Urban Park birding habitat

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Valley Forge National Historical Park is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Ring-necked Duck 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/31/2026Backyard1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/31/2026John Heinz NWR--impoundment (Philadelphia Co.)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

5/31/2026Marsh Creek SP--Little Conestoga Bridge1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

5/31/20261110 Pocopson Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania, US (39.901, -75.626)1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

5/31/2026The Hampshire Court1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/31/2026Chadds Ford Marsh3 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/31/2026523 Oak Rd, Merion Station US-PA (40.0069,-75.2530)1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/31/2026Gwynedd Wildlife Preserve (closed Tuesdays)1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/31/2026Gwynedd Wildlife Preserve (closed Tuesdays)1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/31/2026Gwynedd Wildlife Preserve (closed Tuesdays)1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

5/31/2026Valley Forge NHP1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/31/2026Ashbourne Country Club (defunct)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/31/2026Heuser Park/Schuylkill River West Trail (incl. Upper Merion WTP)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Heuser Park/Schuylkill River West Trail (incl. Upper Merion WTP)1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/31/2026Green Lane Park--Knight Rd. Trails [unrelated to Knight Lake]2 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/31/2026Dixon Meadow Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bobolink

105/31/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

35/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

35/31/2026

Blue Jay

25/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Fish Crow

35/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

European Starling

35/31/2026

Eastern Bluebird

35/31/2026

American Robin

25/31/2026

American Goldfinch

25/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Orchard Oriole

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

155/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Valley Forge National Historical Park for birding?
The best months to visit Valley Forge National Historical Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Valley Forge National Historical Park?
Notable species at Valley Forge National Historical Park include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Carolina Wren. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Valley Forge National Historical Park?
Birding at Valley Forge National Historical Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Valley Forge National Historical Park?
Valley Forge National Historical Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.