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

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

7/16/2026IUP South Campus1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bald Eagle

17/13/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/13/2026

Carolina Wren

17/13/2026

American Robin

107/13/2026

Cedar Waxwing

57/13/2026

Eastern Towhee

37/13/2026

Louisiana Waterthrush

17/13/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/13/2026

Hooded Warbler

37/13/2026

Mourning Dove

17/11/2026

Green Heron

17/11/2026

Barn Swallow

57/11/2026

Gray Catbird

17/11/2026

Wood Thrush

17/11/2026

Song Sparrow

27/11/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/11/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/11/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/11/2026

American Goldfinch

77/11/2026

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.