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

Loading map...

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

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

5/31/202616 Alton Rd, Newark US-DE 39.71660, -75.710651 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/20264633–4637 Patrician Blvd, Wilmington US-DE 39.71953, -75.655961 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/31/2026Glenville Farm Pond (roadside access only)2 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

5/31/2026Glenville Farm Pond (roadside access only)3 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

5/31/2026Glenville Farm Pond (roadside access only)4 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/31/2026Glenville Farm Pond (roadside access only)3 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

5/31/20261110 Pocopson Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania, US (39.901, -75.626)1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/31/2026Chadds Ford Marsh3 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/31/2026Smedley Preserve (formerly Loch Nairn Golf Course)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Pickering Creek Trail2 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/31/2026Pickering Creek Trail2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Pickering Creek Trail1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/31/2026302 N Franklin St, West Chester2 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

5/30/2026West Vincent Twp. Sewage Pond2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Black Vulture

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

75/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

35/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Carolina Chickadee

25/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

125/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

European Starling

45/31/2026

Gray Catbird

125/31/2026

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.