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Eastern PennsylvaniaBIRDING & WILDLIFEGUIDE

2Regional MapERIEWARRENMCKEANCRAWFORDPOTTERSUSQUEHANNATIOGABRADFORDWAYNEFORESTVENANGOELK CAMERONWYOMINGMERCERSULLIVANLACKAWANNALYCOMINGCLINTONPIKECLARIONJEFFERSONLAWRENCELUZERNECOLUMBIAMONROECLEARFIELDUNIONMONTOURBUTLERARMSTRONGCENTRECARBONBEAVERSULLIVAN NORTHUMBERLANDNORTHAMPTONMIFFLININDIANASCHUYLKILLJUNIATALEHIGHALLEGHENYCAMBRIABLAIRDAUPHINPERRYBERKSWESTMORELANDBUCKSHUNTINGDONLEBANONWASHINGTONMONTGOMERYCUMBERLANDLANCASTERBEDFORDFAYETTESOMERSETGREENEFULTONCHESTERYORKDELAWAREFRANKLINADAMSPHILADELPHIAPIKEMilfordWilkes-BarreLUZERNEMONROEHazletonCARBONJim ThorpeStroudsburgPottsvilleSCHUYLKILLLEHIGHAllentownNORTHAMPTONEastonBethlehemBERKSReadingBUCKSMONTGOMERYDoylestownCHESTERWest ChesterDELAWAREChesterNorristownPHILADELPHIAFRONT COVER PHOTOS:North Lookout, Hawk Mountain SanctuaryScarlet Tanager, R. Curtis/VIREOWood Duck, Frank Leung/iStockphoto.comHooded Warbler, R. Curtis/VIREO

6Making the Most of Your BirdingIf you are new to birding, try these time-tested techniques:• Study field guides at home as well as using them in the field• Move slowly and be quiet while searching for birds• Wear neutral colors that blend with surroundings• Consider finding a good spot, then standing still and allowing the birds to come to you• Scan trees and shrubs watching for movement, and listen carefully –many birds are heard first, and then seen• Look at the bird as long as it is there, and then consult your field guide . . .the guide will stay there, the bird will not• Look at characteristics such as beak shape, feet, tail length, wing pattern (bars) and shape,pattern of markings on the head, and behavior – not just the color of the bird• Find the bird with your naked eyes, then continue looking at the bird and raise the binoculars infront of your eyes as you keep looking at the bird• Learn how to use the diopter feature of your binoculars to get clear vision (ask the binocular dealeror any knowledgeable birder you encounter)• Check the range map in the guide when you think you have it narrowed down to a few similarspecies – some can be eliminated by range• Learn to associate birds with particular habitats – Wood Thrushes like forests, Brown Thrashersprefer brushy habitat• Practice alone, but also bird with experienced birdersSeasonal TimelineWinterBald Eagles along Delaware and Lehigh Rivers and at unfrozen lakesand reservoirs; woodpeckers in forests (easy to see without leaves);Horned Larks and Snow Buntings in agricultural fields; AmericanTree Sparrows in old fields; chickadees, titmice, finches, cardinals,and sparrows at feeders.SpringWaterfowl migration and amphibians breeding in March; WoodDucks and Common Mergansers breeding and shad migrationbegins in April; thrushes, tanagers, orioles and warblers migratingthrough or returning to breed in May; First two weeks of May – peakwarbler migration.

8Scott Weidensaul has written more than two dozen books on natural history,including his widely acclaimed Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere withMigratory Birds (1999), which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and Of aFeather: A Brief History of American Birding (2007), which traces 400 years ofornithological history. His writing has appeared in dozens of publications, includingSmithsonian, the New York Times, Audubon, and many others. He also lectureswidely on conservation. In addition to writing about wildlife, Weidensaul is anactive field researcher whose work focuses on raptor migration, Saw-whet Owlmovements, and hummingbirds.

10a path to Bartram’sGarden to see him, buthis fame attracted ascruffier sort as well –people like the scrawnyyoung Scotsman whoknocked one day in1803, introducinghimself as the newschoolteacher at Gray’sFerry, a mile furtheralong the Schuylkill.Did Bartram’s eyesnarrow a bit, lookingat the underfed youngman? Did Bartramknow the fellow hadbeen imprisoned inA. Wilson’s drawing of Barn Swallows. Courtesy of the National Audubon SocietyScotland for blackmail? Was he put off thechap’s breezy announcement that he wantedto write and illustrate the first comprehensiveornithological text on the birds of the NewWorld – even though he could not draw, anddidn’t even know what most of these wondrousnew birds were called?Or did Bartram see a little of himself inthe young man, who was called AlexanderWilson, and who would, within just 10 years(and with a generous dose of Bartram’s help,and by working himself into an early grave)achieve his goal and lasting recognition as theFather of AmericanOrnithology?Perhaps. But whatneither man knewwas that just 25miles upstream, atan estate named MillGrove, another birdmadyoung man hadrecently landed – theillegitimate, Haitianbornson of a Frenchnaval captain. Hewas a self-absorbed18-year-old, fond ofdancing and shooting,with no interest inmanaging his father’sland; by any objective assessment the youngfellow, christened Jean Rabine, was likely tomake nothing more of himself than a mildlyrich fop.The one thing that did interest him verymuch, though – the one thing that harnessedhis surprisingly sharp intellect and hisformidable, if self-taught, artistic skill – werethe birds he chased along the Schuylkill River,painting them in works signed not with thename he was given at birth, but the anglicizedversion of the name his father had given him:John James Audubon.

11J.J Audubon’s drawing of Ruffed Grouse. Courtesy of the National Audubon Society“Mill Grove was ever to me a blessed spot,”Audubon wrote years later. And no wonder.Ruffed grouse were common in the coniferthickets, flocks of ducks filled the air,woodcock did their skydances along the edgesof meadows, and songbirds swarmed the treesin spring.Audubon only lived along the Schuylkill forfour years before moving to Kentucky, butthey were crucial ones for his development asan artist and ornithologist. It was here thathe struck upon his great inspiration – to pina freshly shot specimen into a lifelike poseusing a wooden framework and an armatureof slender wires, then to paint it lifesizeon watercolor paper. Compared with thestiff illustrations of Wilson and other earlynaturalists, Audubon’s work was a riot of lifeand movement. Art and nature have neverbeen the same.John James AudubonAudubon worked in his own little bubble,never meeting Bartram, and not encounteringWilson until years later in Louisville,Kentucky, a chance meeting that probablysparked Audubon’s own interest in creatinghis great Birds of America folios. Once thatspark was struck, though, he kept returningto eastern Pennsylvania for inspiration andspecimens.In 1829, for instance, he embarked on a sixweekexpedition up the Lehigh River to its

Mallardheadwaters, in what was then known as theGreat Pine Swamp – the virgin forest of whitepine, hemlock of hardwoods that covered whatis now Carbon and Luzerne counties, a forestso deep and shadowed that it was also knownas “the Shades of Death.” There was nothinggloomy about it to Audubon, though, who wentout each day with his gun Tear-jacket, livingin a logger’s cabin and eating “juicy venison,excellent Bear flesh, and delightful trout,”painting pileated woodpeckers, red-breastednuthatches, ravens, warblers and much more– 95 of his great paintings in all.Eastern Pennsylvania was the cradle ofAmerican science, home to the AmericanPhilosophical Society (whose members, atthe requestof ThomasJefferson,gave a crashcourse in thenatural sciencesto Meriwether Lewis, the introspective,melancholic half of the Lewis and Clarkexpedition. When they set out across theWest, Lewis was armed with the basics ofornithology, along with medicine, botany,ethnology and paleontology). In 1812, theAcademy of Natural Sciences opened it doors– though not willingly to Audubon, who hadgotten himself crossways with the Academyby denigrating Wilson’s work. George Ord,Wilson’s friend, biographer and collector, spentthe rest of his life savaging Audubon at everyopportunity.As the two rivers connect the landscape, sotoo does a continuous thread connect the livesof their great ornithologists – though it runsupstream, flowing through time from themouths of the rivers toward their headwatersin the mountains. In 1823, a boy was born inReading, Berks County, along the Schuylkillwhose life linked the generation of pioneeringbird students with those who helped sparked thegeneral public’s interest in birds a century later.Before his widowed mother moved the familyfrom Reading to Carlisle when he was 10, it’slikely that youngSpencer FullertonBaird thrilledto the sight ofpassenger pigeonflocks roostingon the flanks ofNeversink Mountain, and flying down to animmense boulder in the Schuylkill, knownto this day as “Pigeon Rock.” Baird was aprodigy; a college graduate at 17, discoverer(with his brother) of several new species ofbirds including the least and yellow-belliedflycatchers, friend and protégé of Audubon,and later the founder of the National Museumof Natural History and secretary of theSmithsonian Institution.“As the two rivers connect thelandscape, so too does acontinuous thread connect thelives of their great ornithologists.”13

14And as Audubon mentored Baird, so did Bairdmentor dozens of the best ornithologists ofthe late 19th and early 20th centuries, manyof whom got their start as frontier collectors.(Baird’s father-in-law was Inspector-Generalof the U.S. Army, and through him, Bairdcould post military officers with a knack forscience to almost any Western fort that hewished).Not all were Army surgeons and cavalryofficers, though. Among Baird’s manycorrespondents was a young schoolteacherfrom Berks County named Levi Mengel, whoeven before he graduated high school in the1880s had assembled a collection that wouldeventually grow to thousands of eggs andbird skins, and form the basis of the ReadingPublic Museum, which he founded in 1907.Mengel, in turn, struck up a friendship witha young artist and museum collector at theAcademy of Natural Sciences named EarlPoole, who eventually succeeded Mengel asthe director of the Reading Museum, and whowent on to an illustrious career as a scientist,illustrator and educator.The Schuylkill and the Delaware bothflow through the same, 220-mile-longridge, variously known as the Blue or FirstMountain but more formally called theKittatinny Ridge. The water gaps they formare among the prettiest on Earth (thoughrecent commercial sprawl in the neighboringDead hawks from one day of shooting. Courtesy Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Archivesvalley has marred the Schuylkill gap). But alongthis long, narrow ridgeline comes a great floodtide ofraptors each fall, one of the greatest bird migrations inNorth America, and one whose history was pivotal forconservation.In the late 1920s, state ornithologist George MikschSutton wrote a short note in an ornithological journalabout the unusual concentration of northern goshawksturned in for bounty at one spot along the Kittatinnyon the Schuylkill/Berks county line, and a youngconservationist named Dick Pough – who would go onto found the Nature Conservancy two decades later–came to investigate.

