Lake birding habitat

Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This lake 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

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

4/16/2026763 Nippenose Road, Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, US (41.198, -77.214)5 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/15/2026505–1399 Nippenose Rd, Jersey Shore US-PA (41.1983,-77.2126)3 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/14/2026Bald Eagle SF--Swift Run Rd.1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/13/202641.255, -77.0641 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/13/20261024 Hummingbird Lane, Lock Haven1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/5/2026Sober Bridge1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

4/4/2026Bald Eagle SP--Marina1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

4/4/2026Raymond B. Winter SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/13/2026

Lesser Scaup

14/13/2026

Bufflehead

14/13/2026

Common Loon

14/13/2026

American Crow

24/13/2026

Common Raven

14/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/13/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/13/2026

American Robin

14/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/13/2026

Mallard

34/13/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/13/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

Blue-headed Vireo

14/13/2026

Tree Swallow

14/13/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/13/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/13/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/13/2026

Louisiana Waterthrush

14/13/2026

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 Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir?
Notable species at Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir?
Birding at Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir?
Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.