Forest birding habitat

Gifford Pinchot State Park

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Gifford Pinchot State Park is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

5/31/2026861 York Rd, Carlisle US-PA 40.17343, -77.120681 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/31/2026Shipoke, Harrisburg1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/30/20261594 Trolley Road, Hanover, Pennsylvania, US (39.832, -76.928)2 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

5/28/2026Children's Lake1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

5/28/2026Children's Lake3 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/27/2026Former State Hospital--Natural Area1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/26/20262933 Arcona Rd, Mechanicsburg US-PA 40.16725, -76.943091 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/25/2026512 Diehl Road, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, US (40.2, -77.012)1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/25/2026921 Page Rd, Harrisburg US-PA 40.27736, -76.786131 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/25/2026921 Page Rd, Harrisburg US-PA 40.27736, -76.786131 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/24/2026DHL Pond/Wetlands1 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

5/24/2026Horners Road2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

35/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

35/31/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

35/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

45/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

85/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/31/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

25/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

75/31/2026

American Robin

35/31/2026

American Goldfinch

35/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

35/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

105/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/31/2026

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 Gifford Pinchot State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Gifford Pinchot State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Gifford Pinchot State Park?
Notable species at Gifford Pinchot State Park include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gifford Pinchot State Park?
Birding at Gifford Pinchot State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Gifford Pinchot State Park?
Gifford Pinchot State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.