Forest birding habitat

Chestnut Grove Natural Area

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chestnut Grove Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

4/15/2026Samuel S. Lewis SP1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

4/14/2026Home1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/14/2026Buck Heights Woods, Quarryville, Pennsylvania2 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/14/2026Brunner Island Wetlands1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/14/2026Lock 12 Historic Area1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/13/2026Woods Edge Park1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/13/2026William H. Kain County Park--Lake Redman Boardwalk1 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/12/2026William H. Kain County Park--Lake Redman Boardwalk1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/12/2026Penn State York1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/10/2026Spring Valley County Park1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/10/2026Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/10/2026Penn State York1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/5/2026William H. Kain County Park--Lake Redman Boardwalk1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

44/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/13/2026

Black Vulture

94/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/13/2026

Osprey

34/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

American Kestrel

14/13/2026

Blue Jay

24/13/2026

Fish Crow

24/13/2026

Common Raven

14/13/2026

Carolina Chickadee

44/13/2026

Tree Swallow

44/13/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/13/2026

Carolina Wren

24/13/2026

European Starling

44/13/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/13/2026

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 Chestnut Grove Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Chestnut Grove Natural Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chestnut Grove Natural Area?
Notable species at Chestnut Grove Natural Area include Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chestnut Grove Natural Area?
Birding at Chestnut Grove Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chestnut Grove Natural Area?
Chestnut Grove Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.