Forest birding habitat

ChesLen Preserve (closed Thursdays)

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

ChesLen Preserve (closed Thursdays) is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Merganser 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

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

4/16/2026Hedge Rd. Fields (roadside access only)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/16/2026919 Old Public Rd, Hockessin US-DE (39.7954,-75.6871)1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/16/2026Marsh Creek State Park, Downingtown US-PA 40.06410, -75.729581 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/16/2026Kerr Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Bucktoe Creek Preserve (restricted access/private)3 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/16/2026Springlawn Road, Landenberg, Pennsylvania, US (39.737, -75.866)1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/16/2026Wilmington Campus Univ of Delw, Wilmington US-DE (39.7594,-75.5783)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/15/2026

Mallard

14/15/2026

Mourning Dove

24/15/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

104/15/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

14/15/2026

Bald Eagle

14/15/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

34/15/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

24/15/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/15/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

64/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/15/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

24/15/2026

Blue Jay

104/15/2026

American Crow

44/15/2026

Carolina Chickadee

54/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

34/15/2026

Tree Swallow

204/15/2026

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 ChesLen Preserve (closed Thursdays) for birding?
The best months to visit ChesLen Preserve (closed Thursdays) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at ChesLen Preserve (closed Thursdays)?
Notable species at ChesLen Preserve (closed Thursdays) include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at ChesLen Preserve (closed Thursdays)?
Birding at ChesLen Preserve (closed Thursdays) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at ChesLen Preserve (closed Thursdays)?
ChesLen Preserve (closed Thursdays) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.