15He found carnage on the ridge – gunnersblasting thousands of migrating hawkseach fall, their broken and rotting carcasseslittering the woods below. Pough tried to rallysupport for ending the slaughter, using thegruesome photographs he took, and was metby a yawn – even many ornithologists andconservationists thought hawks were “bad”birds, not worthy of protection.But Pough did energize a formidable womannamed Rosalie Edge, a New York veteran ofthe women’s suffrage movement, and a largelyforgotten conservation heroine to whom weowe Olympic and King’s Canyon nationalparks, and the preservation of much ofYosemite. Mrs. Edge formed the EmergencyConservation Committee and leased themountaintop where the gunning was worst– and in the nick of time, as a local huntingclub voted that same day to buy the land forhawk-shooting.Instead, the ridgetop became Hawk MountainSanctuary, the world’s first refuge for birdsof prey, and one that has grown into oneof the leading centers of raptor conservationand research in the world. The rocks of NorthLookout, which rise high above the LittleSchuylkill River, have for generations beenthe crossroads of naturalists like Roger ToryPeterson and Rachel Carson, just to name afew of the luminaries who made the pilgrimagemany times over the years.Broad-winged hawk, B.K. Wheeler/VIREOR.T. Peterson on North Lookout, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Archives

Eastern Bluebird17“Today, it’s still possible to walk the same paths,and see many of the same species, that thegiants of early American ornithology saw.”History has flowed, just as have the rivers thatframe eastern Pennsylvania. Few parts of thestate have been hit as hard by development– yet the birding opportunities here remainrich. Stretching from the tidal marshes ofthe lower Delaware, through the Piedmontfarmland to the extensive forests of the ridgeand-valleysystem and the cool, conifer-lacedbogs of the Pocono plateau, it’s a region ofvaried topography and habitat, and thus greatfor birds.It’s also a region which, despite its largehuman population, still has a lot of publicland that’s open for birding, from state parkslike Hickory Run and Lehigh Gorge in CarbonCounty, to state forests and natural areas likeBruce Lake in Pike County and Brady’s Lakein Monroe, as well as tens of thousands ofacres of state game lands, local and countyparks. The region also has an unusual numberof private preserves like Hawk Mountain, theLehigh Gap Nature Center and TannersvilleCranberry Bog Preserve.Today, it’s still possible to walk the same paths,and see many of the same species, that thegiants of early American ornithology saw,whether it’s spring migrants filling the old treesat Bartram’s Garden, or the eastern phoebesthat still nest along Perkiomen Creek at MillGrove, where Audubon tied silver wires to theirlegs to prove that the same phoebes came backto nest each spring – the first crude attempt atbird-banding.You can chase Audubon’s ghost through the“Shades of Death” on the upper Lehigh, wherenorthern warblers still abound, and whereravens have returned after a century’s absence– and if the passenger pigeons that once drankfrom the Schuylkill are just a memory, thesting is eased by resurgent peregrine falcons,nesting in Allentown, Reading and on the cliffsof the Delaware Water Gap, or bald eaglesin growing numbers throughout the region.Everywhere you look in eastern Pennsylvania,you’ll find birds. All you need is time,binoculars – and this guide, of course.

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1HAY CREEK —FRENCH CREEKSTATE PARKBerks19Location: Most of this large site is located in southeasternBerks County. About 20% of the site is in Chester County.Owner & Contacts: (Total site approximately 12,000acres) French Creek State Park–PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources (7,475 acres)610-582-9680843 Park Rd., Elverson, PA 19520-9523www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/Parks/frenchcreek.aspxBirdsboro Municipal Water AuthorityHopewell Furnace National Historic Site–National Park Service(848 acres)610-582-87732 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520www.nps.gov/hofuDirections, Access & Parking: To reach the areafrom the south, at the intersection of Rt. 23 (Ridge Rd.) andRt. 345, go north on Rt. 345 for at least 3 miles to the site. Toreach the site from the north, from the intersection of U.S. 422and Rt. 82, go south on Rt. 82 and cross the Schuylkill River.Shortly after crossing the river you will come to the intersectionof Rt. 82 and Rt. 724 (Main St.). Go left (east) on Main St. forabout 0.4 miles and turn right (south) on Rt. 345 (ChestnutSt.). Continue south on Rt. 345 for about 3 miles to FrenchCreek State Park. There are numerous places to park within thesite. Restrooms are available.Site Description: This site is a large block ofunfragmented, low elevation forest with “interior forest birds”in abundance. Public lands include: French Creek State Park,Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Birdsboro MunicipalWater Authority lands, and State Game Lands (SGL) No. 43.The site contains high-quality wooded riparian areas andhealthy upland forest. Also present are food plots at SGL No.43, fields (Hopewell) and recreation fields at the state park.In addition to Hay Creek, other creeks found at the site include:Six Penny Creek, French Creek, Baptism Creek and Pine Creek.The block also includes Pine Swamp, an acidic broadleafswamp and a “site of concern” for The Nature Conservancy.The site is of particular importance due to the presence ofendangered Bog Bluegrass the emergent hummockwetlands support the endangered Bog Turtle.French Creek State Park contains two lakes: Hopewell Lake– 68 acres, Scotts Run Lake – 22 acres.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for forest birds such as woodpeckers,nuthatches and chickadees.Spring: The area is excellent for warblers and otherneotropical migrants such as flycatchers, Wood Thrush, Veery,Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Scarlet Tanager.Summer: A variety of neotropical migrants that are forestdependent nest at the site because of its large,unfragmented nature.Fall: Look for warblers and other migrant songbirds in lateAugust and September.Other Comments: Be sure to visit Hopewell FurnaceNational Historic Site if time permits. • The entire areahas been designated an Important Bird Area by AudubonPennsylvania.Wood Thrush, G. Bailery/VIREO

202Lake OntelauneeLocation: The lake is located just north of Rt. 73,about 2 miles east of Leesport.Owner & Contacts: City of Reading Water Authority(approximately 4,300 acres)610-655-6251www.berkscountyweb.com/lakeontelaunee.htmPA Game CommissionS.E. Regional Office,610-926-3136www.pgc.state.pa.usDirections, Access & Parking: To reach thelake from the west, at the intersection of Rt. 61 and Rt.73, goeast on Rt. 73 (Lake View Dr.) for about 0.6 miles to the dambreast. Rt. 73. There are several parking lots along Rt. 73 fromwhich the lake can be observed. To reach the lake from theeast, at the intersection of U.S. 222 and Rt. 73, go west onRt. 73 for about 1 mile. Another place from which to view thelake is along West Shore Dr. To reach West Shore Dr., at theSchuylkill Valley High School, go north on Ontelaunee Dr. forabout 1 mile. Turn right on Kindt Corner Rd. and continue untilthe road becomes West Shore Dr. Continue for another 1 mileuntil you reach the lake. Note that access and parking at thelake are rather limited so be careful.Site Description: Lake Ontelaunee was developed in1926 to extend and improve the water supply of the City ofReading. The lake is 1,082 acres. The lake is surrounded bymature coniferous forest and deciduous forest. Several areasof the land surrounding the lake are State Game PropogationAreas and are closed to public access. Hunting is allowed onthe north side of Lake Ontelaunee.Common GoldeneyeThrough the Seasons:Winter: This is a good season to look for geese, ducksand gulls. Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead,all three species of mergansers, Redhead and Canvasbackare possible.Spring: Look for large flocks of Snow Geese early in theseason. Other spring birds include Bonapartes Gull, RuddyDuck, Common and Red-throated loons, American Wigeon,Wood Duck and many species of warblers.Summer: Cliff Swallows nest under the Rt. 73 bridge. BaldEagles nest on the property.Fall: Duck migration begins. Look for rare gulls.Birds of Special Interest: Lake Ontelaunee is noted for the rarebirds that have been sighted there through the years. Some ofthese birds include: Leach’s Storm-Petrel, White Ibis, MaskedDuck, American Avocet, Ruff, Mew Gull, Little Gull, SootyTern, Black Guillemot, Ancient Murrelet, and Black-backedWoodpecker.Other Comments: Some of the area is off limits tothe public. Birding must be done from adjacent roads inmost cases. • Although fishing is permitted from a few areasalong the shore, no boats are allowed on the lake. • LakeOntelaunee has been designated an Important Bird Area byAudubon Pennsylvania. • Visit the PA Game Commissionwebsite, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates of hunting seasons andblaze orange clothing requirements. Please follow State GameLand or hunting regulations posted in parking areas. There isno hunting on Sundays.

3State game land 110pine SWAMPBerks21Location: Pine Swamp is located south of Hawk MountainRd., about 2 miles east of the Headquarters Building at HawkMountain Sanctuary. State Game Land (SGL) No. 106 islocated south of Hawk Mountain Rd. in both Berks andSchuylkill counties.Owner & Contacts: PA Game CommissionS.E. Regional Office,610-926-3136www.pgc.state.pa.usOther Comments: Be sure to visit Hawk MountainSanctuary, p. 25 (no dogs are allowed on Hawk Mountainproperty) • The area is open to hunting during season. •The Appalachian Trail goes through SGL No. 106. • As ofearly 2008 the Pennsylvania Game Commission was in theprocess of logging part of SGL No. 106. • Visit the PA GameCommission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates of huntingseasons and blaze orange clothing requirements. Please followState Game Land or hunting regulations posted in parkingareas. There is no hunting on Sundays.Directions, Access & Parking: To reach PineSwamp from I-78, take Lenhartsville exit No. 35. Go northon Rt. 143 for about 4 miles to the gas station on the right.Turn left at the blue Hawk Mountain sign onto Hawk MountainRd. Go west on Hawk Mountain Rd. for about 5 miles to PineSwamp Rd. at the base of the mountain. Turn left onto PineSwamp Rd. Proceed 0.4 miles and turn right to reach thefirst State Game Lands parking lot or continue about 200 feetfurther down Pine Swamp Rd. and park in the lot on the left.Another option is to park anywhere along the road and birdthe surrounding woods. Pine Swamp Rd. loops through thewoods and back to Hawk Mountain Rd. There is another StateGame Land parking lot across Pine Swamp Rd. from the CivilAir Patrol camp.Site Description: Pine Swamp and State Game LandNo. 106 are almost entirely composed of mature deciduousforest with some pine groves. Parts of the game lands are verysteep.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for typical deep forest birds including PileatedWoodpecker, Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey. Barred Owls arepresent some years.Spring: This is the best season to bird Pine Swamp and SGLNo. 106. The entire area is an excellent place to see a largevariety of warblers and other neotropical migrants such asWood Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Veery and Scarlet Tanager.Summer: Nesting warblers include: Worm-eating, Hooded,Kentucky, Chestnut-sided, and Ovenbird. Ruffed Grouse, WildTurkey and Pileated Woodpecker also nest in the area.Fall: Look for migrating warblers. The best birding in thisseason will be at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s North Lookoutwhen the fall hawk migration is in full swing.Barred Owl, Frank Leung/iStockphoto.com

224state game land 110KITTATINNY RidgeMouNTAINTOPLocation: The site is located on the Kittatinny Ridge (BlueMountain) north of the Village of Strausstown, just east ofwhere Rt. 183 crosses the mountain. This site straddles theridge in Berks and Schuylkill Counties.Owner & Contacts: PA Game Commission(10,000 acres)S.E. Regional Office610-926-3136www.pqc.state.pa.usDirections, Access & Parking: From I-78, takethe Strausstown exit No. 19. Follow Rt. 183 north for about2.7 miles and turn right onto a dirt road near the mountaintop.The dirt road leads to a large parking lot 0.1 miles from Rt.183. There are no restrooms. Be careful and give plentyof notice before turning off Rt. 183. Watch for fast-moving,downhill, traffic.Site Description: Deciduous woodlands, edge habitat,and meadows make for interesting and rewarding wildlifeviewing at this remote mountaintop site. Atop the KittatinnyRidge and part of the 10,000-acre State Game Lands No.110, the mountain top area is excellent habitat for nestingsongbirds including warblers. The AppalachianTrail is within easy reach of the site and offers aridge-top traverse. It is best to avoid the areaduring deer season (except Sundays) and usecaution during other hunting seasons. The site isfree and open to the public, sunrise to sunset,year-round.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for Wild Turkey, Pileated Woodpecker, andother typical woodland birds such as kinglets and nuthatches.Ruffed Grouse may also be present.Spring: The sides and top of the Kittatinny Ridge are a goodplace to see migrant warblers, Great Crested Flycatcher, ScarletTanager, Indigo Bunting, and other songbirds.Migrating hawks may be present on days with south andsouthwest winds.Summer: Several species of warblers, including Cerulean,Black-and-white, Worm-eating and Hooded, nest on the slopesof the mountain. Wood Thrush, Great Crested Flycatcher,Scarlet Tanager and Indigo Bunting should also be present.Wild Turkey and Ruffed Grouse are seen on occasion.Fall: Look for migrating raptors, especially at times when thewind is from the east or south. Migrating warblers are presentin late August and September and Winter Wrens are possible inOctober and November.Other Comments: If you visit during the fall hawkmigration season (September through November), visit thehawk watch just east of Rt. 183 at the top of the mountain.The hawk watch is only about 100 yards from the highway andeasy to access. • The Kittatinny Ridge has been designatedan Important Bird Area by Audubon Pennsylvania. • Visit thePA Game Commission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for datesof hunting seasons and blaze orange clothing requirements.Please follow State Game Land or hunting regulations postedin parking areas. There is no hunting on Sundays.Ruffed Grouse, B. Bolduan/VIREO

