Forest birding habitat

Powdermill Nature Reserve

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Powdermill Nature Reserve is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, and Pileated Woodpecker among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

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

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/26/2026SV Ridge1 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

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/25/2026Ethel Springs Lake1 observed

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

5/21/2026Acme Dam/Chestnut Ridge Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/31/2026

Wood Duck

15/31/2026

Chimney Swift

25/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

45/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

35/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

165/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/31/2026

Eastern Towhee

25/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

25/31/2026

Common Grackle

25/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/31/2026

American Redstart

15/31/2026

Scarlet Tanager

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/19/2026

American Crow

25/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Powdermill Nature Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Powdermill Nature Reserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Powdermill Nature Reserve?
Notable species at Powdermill Nature Reserve include Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, American Crow, White-breasted Nuthatch. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Powdermill Nature Reserve?
Birding at Powdermill Nature Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Powdermill Nature Reserve?
Powdermill Nature Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.