Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir

Pennsylvania · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Common Loon Bald Eagle Double-crested Cormorant Ring-billed Gull Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/11/2026Central Mountain HS Wetlands1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/11/2026Mill Hall Wetlands1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

7/10/2026Limbaugh Rd, Waterville US-PA (41.3385,-77.3280)2 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

6/30/2026Bald Eagle SF--East Kettle Rd. (Snyder Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

56/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

6/30/2026

American Crow

16/30/2026

Common Raven

16/30/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

6/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/30/2026

Gray Catbird

26/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/30/2026

Hermit Thrush

26/30/2026

Wood Thrush

26/30/2026

American Robin

6/30/2026

Cedar Waxwing

6/30/2026

American Goldfinch

6/30/2026

Chipping Sparrow

36/30/2026

Field Sparrow

6/30/2026

Song Sparrow

6/30/2026

Eastern Towhee

56/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

6/30/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Pennsylvania

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

World's first raptor refuge with legendary fall hawk migration along the Appalachian Ridge.

Antrim Commons Dr. Ponds

Forest birding hotspot in Pennsylvania with 201 recorded species.

Bald Eagle State Park

Forest birding hotspot in Pennsylvania with 275 recorded species.

Pennsylvania Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Pennsylvania →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

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.