Berks235state game land 110KITTATINNY RidgeNORTHKILL GapLocation: Northkill Gap is located on the south flank ofthe Kittatinny Ridge (Blue Mountain) north of the Village ofShartlesville.Owner & Contacts: PA Game Commission(10,000 acres)S.E. Regional Office610-926-3136www.pqc.state.pa.usDirections, Access & Parking: From I-78, takeShartlesville exit No. 23. Travel north on Mountain Rd. At 0.3miles, the road makes a 90-degree right turn. Do not followthe turn; continue straight onto Forge Dam Rd. for about 1.6miles to a parking lot in a grove of hemlocks. There are norestrooms.Site Description: Part of the 10,000-acre State GameLand No. 110 and the Kittatinny Ridge (Blue Mountain), thedeciduous woodlands, sorghum fields, edge habitat, andscenic Northkill Creek of Northkill Gap offer a variety of wildlifewatching and hiking opportunities. Cleared areas that offer avista are available for fall raptormigration viewing. Another optionfor the more adventurous is the1.5-mile Sand Spring Trail, whichleads visitors from the ForgeDam Rd. parking area up a rockyand scenic ravine, ending at themountaintop west of Northkill Gap.At the top of the mountain, takeadvantage of the Appalachian Trailthat traverses 125 miles along theKittatinny Ridge. (Take care andwear plenty of orange if you visitduring hunting season.) The site isfree and open to the public sunriseto sunset, year-round.Brown Creeper, Corey HusicThrough the Seasons:Winter: Birds such as Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse, PileatedWoodpecker, kinglets and other winter woodland birds andsparrows can be found.Spring: Look for migrating songbirds, especially warblers.Migrating hawks should be present on days with south orsouthwest winds.Summer: Nesting birds found in the area include WildTurkey, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, EasternBluebird, Cedar Waxwing, Scarlet Tanager and Indigo Bunting.Nesting warblers include Northern Parula, Black-and-White,Chestnut-sided, Prairie, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded, Wormeatingand American Redstart.Fall: Look for migrating raptors on days when the wind isfrom the east or south. Migrating songbirds, including a varietyof warblers, may be found in late August and September. Lookfor migrant sparrows in October.Other Comments: The Kittatinny Ridge has beendesignated an Important Bird Area by Audubon Pennsylvania.• Visit the PA Game Commission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates of hunting seasons and blaze orange clothingrequirements. Please follow State Game Land or huntingregulations posted in parking areas. There’s no hunting onSundays.Downy Woodpecker, Corey Husic

246state game land 110auburn LOOKOutLocation: The lookout is located on the Kittatinny Ridge(Blue Mountain), north of the Village of Shartlesville. This sitestraddles the ridge in Berks and Schuylkill Counties.Owner & Contacts: PA Game CommissionS.E. Regional Office,610-926-3136www.pgc.state.pa.usDirections, Access & Parking: From the east, takeI-78 Hamburg exit No 30 and go north on Rt. 61 for a shortdistance. Turn left at the traffic light for Cabela Dr. (There is aMcDonalds at the northwest corner of the intersection.) Goabout 0.2 miles and turn right on Mountain Rd. Go about 3miles to the State Game Land sign on the right. Make a rightonto the dirt road and drive 0.2 miles to reach the parkinglot. From the west, take the I-78 Shartlesville exit No. 23 andgo north on Mountain Rd. At 0.3 miles, the road makes a 90-degree right turn. Keep right on Mountain Rd. and continue forabout 4 miles to the State Game Land sign on the left. Fromthe lot, walk up the dirt road, past the gate until reaching themountaintop. At the top, walk to the right for 50 yards and takea trail into the woods on the left. The lookout is about 100yards away. There are no restrooms.Site Description: An outstanding vista awaits thosewilling to hike the strenuous 800-foot elevation gain along the1.3-mile access road and trail that leads to the Auburn Lookout.The lookout is part of the 10,000-acre State Game Land No.110. The Appalachian Trail passes the lookout. The 2-acreboulder field on the north side of the ridge, surrounded bymixed deciduous woodland and second growth, is a great placeto watch southbound raptors during the fall migration. Theviewing is best when winds are from the west or northwest. Takecare and wear plenty of orange if visiting during hunting season.Through the Seasons:Winter: There is little in the way of birdlife to see during thisseason. However, if you decide to visit, the typical winter birdsfound in this habitat may be present.Spring: Look for migrating songbirds, especially warblers.Summer: Nesting birds include Pileated Woodpecker,Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Eastern Wood-Pewee and a varietyof warblers.Fall: This is the best time to visit Auburn Lookout. The fallraptor season extends from early September through November(see “Site Description” for details as to the best viewing days).Be prepared for cool to cold conditions, especially on windydays. Migrating songbirds should be present from late Augustinto October.Other Comments: The Kittatinny Ridge has beendesignated an Important Bird Area by Audubon Pennsylvania.• Visit the PA Game Commission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates of hunting seasons and blaze orange clothingrequirements. Please follow State Game Land or huntingregulations posted in parking areas. There is no hunting onSundays.Osprey, Corey HusicEastern Tiger Swallowtail, Corey Husic

Berks257hawk mountainsanctuaryLocation: The sanctuary is located on the crest of theKittatinny Ridge (Blue Mountain), about 7.5 miles west of theVillage of Kempton.Owner & Contacts: Hawk Mountain SanctuaryAssociation (2,400 acres)610-756-69611700 Hawk Mountain Rd., Kempton, PA 19529www.hawkmountain.orgDirections, Access & Parking: Traveling easton I-78, take the Lenhartsville exit No. 35. Follow Rt. 143north for about 4 miles to the gas station on the right. Turnleft at the blue Hawk Mountain sign onto Hawk MountainRd. Proceed 7 miles to the top of the mountain. The parkinglots are on the left, as is the visitor center. Restrooms areavailable.Site Description: This world-renowned hawk-watchingsite was established in 1934 when Rosalie Edge arranged thepurchase of 1,450 acres on the mountain to halt the annualslaughter of migrating raptors. An Important Bird Area andNational Landmark, it now contains 2,400 forested acres alongtheKittatinny Ridge, a major migration flyway overlooking thepicturesque farmland and rural villagesin the Great Valley. Trails are opento the public from dawn to dusk,year-round. The visitor center and giftshop are staffed 9 am to 5 pm daily (8am to 5 pm from September throughNovember). Hawk Mountain Sanctuaryis a private, non-profit organization.Non-members must pay an entrancefee for use of the trails. Members canuse the trails for free.Through the Seasons:Winter: There are feeders where the birds can be viewedfrom the comfort of the visitor center.Spring: This is a good time to see a large variety ofmigrating songbirds including many species of warblers.There are some fair days for hawk watching in spring whenthe winds are from the south or southwest.Summer: A wide variety of songbirds nest on or near thesanctuary. This includes warbler species such as Chestnutsided,Black-and-white, American Redstart, Worm-eating,Ovenbird, Kentucky, and Hooded.Fall: This is the important birding season at Hawk MountainSanctuary. From late August to the end of November up to20,000 raptors of 16 species pass the sanctuary’s lookoutson their way south for the winter. The warbler migrationcan be good some mornings in August and September.Thousands of Monarch Butterflies pass the lookouts someyears. Other fall migrants of interest include swallows, swifts,waterfowl, loons and cormorants. Be prepared for coldweather later in the season, especially on days with strongwest or northwest winds.Other Comments: Dogs are not allowed on Sanctuaryproperty. • The Visitor’s Center and trail to the SouthLookout are Handicapped Accessible.Golden Eagle, B.K. Wheeler/VIREO

268blue marsh lakeLocation: The lake is located about 10 milesnorthwest of ReadingOwner & Contacts: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers(6,500 acres total, Blue Marsh Lake – 1,150 acres)610-376-63371268 Palisades Dr., Leesport, PA 19533www.nap.usace.army.mil/sb/bm_guide.htmDirections, Access & Parking: From theinterchange of Rt. 183 with the U.S. 222 By-Pass (the former“Road To Nowhere”), go west on Rt. 183 for about 3 miles toPalisades Dr. and turn left (south). Proceed about 1 mile tothe Dry Brooks Day Use Area (entrance fee charged from May1 through September 30) and turn right to reach the parkinglots. To reach the visitor center, return to Palisades Dr. andturn right. Go 0.7 miles and turn right for the visitor center.Maps of the lake and trails, and a bird list, are available inthe visitor center. The lake has plenty of parking areas andrestrooms.Site Description: Since its dedication in 1978,this 8-mile-long Army Corps of Engineers impoundment ofTuplehocken Creek has been used for flood control, waterstorage, water quality, and recreation. It is a multi-use areathat offers visitors swimming, fishing, water sports, hiking,horseback riding, cross-country skiing, birding and picnicareas. The lake is surrounded by about 5,000 acres, of which1,500 are woodlands intermixed with areas of successionalgrowth that provides ideal nesting grounds for an impressivenumber of birds. The habitat is enhanced by the adjacent7,000 acres of State Game Land No. 280. The visitor centeris open 8 am to 9 pm in summer and 8 am to 5 pm theremainder of the year. The boat launches are open 24 hours aday. All remote areas are open dawn to dusk.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for gulls and waterfowl on Blue Marsh Lake ifthe water is not frozen. The fields provide wintering habitat forNorthern Harriers and Short-eared Owls. Typical winter birdscan be found throughout the area.Spring: This is a good time to see a large variety ofmigrating songbirds. Look for loons, waterfowl and gulls onthe lake in early spring. Brown Thrashers can be found nearthe visitor center.Summer: Birds that nest at Blue Marsh Lake includeWillow Flycatcher, Brown Thrasher, Veery, Wood Thrush, EasternBluebird, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breastedChat, Orchard and Baltimore orioles, Eastern Towhee andEastern Meadowlark.Fall: Migrating Broad-winged Hawks, Bald Eagles, Ospreysand other raptors can be seen from State Hill Lookout. Ducks,geese, loons and gulls use the lake for resting and feedingduring the fall migration. A good variety of migrating songbirdscan be seen some days.Other Comments: The Tulpehocken Valley has a longand important history that dates from the 1720s. The UnionCanal, established in 1828, was the first canal surveyed in theUnited States. You can ride your bike or take a leisurely strollalong a portion of the canal that is located just west ofBernville. • Blue Marsh Lake has been designated as anImportant Bird Area by Audubon Pennsylvania. • Visit the PAGame Commission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for datesof hunting seasons and blaze orange clothing requirements.Please follow State Game Land or hunting regulations. There isno hunting on Sundays.

