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

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

6/3/2026Tyler Arboretum1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

6/3/2026Tyler Arboretum1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/3/2026Diamond Rock Preserve1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/3/2026Philadelphia Naval Yard (restricted access)1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

6/2/2026Fehon Backyard

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/2/2026Meadowbrook PA (private residence)1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

6/2/2026Philadelphia Country Club, Gladwyne US-PA 40.06153, -75.292541 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

6/2/2026Morris Arboretum1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026Graffiti Pier1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Rushton Farm1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

6/1/2026Fehon Backyard

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

6/1/20261803 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US (39.964, -75.168)1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

6/1/2026Raccoon Creek5 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

6/1/2026Fehon Backyard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

6/2/2026

Mallard

6/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

6/2/2026

Barn Swallow

6/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

36/2/2026

Marsh Wren

6/2/2026

Carolina Wren

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

6/2/2026

Wood Thrush

26/2/2026

American Robin

6/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

6/2/2026

Song Sparrow

16/2/2026

Baltimore Oriole

46/2/2026

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.