Lake birding habitat

Donegal Lake

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Donegal Lake is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, 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

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

5/30/2026Bear Run Nature Reserve/Fallingwater1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

5/27/2026441 Gilmour Road, Somerset, Pennsylvania, US (40.037, -79.063)1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/26/2026Lake Somerset (IBA)1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/26/2026SV Ridge1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/26/2026PARC1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/25/2026Wetzel farm1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/25/2026Lake Somerset (IBA)1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

5/25/2026Lake Somerset (IBA)5 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/25/2026Ethel Springs Lake1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/23/2026Duck Pond Rd.2 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/21/2026Duck Pond Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Spotted Sandpiper

25/27/2026

American Crow

25/27/2026

Canada Goose

265/23/2026

Mallard

25/23/2026

Mourning Dove

15/23/2026

Green Heron

15/23/2026

Bald Eagle

15/23/2026

Northern Flicker

15/23/2026

Barn Swallow

305/23/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/23/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/23/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/23/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/23/2026

Common Grackle

105/23/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/23/2026

Blackpoll Warbler

15/23/2026

Osprey

15/23/2026

Blue Jay

15/23/2026

Wood Thrush

15/23/2026

Song Sparrow

25/23/2026

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 Donegal Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Donegal Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Donegal Lake?
Notable species at Donegal Lake include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Donegal Lake?
Birding at Donegal Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Donegal Lake?
Donegal Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.