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

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

7/14/2026Children's Lake1 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

7/13/2026Eagle view park2 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

7/11/2026Children's Lake1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/9/2026Highspire Reservoir Park & Lisa Lake1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/7/2026Susquehanna River--River Rd., Marysville (Dauphin Co.)2 observed

Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)

Agelaius phoeniceus

7/6/2026Susquehanna River--from West Fairview (Dauphin Co.)2 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/6/2026West Fairview Park/Boat Launch (Cumberland Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

537/13/2026

Mourning Dove

17/13/2026

Green Heron

17/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

57/13/2026

Osprey

17/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/13/2026

Northern Flicker

17/13/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/13/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/13/2026

Fish Crow

27/13/2026

Tree Swallow

57/13/2026

Barn Swallow

37/13/2026

Northern House Wren

17/13/2026

Carolina Wren

17/13/2026

Gray Catbird

37/13/2026

American Robin

47/13/2026

House Finch

27/13/2026

Chipping Sparrow

27/13/2026

Baltimore Oriole

17/13/2026

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 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.