Trying to swap up your typical weekend actions? Add chicken watching to your record! April in PA marks the height of chicken migration season and with our numerous pure scenic locations, together with vistas, ridges, mountains, and gorges, Pennsylvania is a scorching spot for chicken watching this time of 12 months.
New to birding? Comply with the following tips from the Nationwide Audubon Society to make your expertise memorable and secure.
Do your analysis. Plan your journey forward of time and convey a subject information and map to maintain your sense of course, in addition to to assist determine every chicken and maps of their vary. Convey a telephone or pal and inform folks the place you’re going. Gear up. Birding requires little tools, however you do want a pair of binoculars. As you enhance, you might wish to put money into a pleasant digicam or recognizing scope. Even be ready for inclement climate and costume appropriately. Be careful to your environment. It’s simple to get caught up within the exercise within the bushes, however be certain to verify the place you’re strolling. Get out and discover! You’ll acquire expertise and data after you spend extra time with the birds.
1. Bald Eagle State Park Howard The aptly named Bald Eagle State Park comprises numerous habitats that appeal to many chicken species, however the park is very often known as a spot to spy bald eagles. The mountain ridges create wonderful flyways for migrating birds that cease on the park to relaxation and feed throughout their migration. Newbie and life-long birders discover exploring the park with a pair of binoculars a deal with irrespective of the season.
2. Blue Knob State Park Imler That includes Blue Knob, the second-highest level in Pennsylvania, Blue Knob State Park presents spectacular views of the Ridge and Valley Province. Whereas birdsong may be heard year-round, in spring songbirds and vultures return and it is a perfect time to see forest birds similar to warblers and vireos earlier than the bushes totally leaf out.
3. Codorus State Park Hanover With its vary of numerous habitats together with Lake Marburg, fields, and forestland, Codorus State Park may be thought of a chicken lover’s paradise, residence to almost 240 species of birds and, as such a chosen “Necessary Hen Space” by the Nationwide Audubon Society. In spring, birders can spy ruddy geese, mergansers, and scaups usually floating in massive flotillas in the course of Lake Marburg, whereas the park’s forests present habitat for thrushes and warblers. 5 miles of trails present quick access to and thru the various habitats the place osprey, bald eagles, hawks, sparrows, swallows, bluebirds, herons, kingfishers, and wooden geese are only a few of the birds that decision Codorus residence.
4. Fort Washington State Park Fort Washington Over 200 species of birds have been recorded at Fort Washington State Park. The 493-acre park is extremely concentrated with oak which supplies meals for spring and fall migrants in addition to resident species. Spring is a superb time to look at warblers and take heed to their stunning songs. Go to once more within the fall to view all 16 species of raptors that migrate on the East Coast from the park’s statement deck on Militia Hill, the very best level of the park.
5. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Kempton The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary alongside the Kittatinny Ridge close to Pottsville is famend amongst birders all through the land, particularly for recognizing raptors as they soar above in each the spring and fall. The sanctuary even makes accessible peak migration dates and instances. The sanctuary’s land can be residence to quite a lot of different species of birds together with woodpeckers and different birds widespread to the world.
6. Center Creek Wildlife Administration Space Stevens Whereas maybe finest recognized for the hundreds of snow geese that pause in late winter on the 6,000 acre Center Creek Wildlife Administration Space on their method to their northern breeding grounds, the world boasts a number of different kinds of chicken species and has been deemed a “Globally Necessary Hen Space,” simply considered one of six in Pennsylvania. The area is an distinctive location for viewing waterfowl, grassland nesting birds, and wetland dependent species.
7. Ohiopyle State Park Ohiopyle Ohiopyle State Park is a perfect spot for chicken watching with its vast number of habitats. The Youghiogheny River is ideal for water-loving birds similar to osprey, mergansers, kingfishers, and the occasional bald eagle. Obtain the Uncover Birds and Blossoms Driving Tour Truth Sheet to search out a number of good birding spots all through the Laurel Highlands, full with detailed driving instructions. Birds you would possibly see embody the indigo bunting, widespread yellowthroat, grey catbird, ruffed grouse, blue-winged warbler, and American goldfinch.