A winding road through a lush green tea plantation

Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve

Pennsylvania · Northeast

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

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Notable Species

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

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/18/2026Meadowbrook PA (private residence)1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/17/2026Palmyra Cove Nature Park1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/17/2026Crum Woods1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/17/2026Cinnamon Drive, Lower Moreland Township, Pennsylvania1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/17/2026Green Lane Park--Knight/Deep Creek Lakes1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

7/17/2026Pennypack Park North--Warbler Hill1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

7/17/2026Pennypack Park North--Warbler Hill1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/17/2026Holy Sepulchre Cemetery5 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/17/2026Taylor's Wildlife Preserve2 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/17/2026Taylor's Wildlife Preserve2 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

7/16/2026Norristown/Bridgeport Dam1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

7/16/2026Pennypack on the Delaware2 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

7/16/2026Pennypack on the Delaware4 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/15/2026Norristown/Bridgeport Dam1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

127/17/2026

Wood Duck

357/17/2026

Mallard

157/17/2026

Mourning Dove

17/17/2026

Chimney Swift

207/17/2026

Killdeer

47/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

57/17/2026

Willow Flycatcher

37/17/2026

Fish Crow

47/17/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

67/17/2026

European Starling

127/17/2026

Gray Catbird

37/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/17/2026

Song Sparrow

67/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

117/17/2026

Common Grackle

17/17/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

17/16/2026

House Sparrow

27/16/2026

House Finch

37/16/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/16/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.
4
Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.
5
Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

Nearby Attractions

Wissahickon Valley Park
Morris Arboretum
Fort Washington State Park

More in Pennsylvania

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Antrim Commons Dr. Ponds

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Bald Eagle State Park

Forest birding hotspot in Pennsylvania with 275 recorded species.

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 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.