A winding road through a lush green tea plantation

Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Mallard 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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/3/2026Evansburg SP--Germantown Pk. to Mill Rd.1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

6/3/2026Tyler Arboretum1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

6/3/2026Tyler Arboretum1 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

6/3/2026Bradford Dam/Nike Park1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/3/2026Diamond Rock Preserve1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/3/2026Fulshaw Craeg Preserve1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

6/2/2026Fehon Backyard

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/2/2026The Hampshire Court1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/2/2026Meadowbrook PA (private residence)1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

6/2/2026Philadelphia Country Club, Gladwyne US-PA 40.06153, -75.292541 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Manderfield Woodland Preserve1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

6/2/2026Morris Arboretum1 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

6/2/2026Pickering Creek Trail1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

6/2/20261101–1219 Cathedral Rd, Bryn Athyn US-PA (40.1395,-75.0715)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026Graffiti Pier1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

146/2/2026

Wood Duck

86/2/2026

Mallard

186/2/2026

Killdeer

26/2/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Bald Eagle

16/2/2026

American Kestrel

16/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Fish Crow

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

246/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

76/2/2026

Barn Swallow

46/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/2/2026

American Robin

46/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

36/2/2026

Song Sparrow

36/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

86/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve?
Notable species at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Mourning Dove, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve?
Birding at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve?
There is no entrance fee at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve?
Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.