Berks279nolde forestenvIRONMENTALeduCATION centerLocation: The center is located on the west side of Rt.625, about 4 miles south of Reading.Owner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservation &Natural Resources (665 acres)610-796-36992910 New Holland Rd., Reading, PA 19607www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/noldeforest.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: To reach thecenter from the north, at the interchange of Rt. 422 andLancaster Ave. (old Rt. 222), go south on Lancaster Ave. forabout 0.6 miles and turn left on Rt. 625 (New Holland Rd.).Proceed for about 3.2 miles to the center. Nolde’s mainentrance is on the right. Look for the large state park entrancesign on the right.Site Description: In 1904, Jacob Nolde purchased 500acres of land depleted by logging and farming, intending tocreate a pine forest. More than 90% of the 1.4 million conifersplanted by the Nolde family on 310 acres survived. Today, inaddition to the coniferous plantations, the center’s 665 acresinclude a mature hardwood forest of oak, maple, beech, tulippoplar, and birch. Eleven miles of trails traversing 500 feet ofrelief provide accessibility to woodlands, ponds and streams.Access to the property is free and open to the public dawn todusk, year-round. Stop at the C. H. McConnell EnvironmentalEducation Hall for a trail map. The center is staffed 8 am to 4pm, Monday through Friday.Through the Seasons:Winter: The coniferous plantations provide a haven forGreat Horned, Screech, Barred and Saw-whet owls. Otherwinter birds to be found in association with the coniferousplantations include Pileated Woodpecker, White-breasted andRed-breasted nuthatches, Golden-crowned Kinglet and YellowrumpedWarbler.Spring: Look for migrating songbirds. Some of the owlsmentioned in the “winter” section can be found throughoutthe year.Summer: Birds that breed at Nolde Forest EnvironmentalEducation Center include Great Crested Flycatcher, Veery, WoodThrush, Louisiana Waterthrush and Scarlet Tanager.Fall: Migrating songbirds can be found in late August throughearly October.Other Comments: Be sure to visit French Creek StatePark and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, p. 19, iftime permits.Red-breasted Nuthatch, Jason Cheever/iStockphoto.comNorthern Saw-whet Owl, R. Austing/VIREO

28n^Bucks CountyF o u n t a i n H i l l^1 1 9H e l l e r t o w nm m a u sS a u c o n C r e e kC o o p e r s b u r g212L a k e W a r r e nUpper Black Eddy7P e n n s b u r!r a p p eR e d H i l ln k s v i l l er dS p r i n g M o u n tC o l l e g e v i l l eSc k e r i n gr . R e s .663M a p l e R u n R e s .c h u y l k i l l RG r e e n L a n eS k i p p a c kE v a n s b u r gE a g l e v i l l eE V A N S B U R GT r o o p e rA u d u b o n W . N o r r i t o n.I n d i a nC r e e kK i n g o fP r u s s i aQuakertownS o u d e r t o nH a r l e y s v i l l eC r e e kS k i p p a c k9K u l p s v i l l eL a k eT o w h e e313152N O R R I S T O W NF A R M P A R KN o r r i s t o w n!H a t f i e lE . N o r r i t o n B l u e B e l lB r i d g e p o r t563563M o r r i s4M o n t g o m e r y v i l l eN o r t h W a l e sF O R TW A S H I N G T O NP l y m o u t hM e e t i n gC o n s h o h o c k e nRu n152N O C K A M I X O NL a k e N o c k a m i x o nS p r i n g H o u s e!A m b l e r1525R a p p C r e e k611DoylestownM a p l e G l e nG l e n s i d e413P e a c e V a l l e y R e s .L i t t l eH o r s h a mW i l l o w G r o v eF o r t W a s h i n g t o nN e s h a m i n y C r e e kH a t b oJ e n k i n t o w nR o c k l e d g eM i l l Cr e e kS p r i n g f i e l d L a k e132B r y n A t h y n263New Hope2028532232T Y L E RB E N J A M I N R U S HJ e r i c h oNewtown1C r e e kL k L u x e m b o u r g41321310276513532332N E S H A M I N YD e l a w a r e R i v e r295WashingtonCrossing6332MorrisvilleC u r t i s L a k eBristolD E L A W A R E C A N A LV a n S c i v e rL a k eM a n o rL a k eG r e aC o l o n i a l L aR o w aC h e s t e r -b r o o kLegendW . C o n s h o h o c k e nHandicappedAccessibilityHikingTrailsBikingTrailsRestroomsDogsAllowed

1churchvillenature centerBucks29Location: About 4.5 miles southwest of Newtown, inNorthampton Township.Owner & Contacts: Bucks County (650 acres)215-357-4005501 Churchville Lane, Churchville, PA 18966www.churchvillenaturecenter.orgDirections, Access & Parking: From theintersection of Newtown Bypass (Routes 332 & 413) and Rt.532 (Buck Rd.) southwest of Newtown, go south on Buck Rd.for about 3.8 miles and turn right on Rocksville Rd. for just 0.1miles and turn right on Holland Rd. Go right (north) on HollandRd. for about 0.3 miles and turn left on Churchville Lane. Go0.4 miles and turn right into the Center. The Visitor Center isopen Tuesday thru Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. (See the center’swebsite for directions from other locations.) Restrooms areavailable.Through the Seasons:Winter: Typical winter species are present. Look forwaterfowl on Churchville Reservoir.Spring: Look for migrating waterfowl on ChurchvilleReservoir. The center can be good for migrating warblers andother spring migrants.Summer: Nesting species of interest include Cooper’s Hawkand Prothonotary and Pine warblers. Great Egret and GreatBlue Heron are often present at the reservoir.Fall: Look for migrating warblers in late August andSeptember and waterfowl in late fall.Other Comments: Churchville Reservoir is home to thestate threatened Red-bellied Turtle. • Fishing is not permittedin the reservoir.Site Description: The site is a mixture of maturedeciduous forest, pine stands, early successional forest,scrublands and fallow fields. A major feature near the center isthe 180-acre Churchville Reservoir. There are a wildlife garden,bird feeding station and accessible boardwalk trails. TheVisitor Center has interesting exhibits and a library with a greatwindow from which to view birds at the many feeders. (Note: Agood street map is helpful for finding any of the Bucks Countysites.)Painted Turtle, Dave LevanduskyCooper’s Hawk, John Kieffer

302core creekcouNTY PARKLocation: About 2 miles south of NewtownOwner & Contacts: Bucks County (1,200 acres)215-757-0571901 E. Bridgetown Pike, Langhorne, PA 19047-1597www.buckscounty.org/government/departments/ParksandRec/Parks/CoreCreek.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: From theintersection of the Newtown Bypass (Routes 332 & 413)and Rt. 413 (Newtown Pike) south of Newtown, go south onNewtown Pike about 0.8 miles to Tollgate Rd. Turn left (east)on Tollgate Rd. and go 0.5 miles to the north entrance tothe park. Turn right to reach Lake Luxembourg. The southentrance to the park can be accessed from Bridgetown Pike.To reach the south entrance, continue south on Rt. 413 andturn left at Bridgetown Pike. Continue for about 1 mile andturn left into the park. The park has a number of parking lotsand restrooms. (NOTE: A good street map is helpful for findingany of the Bucks County sites.)Through the Seasons:Winter: This season is good for sparrows and a varietyof gull species that includes Ring-billed, Herring and LesserBlack-backed gulls. Iceland and Glaucous gulls are presentsome years.Spring: There is a good variety of vireos, warblers andother migrating songbirds. Look for Great Blue Herons,grebes, ducks and geese on Lake Luxembourg.Summer: Breeding birds of interest include: Great BlueHeron, Wood Duck, Bald Eagle, Willow Flycatcher, White-eyedVireo, Veery, Yellow-breasted Chat and Scarlet Tanager.Fall: Look for waterfowl on the lake and migrating warblersin other areas,.Other Comments: Boats can be rented from May tomid October (call 215-348-6114 for rates and times boatscan be rented). Boats are limited to electric motor only. •Fishing is popular.Site Description: The major habitats of interestinclude the 156-acre Lake Luxembourg and adjacent riparianareas. The park also includes some mature deciduous forest,early successional forests, shrub lands, wetlands and fallowand cultivated fields. The park contains a number of trails.Barn Swallow, Corey HusicYellow-breasted Chat

Bucks313five mile woodsLocation: About 3 miles west of Morrisville, in LowerMakefield TownshipOwner & Contacts: Township of LowerMakefield (285 acres)215-493-66521305 Big Oak Rd., Morrisville, PA 19067www.Imt.org/parkrecfmw.htmDirections, Access & Parking: From theinterchange of U.S. 13 (Pine Rd.) and Trenton Ave. W. west ofMorrisville, go north for almost 0.2 miles to Big Oak Rd. andturn left (west). Go about 2.5 miles on Big Oak Rd. and turnleft to the nature center at Five Mile Woods, which is open tothe public from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. A map of thenature trails can be obtained at the nature center. Restroomsare available.Site Description: The site is composed mostly ofmature deciduous forest. Other habitats include earlysuccessional forest, shrub/scrub, a small swamp and a stream.American Bittern, Jason Doucette/iStockphoto.comThrough the Seasons:Winter: The woods are good for owls. Barred and GreatHorned owls are present nearly always and Long-eared Owlscan be found some winters.Spring: The woods are good for migrating warblers, vireosand flycatchers. American Woodcock and American Bittern arepresent at times.Summer: Breeding warblers of interest include Worm-eatingand Hooded.Fall: Look for migrating warblers, vireos and flycatchers.Other Comments: Five Mile Woods was preserved dueto its environmental uniqueness. It straddles the “fall line”– the geological divide between the Coastal Plain and thePiedmont Plateau regions.Long eared owl, Corey Husic

32Lesser Blackback Gull, Jostein Hauge/iStockphoto.com4nockamixon STATE PARKLocation: About 5 miles east of Quakertown and9 miles north of Doylestown, in the townships ofBedminster and Haycock.Owner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources5,283 acres total (Lake Nockamixon – 1,450 acres)215-529-73001542 Mountain View Dr., Quakertown, PA 18951-5732www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/nockamixon.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: NockamixonState Park in located along Rt. 563 (Mountain View Dr.), justoff Rt. 313 to the west and Rt. 412 to the east. The main accesspoints to the lake are on the south side of Rt. 563. Eachaccess point has a large parking lot and a restroom.Site Description: Lake Nockamixon is the mostprominent feature of the park. Other habitats include matureand early successional deciduous forest, mature coniferousforest, shrub/scrub lands, and cultivated and fallow fields. Thepark contains 2.8 miles of paved bike trails and 3.5 miles offoot trails.Through the Seasons:Winter: This season is good for waterfowl and gulls.Spring: Look for Common Loons, waterfowl, Great BlueHerons, and a great variety of migrating songbirds.Summer: Breeding birds of interest include Great BlueHeron, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler and a variety of othersongbirds.Fall: Look for warblers and other migrating songbirds inearly fall and waterfowl later in the season. (Note: LesserBlack-backed Gulls can be expected almost daily from lateSeptember through early April)Other Comments: Lake Nockamixon has becomeknown for the many rare birds found there. These birdsinclude Pacific Loon, American Oystercatcher, Long-tailedJaeger and Long-billed Murrelet. • A recreational guide(including a map) is available at the park office. • A kayakor canoe is an ideal way to explore all the many fingers andcoves of the lake. Either bring your own or rent one at theboat concession. Call 215-538-1340 for information.

