a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Yellow Creek State Park

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Yellow Creek State Park is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and American Wigeon 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

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

4/12/2026Yellow Creek SP--Waterfowl Observatory Trail/Grampaps Cove Area1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

4/11/2026Yellow Creek SP (IBA)2 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/11/2026Yellow Creek SP (IBA)2 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/11/2026Benjamin Franklin Highway, Penn Run, Pennsylvania, US (40.605, -79.063)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/14/2026

Mallard

24/14/2026

Ring-necked Duck

24/14/2026

Mourning Dove

14/14/2026

Killdeer

14/14/2026

Common Loon

14/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/14/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

24/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Northern Flicker

14/14/2026

Blue Jay

24/14/2026

American Crow

14/14/2026

Common Raven

14/14/2026

Tree Swallow

164/14/2026

European Starling

24/14/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/14/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/14/2026

American Robin

114/14/2026

Song Sparrow

14/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Yellow Creek State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Yellow Creek State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Yellow Creek State Park?
Notable species at Yellow Creek State Park include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, American Wigeon, Mallard, American Black Duck, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Yellow Creek State Park?
Birding at Yellow Creek State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Yellow Creek State Park?
There is no entrance fee at Yellow Creek State Park. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Yellow Creek State Park?
Yellow Creek State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.