River/Riparian birding habitat

Hills Creek State Park

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

4/15/2026Muck Railyard area2 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/15/202615 Wheeler Hollow Road, Tioga, Pennsylvania, US (41.932, -77.154)1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

4/5/2026Tioga-Hammond Lakes--Ives Run Rec. Area--Campground3 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

4/5/2026Tioga-Hammond Lakes--Ives Run Rec. Area--Campground3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/11/2026

Wood Duck

14/11/2026

Mallard

24/11/2026

Ring-necked Duck

114/11/2026

Lesser Scaup

44/11/2026

Long-tailed Duck

54/11/2026

Bufflehead

164/11/2026

Hooded Merganser

24/11/2026

Common Merganser

44/11/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/11/2026

Ruddy Duck

14/11/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

24/11/2026

Ring-billed Gull

34/11/2026

Horned Grebe

24/11/2026

Common Loon

74/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

54/11/2026

Osprey

14/11/2026

Bald Eagle

14/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Merlin

14/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

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.