Bucks335peace valley couNTY PARKLocation: About 3 miles northwest of Doylestown, in NewBritain Township.Owner & Contacts: Bucks County (1,500 acres)(Lake Galena – 365 acres)215-345-7860170 Chapman Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org/index.htmlDirections, Access & Parking: From theintersection of Rt. 611 Bypass and Rt. 313 (Swamp Rd.) northof Doylestown, go northwest on Rt. 313 for about 2.2 miles andturn left (southwest) on New Galena Rd. Proceed 0.7 miles andturn left at Chapman Rd. Go another 0.3 miles to the PeaceValley Nature Center. For other access points to Lake Galena,go back to New Galena Rd. and turn left. Follow Lake GalenaRd. and look for the road to the public boat launch. There isanother public boat launch on the south side of the lake, justoff Creek Rd. about 0.3 miles from the dam.Site Description: The most prominent feature of thepark is the 365-acre Lake Galena. The lake is surroundedby a variety of prime birding habitats, nearly all of which areaccessible via a network of well-maintained trails; there are 14miles of trails, and a 6-mile paved hike and bike trail. Thereis a bird blind at the nature center’s feeding station, as wellas a species logbook for the park. The Chapman Road Bridgeis almost always a nice place to walk, especially in spring andsummer.Through the Seasons:Winter: Winter is a good time to search for unusualwaterfowl, especially vagrant geese, which often mix in with thehuge flock of wintering Canada Geese. Look for other winterbirds at the feeders near the nature center.Spring: This is another good season to look for unusualwaterfowl. Lesser Black-backed Gulls can be expected almostdaily up through early April. Warblers and other migratingsongbirds can be found in season.Summer: Breeding birds at this season are typical of thespecies that can be found in the proper habitat.Fall: Look for migrating warblers in late August andSeptember. Waterfowl arrive in late October and November.Lesser Black-backed Gulls are present most days starting inlate September.Other Comments: Bird records have been kept almostreligiously here for decades. The park has an impressive birdlist of over 280 species. • The park’s trails are very popularwith walkers, joggers and bikers on weekends. • Peace ValleyCounty Park has been designated as an Important Bird Area byAudubon Pennsylvania.Canada Goose, Corey HusicSpotted Sandpiper, R. Curtis/VIREO

346silver lakenature centerLocation: Just north of Bristol BoroughOwner & Contacts: Bucks County (235 acres;Silver Lake – 27 acres, Magnolia Lake – 26 acres)215-785-11771306 Bath Rd., Bristol, PA 19007www.silverlakenaturecenter.org/default.htmlDirections, Access & Parking: The nature centeris located on the east side of Bath Rd., about 0.9 miles northof the intersection of Bath Rd. and U.S. 13 (Bristol Pike) Accessto the center is possible by train from Center CityPhiladelphia via the SEPTA R7 line. Get off the train at theBristol station. The visitor center building is open Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday: noon to 5 pm.The building is closed Mondays. Parking is available at thevisitor center. The trails are open daily sunrise to sunset.Restrooms are available. (Note: The center is veryhandicapped accessible.)Through the Seasons:Winter: This season is good for gulls and sparrows.Spring: Look for migrating waterfowl, warblers, Americanand Least bitterns and American Woodcock.Summer: Birds that have bred here include Virginia Rail,American Woodcock, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeakand Spotted Sandpiper. Black-crowned Night-Heron is apossible breeder.Fall: Look for migrating warblers and waterfowl.Other Comments: The Southern Bucks Home andGarden Club has built and maintains a butterfly garden at theSilver Lake Nature Center. • Silver Lake provides refuge for thethreatened Red-bellied Turtle and the marsh is home for thethreatened Coastal Plain Leopard Frog. • Peregrine Falconsare nesting nearby on the PA turnpike bridge, so they may beseen. Osprey also nest along the Delaware River and may beseen feeding in the lakes.Site Description: Silver Lake Nature Center is part ofthe Bucks County Park System. It is a 235-acre complex withinthe Mill Creek Valley Park system. The lake is the terminus ofseveral creeks. The Center is unique to Pennsylvania as well asBucks County because it contains the best-protected CoastalPlain woodland remaining in the state. Habitats include:coastal plain woodland, the lake, marshes, wet meadows andan unglaciated bog. The grounds have about 4.5 miles ofnature trails routed through or near the variety of habitats.There is a boardwalk and observation platform that overlooksSilver Lake.American Woodcock, R.& N. Bowers/VIREORed-spotted Purple, Corey Husic

Bucks357tinicum county park/giving pondrecreation areaLocation: Along Rt. 32 (River Road), just north of Erwinnain Tinicum Township. The park is located between the DelawareRiver and the Delaware Canal.Owner & Contacts: Tinicum County Park–Bucks County(126 acres)215-757-0571River Road (Rt. 32), Erwinna, PAwww.buckscounty.org/government/departments/parksandrec/parks/tinicum.aspxGiving Pond Recreation Area–PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources (90 acres)610-982-5560www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/delawarecanal.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: From the DelawareRiver Bridge in Upper Black Eddy, go south on Rt. 32 (RiverRd.) for about 2.5 miles. The parking lot for Giving Pond is onthe right. Proceed another 2.2 miles to Tinicum County Park.The park is on both sides of River Rd. Both areas have largeparking lots. Tinicum County Park and Giving Pond are opento the public from sunrise to sunset. Only the county park hasrestrooms.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for waterfowl and gulls on the Delaware River.Spring: Birds of interest include warblers and othersongbirds.Summer: Breeding birds at this season are typical of thespecies that can be found in the proper habitat.Fall: Look for waterfowl and a wide range of warblers andother fall migrants.Other Comments: The historic John Stover House, whichis open to the public, was built in the early 1800s. • Part ofthe Delaware & Lehigh Trail, Delaware Canal State Park marksthe western boundary of Tinicum County Park. It is possibleto walk the towpath of the canal, from Morrisville in lowerBucks County to Easton in Northampton County. (Note: Thecanal towpath sustained severe damage from three floods thatoccurred September 2004 through June 2006. Some sectionsof the towpath may still need repairs.)Site Description: The park and pond lie in the floodplain of the Delaware River. The area is a mix of mature andearly successional deciduous forest, shrub/scrub and marsh.Giving Pond is an old quarry that has been added to DelawareCanal State Park.Mallards, Cody GoddardRaccoon, Bill Buchanan/John Heinz NWR

368tyler state parkLocation: About 1 mile west of Newtown, in Newtown andNorthampton townships.Owner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources (1,711 acres)215-968-2021101 Swamp Rd., Newtown, PA 18940-1151www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/tyler.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: From theinterchange of I-95 and Newtown/Yardley Rd. (Exit 49), drivewest to the 4-lane bypass (Rt. 332) around Newtown. Take thebypass south around Newtown. The park entrance is on theleft at the intersection of Swamp Rd. and the 4-lane bypass.There is another entrance off Rt. 332, about 0.3 miles west ofthe bypass. There are many parking areas and restrooms areavailable.Site Description: The park contains three mainhabitats – forests, fields and wetlands. Neshaminy Creek,Bucks County’s largest creek, is dammed, creating a small lake.There are 10.5 miles of paved bike trails, 4 miles of gravelhiking trails, and 9 miles of bridle trails.Through the Seasons:Winter: Snow Buntings are seen occasionally. The park isa good place for sparrows. Northern Harriers are often seenhunting over the fields. Other birds of interest include HermitThrush and Winter Wren.Spring: This season is good for migrating warblers andother songbirds. Yellow-throated and Prothonotary warblersare seen occasionally. Hooded Mergansers are possible onNeshaminy Creek.Summer: This is the best area in lower Bucks County fordeclining grassland species such as Bobolink, GrasshopperSparrow, Eastern Meadowlark and Ring-necked Pheasant.Breeding birds of interest include Warbling and Yellow-throatedvireos, Acadian and Willow flycatchers, Blue Grosbeak, OrchardOriole and Kentucky Warbler.Fall: Look for migrating warblers and other songbirds.Other Comments: Tyler State Park offers a large varietyof recreation opportunities. A canoe rental concession is opendaily from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, weatherpermitting. Hours of operation are 11 am to 6 pm• There is a 27-hole disk golf course • The park is open fordeer hunting one day in winter. The park is closed to thepublic that day. • Horses can be rented from a farm nextto the park. • There are many picnic sites and fishing isavailable in Neshaminy Creek.Prothonotary Warbler, R. Curtis/VIREOEastern Cottontail, Corey Husic

Bucks379quakertown SWAMPLocation: The swamp is located about 2.5 miles south ofQuakertown in the townships of East Rockhill and West Rockhill.Owner & Contacts: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania(518 acres)See the Heritage Conservancy’s website: www.heritageconservancy.org/projects/quakertown_swamp.phpFor a brochure that shows where to park and view theheron nests:www.heritageconservancy.org/news/publications/pdf/heron_walk.pdfDirections, Access & Parking: QuakertownSwamp can be difficult to locate without a detailed map of thearea. From the intersection of Rt. 309 and Rt. 663 just west ofQuakertown, continue south on Rt. 309 for about 2 miles andturn left (east) at the traffic light at Tollgate Rd. In 0.3 milesturn right at the T-intersection onto Old Bethlehem Pike. In0.9 miles, turn left onto Rich Hill Rd. Follow Rich Hill Rd. for1.2 miles and turn left onto Muskrat Rd., then turn right intothe small (4-car limit) State Game Lands parking area almostimmediately. Parking is available on a limited basis on MuskratRd. but watch for traffic. Bird the area on both sides of MuskratRd. and make sure to watch for traffic.Site Description: This site consists of swamp, marshand other wetland habitat and includes areas of maturedeciduous trees. There are no similar areas of this size (0.8 sq.mi.) in this part of Pennsylvania. More than 74 bird speciesnest in the swamp. In the late 1980s, Breeding Bird Censuswork confirmed the occurrence of Sora and Marsh Wren, twoPennsylvania Species of Special Concern. There is a large GreatBlue Heron rookery west of Muskrat Rd. The best time to viewthe nests is in March and April before leaf-out.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for sparrows and other typical winter birds.Spring: This is the season to look for birds to be found inwetland habitat such as Least and, American bittern, BlackcrownedNight-Heron, Great Blue Heron, Virginia Rail, Sora,Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat and Swamp Sparrow. Thearea can also be good for warblers and other songbirds.Summer: As noted in the “Site Description”, a large varietyof birds nest in the swamp.Fall: Look for migrating Red-shouldered Hawk, NorthernHarrier and a variety of songbirds.Other Comments: There are no restrooms.• Quakertown Swamp has been listed as a first priority site inthe Bucks County Natural Areas Inventory and is listed by theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as an all important wetland area.The Swamp is one of only seven wetlands in the Mid-Atlanticregion to be identified by the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency through its Advanced Identification Program.• A portion of Quakertown Swamp is part of State GameLands No. 319. • Quakertown Swamp has been designatedan Important Bird Area by Audubon Pennsylvania. • Visit thePA Game Commission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for datesof hunting seasons and blaze orange clothing requirements.Please follow State Game Land or hunting regulations postedin parking areas. There is no hunting on Sundays.Green Frog, Bill BuchananGreat Blue Heron, Cody Goddard

3810bowmans hill section ofWASHINGTON CROSSINGhistoric PARKLocation: Along the Delaware River on Rt. 32 (River Rd.)in Solebury and Upper Makefield Townships, about 2.5miles south of New Hope and about 5 miles northWashington Crossing.Owner & Contacts: Pennsylvania Historical andMuseum Commission. (300 acres)P.O. 103, Washington Crossing, PA 18977215-493-4076www.phmc.state.pa.us/BHSM/toh/washington/washingtoncrossing.htm.Directions, Access & Parking: From theintersection of Rt. 179 (Bridge St.) and Rt. 32 (Main St.) inNew Hope, go south on Main St. which becomes River Rd.south of the borough for about 2.5 miles. The park is onboth sides of River Rd. From the intersection of Re. 532(General Washington Memorial Blvd.) and Rt. 32 (River Rd) inWashington Crossing, go north on River Rd. for about 5 milesto the park. There is adequate parking.Other Comments: About 134 acres of the park arecontained by the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve which hasan entrance fee. The Visitor Center is open daily 9:00 am until5:00 pm. The grounds are open daily 8:30 am until sunset. Avery substantial fence protects the preserve’s many wildflowersfrom deer. The Visitor Center has a nice window from whichto view the many bird feeders. While at the center, be sureto visit the Platt bird eggs and nests collection. For moreinformation contact www.bhwp.org • The D&L Trail, which usesthe Delaware Canal Towpath, passes through the site. Thereis a spur trail that connects the D&L Trail with Bowman’s HillWildflower Preserve. • Bowman’s Hill Tower (separate fromthe wildflower preserve) provides a great view of the DelawareRiver valley. As of late, unfortunately, the tower is rarely opento the public.Site Description: Mature deciduous forest dominatesthe park. Other habitats inclulde early successional forest,grasslands, fallow fields and riparian habitat near theDelaware River.Through the Seasons:Winter: Expect woodpeckers and other typical woodlandbirds of the season.Spring: This is considered the best site in Bucks County tosee migrating warblers.Summer: Breeding birds of interest include PileatedWoodpecker, Worm-eating, Cerulean, Kentucky, NorthernParula, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Yellow-throated Warblersalong the Delaware Canal. Prothonotary and Hooded Warblersalso are possible some years.Fall: This is a good time to view warblers andother passerines.Ruby-throated Hummingbird (female), Corey Husic

