a small bird perched on a tree branch

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - impoundment

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - impoundment is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 307 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Northern Pintail 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

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/19/2026Flood Gate3 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/19/2026Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Park2 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

7/19/2026Kirkwood Preserve1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/19/2026Palmyra Cove Nature Park1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/19/2026John Heinz NWR--impoundment (Philadelphia Co.)2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/19/2026Meadowbrook PA (private residence)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/19/2026Palmyra Cove Nature Park1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/19/2026Fehon Backyard1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/19/2026Valley Forge NHP1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/19/2026Norristown/Bridgeport Dam1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/18/2026Franklin Station woods and field1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

7/18/2026Brandywine Creek State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/19/2026

Osprey

17/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Barn Swallow

127/19/2026

Northern House Wren

17/19/2026

Marsh Wren

17/19/2026

Gray Catbird

117/19/2026

American Robin

107/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

87/19/2026

Chimney Swift

17/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/19/2026

Northern Flicker

17/19/2026

American Kestrel

17/19/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/19/2026

American Crow

17/19/2026

Carolina Wren

17/19/2026

Song Sparrow

17/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - impoundment for birding?
The best months to visit John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - impoundment for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - impoundment?
Notable species at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - impoundment include Canada Goose, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, American Crow, American Woodcock, Mourning Dove, American Robin, House Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Common Grackle, Northern Cardinal. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - impoundment?
Birding at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - impoundment is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - impoundment?
There is no entrance fee at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - impoundment. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - impoundment?
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - impoundment offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.