Hills Creek State Park

Pennsylvania · Northeast

EasyView on eBird Directions

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hills Creek State Park is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Pileated Woodpecker, and Merlin among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Bald Eagle Pileated Woodpecker Merlin American Crow Black-capped Chickadee

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

6/1/2026Muck Railyard area1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/31/2026Muck Railyard area1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/31/2026Muck Railyard area1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

5/31/2026Muck Railyard area1 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

5/27/20262068 Shaw Rd, Mansfield US-PA 41.81730, -76.979921 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/26/20262143 Pennsylvania 287, Morris, Pennsylvania, US (41.595, -77.297)1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/26/2026Pine Creek Rail Trail--Webster Rd.1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/23/2026Hills Creek SP1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/21/2026Pine Creek Rail Trail--Darling Run1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/19/2026Tioga-Hammond Lakes--Railroad Grade Trail (Ives Run )1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Blue Jay

25/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/30/2026

Barn Swallow

105/30/2026

Northern House Wren

15/30/2026

Gray Catbird

15/30/2026

American Robin

45/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

65/30/2026

Ovenbird

15/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/30/2026

Blackpoll Warbler

15/30/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

15/30/2026

Common Nighthawk

15/27/2026

Carolina Wren

25/27/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/23/2026

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in Pennsylvania

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

World's first raptor refuge with legendary fall hawk migration along the Appalachian Ridge.

Antrim Commons Dr. Ponds

Forest birding hotspot in Pennsylvania with 201 recorded species.

Bald Eagle State Park

Forest birding hotspot in Pennsylvania with 275 recorded species.

Pennsylvania Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Pennsylvania →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hills Creek State Park for birding?▼

The best months to visit Hills Creek State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Hills Creek State Park?▼

Notable species at Hills Creek State Park include Bald Eagle, Pileated Woodpecker, Merlin, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Hills Creek State Park?▼

Birding at Hills Creek State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at Hills Creek State Park?▼

Hills Creek State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.