State Game Lands 284 - Black Swamp

Pennsylvania · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Canada Goose Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard Canvasback

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/12/2026Stoughton Road Ponds, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, US (41.046, -80.079)1 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

7/11/2026Moraine SP--McDanel's Boat Launch1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/11/2026Stoughton Rd. Ponds (roadside access only)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/10/2026Shenango Reservoir--Golden Run1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/9/2026Moraine SP--Bear Run Boat Launch1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/9/2026Moraine SP--Bear Run Boat Launch1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/9/2026Vosler Rd. Farm Pond1 observed

Brown Pelican (Atlantic)

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/7/2026Lake Latonka1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

7/6/2026147 Pine Loop Road, Transfer, Pennsylvania, US (41.289, -80.437)1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

7/5/202656A35_4 Wampum Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Sandhill Crane

27/11/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/11/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/11/2026

American Robin

17/11/2026

Osprey

17/10/2026

Blue Jay

7/10/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

7/10/2026

Gray Catbird

7/10/2026

House Sparrow

7/10/2026

Song Sparrow

7/10/2026

Northern Cardinal

7/10/2026

Mourning Dove

27/9/2026

Chimney Swift

57/9/2026

Killdeer

37/9/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/9/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/9/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/9/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/9/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

27/9/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/9/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
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

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Pennsylvania Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Pennsylvania →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.