Wetland birding habitat

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 280 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and American Wigeon 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

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

135/26/2026

Mallard

15/26/2026

Mourning Dove

25/26/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/26/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/26/2026

Tree Swallow

25/26/2026

Barn Swallow

55/26/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/26/2026

Carolina Wren

15/26/2026

Gray Catbird

45/26/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/26/2026

American Robin

35/26/2026

Song Sparrow

25/26/2026

Baltimore Oriole

35/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

155/26/2026

Common Grackle

75/26/2026

Common Yellowthroat

35/26/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

35/26/2026

Northern Cardinal

55/26/2026

Wood Duck

25/24/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands 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 - wetlands?
Notable species at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, American Wigeon, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands?
Birding at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands?
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.