John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - impoundment

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/6/2026Norristown/Bridgeport Dam39 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

3/6/2026Springton Reservoir (restricted access)2 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/6/2026John Heinz NWR--impoundment (Philadelphia Co.)2 observed

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

3/6/2026Norristown/Bridgeport Dam1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/6/2026Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/6/2026King of Prussia area1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/6/2026King of Prussia area1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/5/2026John Heinz NWR--wetlands (Delaware Co.)1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/5/2026Calcon Hook Rd.1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026109 Colonial Ave, Moorestown US-NJ 39.95890, -74.955801 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

2003/6/2026

Wood Duck

53/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

53/6/2026

Gadwall

203/6/2026

American Wigeon

113/6/2026

Mallard

753/6/2026

American Black Duck

33/6/2026

Northern Pintail

303/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

43/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

33/6/2026

Common Merganser

213/6/2026

Rock Pigeon

23/6/2026

Mourning Dove

13/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

453/6/2026

Bald Eagle

23/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

33/6/2026

Northern Flicker

13/6/2026

American Crow

253/6/2026

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.