two black and white geese on water during daytime

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 293 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Tundra Swan 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-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Noel Dorwart Park1 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

6/2/2026Mountaineer Village1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/2/2026Michter's Road Power Cut1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/1/2026Middle Creek WMA--New Pond (Auto Tour Stop 3.5) (Lancaster Co.)1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Noel Dorwart Park1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

5/31/2026Noel Dorwart Park1 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

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/29/2026Middle Creek WMA--New Pond (Auto Tour Stop 3.5) (Lancaster Co.)1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/29/2026Middle Creek WMA (IBA) (Lancaster Co.)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/29/2026Noel Dorwart Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cedar Waxwing

26/2/2026

Snow Goose

46/2/2026

Canada Goose

396/2/2026

Mallard

56/2/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

46/2/2026

Killdeer

36/2/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/2/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

26/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/2/2026

American Kestrel

16/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

46/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Blue Jay

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

216/2/2026

Gray Catbird

76/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

46/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

56/2/2026

American Robin

66/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Gadwall, American Wigeon, American Woodcock, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Downy Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, House Sparrow, House Finch. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area?
There is no entrance fee at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area?
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.