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

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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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/15/2026Children's Lake1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

4/15/2026Children's Lake1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/15/2026Brunner Island Wetlands1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/14/2026Mountain Creek Campground, Gardners US-PA 40.06523, -77.229101 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

4/13/2026Kelly Court, Enola, Pennsylvania, US (40.29, -76.958)1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

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

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/12/2026512 Diehl Road, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, US (40.2, -77.012)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

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

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/15/2026

Mourning Dove

44/15/2026

Chimney Swift

44/15/2026

Common Loon

14/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

274/15/2026

Osprey

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/15/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

44/15/2026

American Crow

34/15/2026

Carolina Chickadee

74/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

64/15/2026

American Robin

114/15/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/15/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

14/15/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/15/2026

Common Grackle

204/15/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

74/15/2026

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.