Bucks39Photo courtesy of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve

40CarbonM o u n t a i n T o pCountyo p e n C r e e kP e n n L a k e P a r k!P o c o n o L a k eS t i l l wP o c o n oP i n e sN E S C O P E C KL a k e o f t h eF o u r S e a s o n s!W h i t e H a v e n3T o b y h a n n a C r e e k80L a k e H a r m o n yH I C K O R Y R U NB i g B o u l d e rL a k eP l a c i d L a k eT u n k h a n n o c kC r e e kF r e e l a n d!z l e t o nH a z l e t o n^ D a m F R e s .J e d d oRockportL E H I G H G O R G E4476903Y o s tS w a m p534I n d i a n M o uP e n n F o r e s t R e s .93L E H I G H G O R G EW i ld C r e e k R e s .c A d oB E L T Z V I L L EC r e e k R e s .G r e e n w o o dL a k eH o m e t o w nT a m a q u aIH a u t oD a mC o a l d a!N e s q u e h o n i n g Cr e e k1209Jim ThorpeLehightonM a u c h C h u n k L a k e9024432Bowmanstown248209B e l t z v i l l e L a k ePalmertonA q u a s h i c o l a C r e e kB u c k w!L i z a r d C r e e kS l a t i n g t o nW a l n u t p o r tLegendL e hiHandicappedAccessibilityHikingTrailsBikingTrailsRestroomsDogsAllowed

1carbon countyenvIRONMENTALeduCATION centerCarbon41Location: The center is located on East White Bear Drive,about 5 miles west of Jim Thorpe.Owner & Contacts: Carbon County EnvironmentalEducation Center (70 acres – 2,500 acres in adjacent MauchChunk Lake Park)570-645-8597151 East White Bear Drive, Summit Hill, PA 18250www.carboneec.orgDirections, Access & Parking: From theNortheast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476),take the Mahoning Valley Exit and follow the signs for JimThorpe/U.S. 209 South. Follow U.S. 209 South into Lehighton.After crossing the Lehigh River, turn right (still U.S. 209 South)toward Jim Thorpe. Turn left at the first traffic light in JimThorpe (Broadway). Broadway becomes Lentz Trail then EastWhite Bear Drive. Continue past the main entrance to MauchChunk Lake Park on your left. Continue 2.2 miles. The centerwill be on your left. The center building is open Monday throughFriday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The trails, pavilion and raptormews (cages) are open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk.Parking and restrooms are available at the center.Site Description: The Carbon County EnvironmentalEducation Center is housed in a converted 1920 dairy barn thatis on 70 acres of woodland, wetland and meadow habitat withassociated transition areas within Mauch Chunk Lake Park. Over20 years of Christmas tree recycling have created 50+ yardsof continuous hedgerows. This has become a special area forfinding small mammals, birds and reptiles. The building andgrounds underwent considerable changes. The center offers avariety of environmental education opportunities to youth, civicorganizations and the general public.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for Pileated and Red-bellied woodpeckersand winter sparrows.Spring: Mauch Chunk Lake (330 acres) can be good forwaterfowl in early spring. The songbird migration can be goodat times.Summer: Nesting birds include several species of warblers,bluebirds, swallows and orioles.Fall: Look for migrating hawks, waterfowl on the lake,and songbirds.Other Comments: If visiting the center, besure to leave enough time to see historic Jim Thorpe.• Be sure to wear orange if birding the area during anyhunting season. Orange vests are available on loanthroughout the hunting season. • Visit the PA GameCommission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates ofhunting seasons and blaze orange clothing requirements.Please follow State Game Land or hunting regulations postedin parking areas. There is no hunting on Sundays.Wood Duck, Frank Leung/iStockphoto.com

422beltzville state parkLocation: This state park is located 5 miles east ofLehighton, just off U.S. 209Owner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers(2,972 acres)610-377-00452950 Pohopoco Dr., Lehighton, PA 18235www.dcnr.state.pa.us/StateParks/parks/beltzville.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: From theNortheast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476), getoff the turnpike at the interchange with U.S. 209 (Exit 74).Follow the signs to Beltzville State Park. The park is about3 miles east of the turnpike exit. The main access points toBeltzville Lake are off Pohopoco Dr. that parallels the northside of the lake.Site Description: The main feature of Beltzville StatePark is the 949-acre Beltzville Lake. The remainder of the parkis composed of a variety of habitats from mature deciduousand coniferous forests to cultivated and fallow fields. The lakeis a popular recreational destination. There are 15 miles ofhiking trails. Swimming is permitted in the lake. BeltzvilleLake is one of few lakes in eastern Pennsylvania that does nothave a horsepower limit for motorboats. There is a boat rentalconcession on the north side of the lake that is open daily insummer and on weekends in May and September. The lake isvery popular with fishermen. The best time to bird the lake isfrom October through April when boating activity is ata minimum.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for waterfowl if the lake is not frozen. Thelands surrounding the lake can be good for wintering birds.Rarities found during past winters have included PineGrosbeak, Mountain Bluebird and Northern Shrike. ShortearedOwls have frequented the grassy areas near the parkinglots on the north side of the lake.Spring: This is a good season for migrating waterfowl andgulls. Warblers and other migrating songbirds can be found ingood numbers. Grassland sparrows such as Grasshopper andSavannah sparrow can be found in proper habitat.Summer: Several species of warblers nest in the parkincluding Yellow-breasted Chat and Pine Warbler.Fall: Look for migrating songbirds in late August andSeptember and waterfowl in October and November.Other Comments: A number of rare bird sightings havetaken place at Beltzville Lake. Some of these rarities haveincluded American Oystercatcher, Arctic Tern and Violet-greenSwallow. • Over 1,700 acres are open to hunting so becareful if birding the area during any of the State’s huntingseasons. • Visit the PA Game Commission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates of hunting seasons and blaze orangeclothing requirements. Please follow State Game Land orhunting regulations posted in parking areas. There is nohunting on Sundays.Northern Shrike, G. McElroy/VIREOCommon Yellowthroat, G. Bailey/VIREO

Carbon433hickory run state parkLocation: The park is located south of I-80 and west of theNortheast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476)Owner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservation andNatural Resources (approx. 15,500 acres)570-443-0400RR 1, Box 81, White Haven, PA 18661-9712www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/hickoryrun.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: From I-80, takeExit 274 at the Hickory Run State Park exit and drive east onRt. 534 (right) for 6 miles. From the Northeast Extension ofthe Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476), Take Exit 95 and drive weston Rt. 940 for 3 miles then turn east (left) on Rt. 534 and go 6miles to the park.Other Comments: Don’t miss the Boulder Field,a striking boulder strewn area that is a National NaturalLandmark. The Boulder Field is a periglacial formation ofboulders, formed by freezing and thawing. • Hunting is allowedin season. It is best not to bird the park at this time of year.• Hickory Run State Park has been designated an ImportantBird Area by Audubon Pennsylvania. • Visit the PA GameCommission website,www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates of hunting seasons and blazeorange clothing requirements. Please follow State Game Landor hunting regulations posted in parking areas. There is nohunting on Sundays.Site Description: Hickory Run State Park is one ofPennsylvania’s largest state parks. The habitat consists mainlyof mature deciduous forest with a few mature coniferous forestareas. Swimming and fishing are allowed at Sand Spring Lake.The park contains a number of small streams. There are 43miles of hiking trails, 16 miles of cross-country skiing trails, and21 miles of snowmobile trails.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, woodpeckersand other winter forest birds.Spring: The park is an excellent place to see migratingwarblers, thrushes and forest birds such as Scarlet Tanager.Summer: Many species of warblers nest at Hickory RunState Park.Fall: Look for migrating warblers and other birds that likedeep forest habitat.Hawk Falls, Hickory Run State Park

444lehigh gorgeSTATE PARKLocation: Lehigh Gorge State Park is located along theLehigh River, south of White Haven.Owner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources570-443-0400RR 1, Box 81, White Haven, PA 18661www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/lehighgorge.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: The northernaccess point to the park is off Exit 273 of I-80 at White Haven.Follow Rt. 940 east to the White Haven Shopping Center. Gothrough the shopping center parking lot and bear left to thestate park access area. Rockport is the central access areaand can be reached from the south by following U.S. 209South from Jim Thorpe to Rt. 93 North. Continue to LehighGorge Dr., through Weatherly, into the small village of Rockportat Rt. 4014. Rockport is accessible from the north by followingRt. 940 west from Exit 273 of I-80. Turn left (south) ontoLehigh Gorge Dr. and continue to Rockport.Site Description: The gorge follows 26 miles ofabandoned railroad grade along the Lehigh River, providingopportunities for hiking, bicycling, sightseeing, photographyand birding. The trail is closed to motor vehicles. Parkingareas are provided in White Haven, Rockport and Glen Onoko.Very limited parking is available at Lehigh Tannery. Biking isvery popular. Bicycles can be rented at several locations andthere is shuttle service available throughout the area. Bicycleswith wide tires are recommended. Several commercialoperators offer whitewater rafting when water levels areappropriate. None of these activities creates problems forbirders.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for typical winter birds that are found in deepwoods such as Ruffed Grouse and woodpeckers.Spring: This time of year can be good for migrating warblersand other songbirds that like deep forest. A few ducks suchas Common Mergansers can be seen on the Lehigh River onoccasion.Summer: This is the season for breeding warblers. Alsolook for thrushes and Scarlet Tanagers.Fall: The warbler migration can be good at times in lateAugust and September.Other Comments: • Hunting is permitted is seasonso be careful birding at this time of year. • Visit the PA GameCommission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates of huntingseasons and blaze orange clothing requirements. Please followState Game Land or hunting regulations posted in parkingareas. There is no hunting on Sundays.Lehigh River, Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Corridor, Inc.

Carbon45View from Chestnut Oak Trail, Lehigh Gap Nature Center (p. 61), Dave Levandusky

46ExploringAudubon’s LehighIn 1829, John James Audubon journeyed through thedeep forests and swamps of the upper Lehigh Riverwatershed in Carbon and Luzerne counties in pursuit ofbirds to paint for his famous Birds of America. Today, youcan follow a 53-mile auto tour of the region, stopping ata dozen points of interest along the way. The region isrich in cultural as well as natural resources, and there isplenty to do in the region for non-birders, such as riverrafting, biking, fishing, and touring the cultural featuresof Jim Thorpe, Eckley Miner’s Village, the Number NineCoal Mine, and the old Lehigh Canal and its impressivelocks.The tour can begin at White Haven (Luzerne County) orJim Thorpe (Carbon County). Guide booklets and tapesare available for purchase at Hickory Run State Park,the Jim Thorpe Train Station, businesses in White Haven,or on the web at www.audubonslehigh.org. For moreinformation, contact Exploring Audubon’s Lehigh, P.O.Box 134, Weatherly, PA 18255. Allow 3-6 hours for thecomplete tour.Audubon Tour stop, Jim Thorpe, PA/Cheryl KunklePileated Woodpecker, J.J. Audubon courtesy of National Audubon Society

PalmertonSuperfund site47From 1898 to 1980, zinc smelters in Palmerton,Carbon County, operated and gave off air pollutionthat, because of geography and a lack of pollutioncontrol technology at the time, destroyed vegetation onapproximately 3,000 acres surrounding the town, muchof it on the Kittatinny Ridge at Lehigh Gap. In 1983, thesite was designated one of the nations first Superfundsites, making it the target of a U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) mandated clean up. Toxic heavymetals from the smelting contaminated the top 6-8inches of soil, rendering it sterile.An effort on the west side of the Lehigh River in theearly 1990s resulted in successful establishment ofvegetation on 700 acres, however, that effort requiredextensive road systems that changed the face of themountain, and failed to meet all the requirements setforth by EPA. The re-vegetation process stalled until2003, when the nonprofit Wildlife Information Centerpurchased 750 acres on the west side of the LehighRiver, creating Lehigh Gap Nature Center.Using innovative methods of planting, the NatureCenter, in partnership with EPA and responsible partyViacom International (now CBS Operations), was ableto establish native, warm-season, prairie grasses onits part of the Superfund site. These methods havebeen used on most of the other land in the PalmertonSuperfund area, which is becoming green again for thefirst time in 50 years.To see the restoration project, visit LehighGap Nature Center, page 61, or visit www.lgnc.org.October 2002, Dan KunkleOctober 2008, Dan KunkleWest Plant, Palmerton Zinc Co. circa 1950.Courtesy C. Reinhart, Palmerton Camera Club

