Wetland birding habitat

State Game Lands 284 - Black Swamp

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

State Game Lands 284 - Black Swamp is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/31/2026Moraine SP--Waterfowl Observation Area1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/31/2026Kayaking around McDanels1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/31/2026Jackson School Rd, Volant US-PA 41.09646, -80.212241 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

5/30/2026Moraine SP., McDanel's to Lakeview Beach1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/30/2026North Liberty1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

5/30/2026Firefly Farm2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/29/2026Moraine SP--McDanel's Boat Launch1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

5/27/2026Burdette Road, Stoneboro1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

5/26/2026Moraine SP, west of 528 bridge1 observed

American Coot (Red-shielded)

Fulica americana

5/26/2026Pennsylvania Swamp SGL 284, Volant US-PA 41.11433, -80.192271 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

House Sparrow

35/31/2026

Canada Goose

25/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

55/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit State Game Lands 284 - Black Swamp for birding?
The best months to visit State Game Lands 284 - Black Swamp for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at State Game Lands 284 - Black Swamp?
Notable species at State Game Lands 284 - Black Swamp include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Canvasback. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at State Game Lands 284 - Black Swamp?
Birding at State Game Lands 284 - Black Swamp is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at State Game Lands 284 - Black Swamp?
State Game Lands 284 - Black Swamp offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.