Forest birding habitat

Big Spring

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Big Spring is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Mallard among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/31/20261315 Pine Grove Rd, Gardners US-PA (40.0303,-77.3139)4 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

5/31/2026861 York Rd, Carlisle US-PA 40.17343, -77.120681 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

5/31/2026Michaux State Forest4 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/31/2026Atlas Point Count: 2823_61 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

5/30/2026Michaux SF--Milesburn Rd. (Adams Co.)5 observed

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

5/30/20261-13 Milesburn Rd, Biglerville US-PA (40.0048,-77.4599)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/29/2026Long Pine Run Reservoir, Fayetteville US-PA 39.94359, -77.447671 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

5/28/2026Children's Lake1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

5/28/2026Children's Lake3 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/27/2026State Game Lands 169--Cabin Rd.2 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/25/20266701–6769 Big Spring Rd, Blain US-PA 40.28089, -77.621731 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

Barn Swallow

95/30/2026

Gray Catbird

35/30/2026

American Robin

15/30/2026

American Goldfinch

35/30/2026

Song Sparrow

15/30/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

65/30/2026

Common Grackle

95/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

35/30/2026

Mallard

185/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/30/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Spring for birding?
The best months to visit Big Spring for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Big Spring?
Notable species at Big Spring include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Greater Scaup, Mourning Dove. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Spring?
Birding at Big Spring is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Spring?
Big Spring offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.