48ChesterA d a m s t o w nL a k er e eH a y C724!P o t t s t o w nS k i p p a c kS k i pK uo w nCountyM u d d y C r e e kT e r r e H i l lN e w H o l l a n dC o n e s t o g a R i v e rN e w M o r g a nG r a c e M i n e R e s .R o b e r t GS t r u b l e L a k e322I c e d a l e L a k e1 982!!!34576M A R S H C R E E KF R E N C H C R E E KSou t h B r a n c h F r e n c h C r e e k282M a r s h C r e e k R e s .211323S c h u y l k i l l R .F r e n c h C r e e k!!!T r a p p eR o y e r s f o r dC o l l e g e v i l l eSP i c k e r i n gC r . R e s .c h u y l k i l l R401 2521003Phoenixville111330E v a n s b u r gE a g l e v i l l e!E V A N S B U R GT r o o p e rA u d u b o n W . N o r r i t o n.C202K i n g o fP r u s s i agP a r a d i s eP e q u e aC r e e kG a pC h r i s t i a n a340C o a t e s v i l l e R e s .303721041B uc kR u nCoatesville162842322352F e r n h i l l L a k eWest ChesterW e s t t o w n L k202R I D L E Y C R E E KS p r i n g t o n R e s .Cr u mL i m aCr e e kB r o o mM e d i aS w a rB r a n d y w i n e Ce896842 82926152Kennett SquarerC h e s t e rH t sB o o t h w y nR o s e V a l l e yB r o o k h a v e nP a r kU p l a n dC h e s t e rT r a i n e r !!O c t o r a r o L a k eOct o r a r oC r e e k4O c t o r a r o C r e e kOxford1Nottingham272472796841West GroveKimblesvilleW H I T E C L A Y C R E E K54182H o o p e s R e s e r v o i rL i n w o o d!M a r c u sH o o kLegendHandicappedAccessibilityHikingTrailsBikingTrailsRestroomsDogsAllowed

1black rocksanctuaryLocation: The sanctuary is located on a bend of theSchuylkill River, off Rt. 113 (Black Rock Rd.) in Phoenixville.Owner & Contacts: Chester County (120 acres)610-469-1916935 Black Rock Rd., Phoenixville, PA 19460www.chesco.org/ccparksDirections, Access & Parking: From theintersection of Rt. 23 (Nutt Rd.) and Rt. 113 (Bridge Rd.), gonortheast on Rt. 113 for 0.6 miles to the T-intersection with Rt.29 (Gay St.). Turn left and stay on Rt. 113 for about 1.7 milesuntil you reach Black Rock County Preserve on your right. Thereare two parking lots; one at the south end of the sanctuary andanother just south of the Schuylkill River bridge.Site Description: This site was reclaimed from aformer coal “desiliting basin”. In the early 1900’s, wastefrom upstream coal operations contributed over 3-milliontons of silt annually to the river. By the early 1930’s so muchsilt had settled behind the dams and in the river that it wasno longer suitable for navigation or recreation. In 1945 theCommonwealth of Pennsylvania undertook the “Schuylkill RiverProject.” The river was dredged to remove built-up coal siltwhich was pumped into desilting basins built along the river.The basins were constructed of clay-filled berms about twentyfeet high and trapped the coal silt as the water returned to theriver. In the case of Black Rock, an 8,000-foot long berm wasbuilt to create an 80-acre basin.Through the Seasons:Winter: Specialties that might be found in winter includeRing-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye, Yellow-belliedSapsucker, Winter Wren and Purple Finch.Spring: Look for Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, GreenHeron and Wilson’s Snipe. Warblers and other passerines alsoare present.Summer: Some of the more interesting birds that breed inthe sanctuary include Wood Thrush, White-eyed Vireo, BlackthroatedBlue Warbler and Rose breasted Grosbeak.Fall: Greater and Lesser yellowlegs are present at times.Look for migrating warblers and, later in the season, sparrows.Waterfowl may also be present in fall.ChesterOther Comments: Portable toilet is availableyear-round. • Dogs must be leashed.49Interpretive sign at Black Rock Sanctuary, SRHAAmerican Widgeon, Corey Husic

502warwick county parkare found many years.Location: The large county park is located on the southside of Rt. 23 (Ridge Rd.), in the townships of Warwick andSouth Coventry.Owner & Contacts: Chester County (538 acres)610-469-1916382 County Park Rd., Pottstown, PA 19465www.chesco.org/ccparksOther Comments: • Stop at the Park Headquartersand purchase ($1) an excellent Warwick County Park map.Directions, Access & Parking: From theintersection of Rt. 23 and Rt. 100 in northern Chester County,go west on Rt. 23 for about 3.5 miles and turn left (south) onCounty Park Rd. Drive about 0.3 miles and turn left at themain park activity center. The park headquarters are on thewest side of County Park Rd., about 0.2 miles past the mainpark activity center. There is a small parking lot at the northaccess gate on the south side of Rt. 23. Two other parking lotscan be found off Mt. Pleasant Rd. and Coventryville Rd., justsouth of Rt. 23.Site Description: The major habitats are maturedeciduous forest and an exceptional stream valley. There aremature coniferous groves, weedy meadows and somemarshland. French Creek, a state-designated exceptionalquality stream, passes through the park for about 2 miles.The stream has both coldwater and some warmwater speciesof fish such as Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass and Sunfish.There are a number of hiking trails, including the Horse ShoeTrail that extends from Valley Forge to the Appalachian Trail inDauphin County.Through the Seasons:Winter: Typical winter birds such as nuthatches,woodpeckers, titmice, chickadees and sparrows are present.Spring: The park is good for migrating warblers and othersongbirds. Look for American Woodcock in early spring.Summer: Birds that nest in the park include AmericanWoodcock, Pileated Woodpecker, Great Crested Flycatcher,Eastern Wood Pewee, Wood Thrush, Veery, White-eyed Vireo,Northern Parula, Worm-eating Warbler and Field Sparrow.Fall: Look for Cedar Waxwing, migrating warblers and avariety of sparrows. Red-breasted Nuthatch and Purple FinchField Sparrow, Corey HusicWarwick County Park pavilion, Chester County Parks

Chester51Gray Catbird, Michael Stubblefield/iStockphoto.com3pickering creek trail –west pikeland TOWNSHIPLocation: The trail is located along the north side ofPickering Creek, between Pikeland Rd. and Clover Mill Rd.,in the eastern part of West Pikeland Township. The trail isproposed for continuation east and west of the site.Owner & Contacts: Township of West Pikeland,(50 acres)610-827-7660Directions, Access & Parking: From theintersection of Rt. 401 (Conestoga Rd.) and Rt. 113 (KimbertonRd.), go northeast about 2 miles to Pikeland Rd. Turn right onPikeland Rd. and go about 100 yards to the small parking loton the left side of the road. The trail starts at the far end of theopen field. The trail ends at Clover Mill Rd. where parking isextremely limited. There is room for about two cars at the most.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for typical birds of the season such assparrows, woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches.Spring: Migrating warblers and other songbirdsSummer: Typical species nest in the riparian habitat foundalong small streams.Fall: This season can be good for migrating warblers andother songbirds.Other Comments: Parking is very limited. • Thereare no bathroom facilities. • There are vernal pools whereamphibians can be found in early spring.Site Description: The trail proceeds along the northside of the creek for .8 mile through a forested wetland.

524nottingham county parkLocation: Near the Village of Nottingham, just west of Rt.1, about 4 miles southwest of Oxford.Owner & Contacts: Chester County (651 acres)610-932-2589150 Park Rd., Nottingham, PA 19362www.chesco.org/ccparks/Directions, Access & Parking: From Rt. 1 gosouth past Kennett Square and Oxford and exit onto Rt. 272at the Village of Nottingham. Go left on Rt. 272 South for .25miles and turn right onto Herr Dr. Turn right onto Old BaltimorePike and then right onto Park Rd. Follow signs to the parkentrance on the left. Parking and restrooms are available. Thepark is open from 8 am to sunset.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for the usual winter birds such as Red-belliedWoodpecker, Northern Flicker, Carolina Chickadee and migrantsparrows.Spring: In this season, look for Red-shouldered Hawk, TreeSwallow, White-eyed Vireo, Pine and Prairie Warblers, and, onoccasion, Whip-poor-will (mostly heard). The park can be goodfor migrating songbirds.Summer: Nesting birds of interest include White-eyed Vireoand Pine and Prairie Warblers. Summer Tanager is a possibility.Fall: Look for migrating songbirds.Other Comments: If time permits, visit the famous andspectacular Longwood Gardens, (www.longwoodgardens.org)located on Rt. 1 northeast of Kennett Square.Site Description: The park protects one ofPennsylvania’s unique and threatened habitats – serpentinebarrens. Serpentine, a geologic outcrop of rare, light-greenrock, produces soil low in essential nutrients and high inmetals, such as magnesium, preventing most common plantsfrom growing. The serpentine barrens support unique plants,many are rare in Pennsylvania. Nottingham County Parksupports a large forest of pitch pine. Unusual wildflowers canbe found spring through fall. Historic remains of quarry andmining operations can be found throughout the park. There aretwo small ponds, a small stream and passive recreation areas.There are several interesting nature trails.Courtesy Chester County ParksSummer Tanager, R. Curtis/VIREO

Chester535white clay creekpreserveLocation: The preserve is located in the southeast cornerof Chester County, 3 miles north of Newark, Delaware. WhiteClay Creek Preserve shares a boundary with White Clay CreekState Park in Delaware (3,300 acres).Owner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources (1,341 acres)610-274-2900P.O. Box 172, Laudenberg, PA 19350-0172www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/whiteclaycreek.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: To reach thepreserve from Rt. 1, take Rt. 841 south through West Grove toRt. 896. Go left (south) at Rt. 896 and proceed through theVillage of Kimblesville to South Bank Rd. and turn left. Goabout 0.4 miles to reach the parking lots near the LondonTract Meeting House at the corner of South Bank, Sharplessand London Tract roads. There are also parking lots alongSharpless Rd. and London Tract Rd. There are no restrooms.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for Belted Kingfisher, Pileated Woodpeckerand typical winter birds such as other woodpeckers, CarolinaChickadee and sparrows.Spring: The preserve is an excellent place to find migratingsongbirds, especially warblers.Summer: Breeding birds of interest include PileatedWoodpecker, Indigo Bunting, Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager,Orchard and Baltimore orioles, and 16 species of warblers.Fall: Look for migrating songbirds.Other Comments: There are several points of historicalinterest in the preserve. The Yeatman Mill House is probablythe oldest house in the area. The London Tract Meeting Housewas built in 1729. • If time permits, visit the famous andspectacular Longwood Gardens (www.longwoodgardens.org)on Rt. 1 northeast of Kennett Square. • White Clay CreekPreserve has been designated an Important Bird Area byAudubon Pennsylvania.Site Description: White Clay Creek Valley, which formsthe core of the preserve, varies from steep to gradually fallingterrain with some flat bottomlands. The forests, native grassmeadows, agricultural fields, wetlands, and branches of WhiteClay Creek provide excellent birding opportunities. BecauseWhite Clay Creek possesses outstanding scenic, wildlife,recreational and cultural value, it has been designated byCongress as a National Wild and Scenic River. A 3-mile hikingtrail passes through the northern portion of the preserve andconnects to trails in Delaware’s White Clay Creek State Park.An 8-mile equestrian trail and biking trail are also available.The park is free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset.Orchard Oriole, R. Crossley/VIREO

