Lake birding habitat

Colyer Lake Recreation Area

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Colyer Lake Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

6/1/2026RBNU 1, Gregg Township, Pennsylvania, US (40.814, -77.52)1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Pine Grove Mills - Kirk Street1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/31/2026Dreibelbis Birding Area (formerly Julian Wetlands)2 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

5/30/2026Mudlick Manor1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/30/2026Talleyrand Park1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/29/2026Poe Mountain Tower Road, Spring Mills, Pennsylvania, US (40.816, -77.525)1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

5/29/2026Scotia Barrens (IBA)--10-acre pond1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/29/2026Residential State College1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/28/20262178–2198 Alexander Dr, State College US-PA 40.85047, -77.857651 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

5/28/2026Tadpole Rd.1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/27/2026Smoker Pond (Private Property)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Pileated Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

35/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

45/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

65/31/2026

Green Heron

15/29/2026

Osprey

15/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/29/2026

American Crow

25/29/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

35/29/2026

Louisiana Waterthrush

25/29/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/24/2026

Horned Lark

15/24/2026

Bank Swallow

15/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Colyer Lake Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Colyer Lake Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Colyer Lake Recreation Area?
Notable species at Colyer Lake Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Colyer Lake Recreation Area?
Birding at Colyer Lake Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Colyer Lake Recreation Area?
Colyer Lake Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.