhillyBite Magazine and WherePhilly have rounded up the best birding trails and wildlife spots across the state to help you plan your next outdoor adventure and discover nature at its finest.
1. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (Kempton, PA)
Straddling the Kittatinny Ridge, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is renowned among birders and is the world's largest member-supported raptor conservation organization. This 300-mile-long ridge provides a natural flyway for birds drifting south from Canada and New England, allowing them to slope soar and save energy on their journey.
- Hawk Mountain is highly regarded for its annual autumn hawk migration, where the peak of the Broad-winged Hawk migration occurs in mid-September.
- The sanctuary features an 8-mile trail system, including an accessible trail leading to the South Lookout, ensuring access for all.
- Visitors can spot hummingbirds at the Visitor Center's feeder stations in the summer, or enjoy a peak butterfly diversity of up to 40 species.
2. Presque Isle State Park (Erie, PA)
Rated by BirdWatching magazine as one of the top birding spots in the country, Presque Isle State Park is situated along Lake Erie's southern shores. Its location on the Atlantic Flyway makes it a favorite stop for birds to feed and rest during migration.
- More than 339 species of birds have been identified on the peninsula.
- Gull Point, located at the easternmost portion of the park, is a sand plain sanctuary that serves as a resting spot for rare and migratory shorebirds.
- It is the only place in Pennsylvania where nesting pairs of the federally endangered Piping Plover can be found.
3. Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area (Stevens, PA)
Located in Lancaster and Lebanon counties, the 6,000-acre Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area supports several bird species and has been designated a "Globally Important Bird Area".
- The location is best known for the thousands of snow geese that pause there in late winter on their way to their northern breeding grounds.
- The space also provides an exceptional location for viewing grassland nesting birds, waterfowl, and wetland-dependent species.
4. Codorus State Park (Hanover, PA)
Designated an "Important Bird Area" by the National Audubon Society, Codorus State Park is home to nearly 240 species of birds. The park features varied habitats, including Lake Marburg, fields, and forestland.
- In the spring, birders can spot ruddy ducks, scaups, and mergansers often floating in large flotillas in the middle of Lake Marburg.
- Five miles of trails offer easy access through the habitats to view osprey, bald eagles, hawks, bluebirds, herons, kingfishers, and wood ducks.
5. Fort Washington State Park (Fort Washington, PA)
For those closer to the Philadelphia region, Fort Washington State Park is a fantastic birding destination. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded within this 493-acre park.
- The park is highly concentrated with oak trees, which provide food for spring and fall migrants as well as resident species.
- Visitors can use the ADA-accessible observation deck to listen to warblers in the spring, or visit the Militia Hill observation deck in the fall to view all 16 species of raptors that migrate on the East Coast.
