Lake birding habitat

Lake Somerset

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Somerset is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 266 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Wood Duck, Gadwall, 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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

5/31/2026Laurel Ridge SP (Fayette Co.)1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

5/27/2026441 Gilmour Road, Somerset, Pennsylvania, US (40.037, -79.063)1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/26/2026Lake Somerset (IBA)1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/26/2026PARC1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/25/2026Wetzel farm1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/25/2026Lake Somerset (IBA)1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

5/25/2026Lake Somerset (IBA)5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Merlin

15/26/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/26/2026

Gray Catbird

35/26/2026

American Robin

15/26/2026

Song Sparrow

25/26/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/26/2026

Canada Goose

75/25/2026

Wood Duck

25/25/2026

Lesser Scaup

15/25/2026

Forster's Tern

55/25/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/25/2026

Green Heron

15/25/2026

Blue Jay

35/25/2026

American Crow

25/25/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/25/2026

Tree Swallow

25/25/2026

Northern House Wren

25/25/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/25/2026

Swamp Sparrow

25/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Somerset for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Somerset for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Somerset?
Notable species at Lake Somerset include Wood Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Somerset?
Birding at Lake Somerset is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Somerset?
Lake Somerset offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.