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

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/20261332 Cardinal Dr E, Lock Haven US-PA 41.18268, -77.372561 observed

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

5/31/2026Williamsport WTP3 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

5/30/2026763 Nippenose Road, Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, US (41.198, -77.214)7 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/28/2026Cummings Township Recreation Park1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/28/2026Bald Eagle SF--Breon Rd. (Clinton Co.)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/25/2026759 Nippenose Road, Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, US (41.198, -77.213)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

5/25/2026759 Nippenose Road, Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, US (41.198, -77.213)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Spotted Sandpiper

95/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/28/2026

Blue-headed Vireo

15/28/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/28/2026

Blue Jay

35/28/2026

American Crow

25/28/2026

Common Raven

15/28/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

35/28/2026

Gray Catbird

55/28/2026

American Robin

25/28/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

15/28/2026

Song Sparrow

15/28/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/28/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/28/2026

Common Grackle

15/28/2026

Ovenbird

45/28/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/28/2026

Blackburnian Warbler

15/28/2026

Chestnut-sided Warbler

35/28/2026

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.