Forest birding habitat

Kernsville Dam Recreation Area

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Kernsville Dam Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/31/2026Leaser Lake1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

5/30/2026N Church , Stricker Rd, Heidelberg Township, Berks , Pa4 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

5/30/2026Penn State Berks, Reading US-PA 40.35895, -75.972341 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

5/30/2026stakeout Eurasian Collared-Doves, Shartlesville (2012-present)2 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

5/30/202624 Woodlawn Drive, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, US (40.619, -76.219)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/30/2026106 Willow Road, Ruscombmanor Township, Pennsylvania, US (40.438, -75.809) Fleetwood reservoir1 observed

Brewster's Warbler (hybrid)

Vermivora chrysoptera x cyanoptera (F1 hybrid)

5/29/2026437-221 Wild Turkey Lane, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania, US (40.665, -75.96)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/30/2026

Northern House Wren

15/30/2026

Gray Catbird

25/30/2026

Wood Thrush

35/30/2026

Cedar Waxwing

185/30/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/30/2026

Ovenbird

35/30/2026

American Redstart

15/30/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

15/30/2026

Northern Flicker

15/30/2026

American Robin

15/30/2026

American Goldfinch

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Tree Swallow

15/30/2026

Eastern Bluebird

25/30/2026

Field Sparrow

15/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kernsville Dam Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Kernsville Dam Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kernsville Dam Recreation Area?
Notable species at Kernsville Dam Recreation Area include Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kernsville Dam Recreation Area?
Birding at Kernsville Dam Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Kernsville Dam Recreation Area?
Kernsville Dam Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.