54DelawareCounty2 0!Wayne30Q u e e n L aR e s .F e r n h i l l L a k e23S p r i n g t o n R e s .Cr u mCNewtownSquarer e e k3201W e s t t o w n L kR I D L E Y C R E E K3523Media476420Swarthmore13S c h u y l k i l l R .w i n e C1r1Chads Ford20249126132245295Chester!D e l a w a r e R i v e r!!!!T e x tC o o p e r L a k eG r e e n w i c h L a k eLegendHandicappedAccessibilityHikingTrailsBikingTrailsRestroomsDogsAllowed

1john heinznational wildliferefuge AT tinicumLocation: The refuge is located in the far southeasterncorner of Delaware County, adjacent to Philadelphia and acrossI-95 from Philadelphia International Airport.Owner & Contacts: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service(1,200 acres) • 215-365-31188601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153www.fws.gov/northeast/heinz/Directions, Access & Parking: The main entranceto the refuge is at 86th St. and Lindberg Blvd. From the north,traveling on I-95 South, take Exit 14 (Bartram Ave.). At the 5thtraffic light turn right onto 84th St. At the second traffic lightmake a left onto Lindberg Blvd. From (I-476 South), (“The BlueRoute”) stay in the left lane and follow signs for I-95 North.Get off Exit 10 of I-95. At the first light, turn left onto BartramAve. At the 4th light, turn left onto 84th St., at the secondtraffic light turn left onto Lindberg Blvd. From the South on I-95North, follow the directions provided for I-476 after I-95 North.The refuge grounds are open every day of the year from sunriseto sunset, free of charge. Cusano EnvironmentalEducation Center is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm,free of charge. The Education Center is closed for all Federalholidays. The refuge is accessible via SEPTA’s Route 37 and108 buses. Get off at the stop at 84th St. and Lindbergh Blvd.Restrooms are available.Site Description: Tinicum Marsh is the largestremaining freshwater tidal wetland in Pennsylvania. A diked,non-tidal area of 145 acres, adjacent to the eastern end ofTinicum marsh, was donated to the City of Philadelphia by theGulf Oil Corporation in 1955. The areas of open water, alongwith the adjacent heavily vegetated tidal wetlands, form anideal habitat for thousands of migratory waterfowl.DelawareThrough the Seasons:Any season can be good for birding at John Heinz NationalWildlife Refuge. Some of the birds found here are rarely seenanywhere else in Pennsylvania. These birds include EurasianWigeon, Tricolored Heron, King Rail, White Pelican, Eared Grebe,White Ibis, Yellow Rail, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit,Gull-billed Tern, Sedge Wren and Painted Bunting.Winter: Commonly seen species include a variety of ducksand geese, raptors (including Bald Eagle and Red-shoulderedHawk), gulls, owls (including Saw-whet Owl), woodpeckers and avariety of songbirds.Spring: This is a good season for migrating waterfowl,herons, rails, many species of shorebirds, gulls, flycatchers,vireos, warblers and other passerines.Summer: Look for long-legged waders such as Great andSnowy egrets, Little-blue Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron,Yellow-crowned Night-Heron and Glossy Ibis. Nesting birdsof interest include Least Bittern, Virginia Rail and CommonMoorhen. In late summer south-migrating shorebirds arrivein numbers and many species are possible. There are nestingWhite-eyed, Warbling and Red-eyed vireos, Willow and GreatCrested flycatchers, Marsh Wren, Yellow Warbler, CommonYellowthroat, and Orchard and Baltimore orioles.Fall: This is another good season to visit the refuge. Look formigrating shorebirds and songbirds in early fall, waterfowl inlate fall, and raptors, rails, gulls throughout the season.Other Comments: The refuge was established by an actof Congress in 1972 to protect at least 200 acres of freshwatertidal marsh in Pennsylvania. • John Heinz National WildlifeRefuge has been designated an Important Bird Area by AudubonPennsylvania.55Ron Holmes, John Heinz NWR

562ridley creek state parkLocation: About 2 miles northwest of MediaOwner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources (2,600 acres)610-892-39001023 Sycamore Mills Rd., Media, PA 19063www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/ridleycreek.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: The two mainentrances to Ridley Creek State Park are on the north andeast sides of the park. From the north, take Sandy Flash Dr.south from West Chester Pike (Rt. 3). To reach the park fromthe east, take Gradyville Rd. west from Providence Rd. Turnleft (south) at Sandy Flash Dr. South to reach the parkheadquarters. Gradyville Rd. goes through the park toDelchester Rd. The park can be entered from the south byway of Painter Rd. Ample parking and restrooms are availablethroughout the park. The park is open daily sunrise to sunset.Site Description: The park is mainly mature deciduousforest with some fine riparian habitat along Ridley Creek.There are also areas of mixed forest, shrub/scrub, and afew cultivated fields. There are 12 miles of trails that passthrough a variety of habitats throughout the central portionof the park. There are hundreds of picnic tables in 14 picnicareas. Each area is equipped with restrooms. Ridley Creek isstocked with trout and provides excellent fishing.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for typical resident species and somemigrating sparrows.Spring: The park is excellent for migrating songbirds,including many species of warblers.Summer: Typical nesting species of eastern deciduousforest are found in great numbers, including Wood Thrush,Veery, Scarlet Tanager, Red-eyed Vireo, Ovenbird and AcadianFlycatcher. Several nesting species found at the park arerare in the region, including Prairie Warbler, Chestnut-sidedWarbler, American Redstart, Blue-winged Warbler, KentuckyWarbler, Hooded Warbler and Pileated Woodpecker.Fall: Migrant songbirds are again the highlight in the fall.After warblers come through in late August to early October,a number of sparrow species can be found in October andNovember, including Fox, Swamp and White-crowned sparrows.Other Comments: The park office is the Hunting HillMansion, part of the “Ridley Creek State Park Historic District”which is on the National Register of Historic Places. • TheColonial Pennsylvania Plantation provides visitors with anaccurate picture of life on a Delaware County farm prior to theAmerican Revolution. A fee is charged for admission to theColonial Plantation, which is open from April to October. •If time permits, be sure to visit Tyler Arboretum (next page)located just south of the state park. • The park is part ofthe Upper Ridley/Crum Important Bird Area designated byAudubon Pennsylvania.Black and White Warbler, G. Bailey/VIREOEastern Towhee , Frank Leung/iStockphoto.com

Delaware573tyler arboretumLocation: Tyler Arboretum is located immediately south ofRidley Creek State Park, about 2 miles northwest of Media.Owner & Contacts: Tyler Arboretum (650 acres)610-566-9134515 Painter Rd., Media, PA 19063www.tylerarboretum.orgDirections, Access & Parking: From the BlueRoute (I-476), take the Rt. 1 Springfield/Lima exit (Exit #5).Take Rt. 1 Southbound to Rt. 352. Turn right onto Rt. 352 Northto the first intersection after the mall and turn right onto BarrenRd. Follow Barren Rd. past Penncrest High School (on theright). Turn left at the next intersection (small intersection withfour-way stop signs) onto Painter Rd. Follow Painter Rd. about1 mile to the Arboretum entrance, located on the right.Site Description: One of the oldest arboreta in theUnited States, Tyler Arboretum encompasses over one squaremile of renowned plant collections, champion trees, historicbuildings, and 20 miles of hiking trails through woodlands,wetlands and meadows. The Arboretum is open year round,except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, from 9:00 amto 5:00 or 8:00 pm, depending on the season. Members areadmitted free. Admission is $5 for non-member adults (16years and older) and $3 for non-member youth (3–15 years).Children under three are admitted free. Dogs are notpermitted. Restrooms and parking are available.Through the Seasons:Winter: Typical resident species and some sparrows arefound in winter.Spring: Migrating songbirds, including many species ofwarblers, are the highlight of the spring season.Summer: Typical species of eastern deciduous forest nestin great numbers at Tyler Arboretum, including Wood Thrush,Veery, Scarlet Tanager, Ovenbird and Acadian Flycatcher.Fall: Migrating songbirds are again the highlight in thefall. Warblers pass through from late August to early October.Several species of sparrows are found later in the fall.Other Comments: When in the area, visit Ridley CreekState Park (previous page). • Tyler Arboretum is part of theUpper Ridley/Crum Important Bird Area, designated by AudubonPennsylvania.Eastern Phoebe, Corey Husic Veery, G. Bailey/VIREO

58LehighCountyLizard Creek3Slatington1476Leh igh River145Penn-Dixie PondGermansville8732Jordan Creek329100!Leaser Lake ! Schnecksville Ranger Lake! Jacksonville86365Catasauqua!987378100 22Allentown!Sacony Creek784Emmaus787Saucon Creek309Coopersburg!476!LegendHandicappedAccessibilityHikingTrailsBikingTrailsRestroomsDogsAllowed

1BAKE OVEN KNOBLehigh59Location: On the crest of the Kittatinny Ridge (BlueMountain) in Heidelberg Township, about 0.4 miles east of theeast parking lot on Bake Oven Rd. at the crest of the ridge. Thissite straddles the ridge in Lehigh and Carbon counties.Owner & Contacts: PA Game CommissionS.E. Office 610-926-3136www.pgc.state.pa.usFor information about the fall hawk count, call the Lehigh GapNature Center at 610-760-8889.Directions, Access & Parking: From theinterchange of I-78 and Rt. 100, take Rt. 100 north about 8.2miles to the T-intersection with Rt. 309. Turn right onto Rt. 309.In just 0.2 miles, turn left (towards Germansville) onto BakeOven Rd. Follow Bake Oven Rd. for about 4.3 miles through thestop sign at Mountain Rd. to the stop sign at the T-intersectionwith Church Rd. Turn left to continue on Bake Oven Rd. andturn right onto the gravel road that shortly enters the woodsand begins up the ridge. Continue 1.7 miles to the parking lotthat is on the right at the crest of the ridge. The trailhead isat the far end of the parking lot. Access to the knob is via theAppalachian Trail. Follow the trail (white blazed markers on thetrees) east for about 0.4 miles.Site Description: Bake Oven Knob is a prominentfeature on the Kittatinny Ridge. Three outcroppings provideexcellent lookout sites for hawk watching. The south lookout,at 1,560 feet above mean sea level (about 800 feet abovethe south base of the ridge), offers impressive views of theLehigh Valley as well as an unobstructed view up the ridgeto the northeast.Through the Seasons:Winter: There is little in winter to interest a birder.Spring: There is a spring hawk flight but it is not as goodas the fall flight. Other spring migrants include warblersand hardwood forest species such as Wood Thrush andScarlet Tanager.Summer: Nesting birds of note include Ruffed Grouse(now rare), Wild Turkey, Pileated Woodpecker, Great CrestedFlycatcher, Scarlet Tanager and several species of warblersincluding Black-and-white and Chestnut-sided.Fall: The biggest attraction is the fall raptor migration whenup to 14 species of raptors can be seen in a single day. The fallwarbler migration can be good some mornings in late Augustand September. Other migrants seen from Bake Oven Knobinclude loons, cormorants, geese, swans, Ruby-throatedHummingbirds, swallows and winter finches. CommonRavens are present many days.Other Comments: Bake Oven Knob should be avoidedduring the rifle deer hunting season. • Take care when climbingover rocks that can be slippery when wet. • There are norestrooms • The Kittatinny Ridge has been designated anImportant Bird Area by Audubon Pennsylvania. • Visit the PAGame Commission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for datesof hunting seasons and blaze orange clothing requirements.Please follow State Game Land or hunting regulations postedin parking areas. There is no hunting on Sundays.Common Raven , iStockphoto.com Karen H. JohnsonBroadwing Hawks, Ken Medd/LGNC

602LEASER LAKELocation: North of the Village of Jacksonvillein Lynn Township.Owner & Contacts: Lehigh County (228 acres)610-871-0281www.lehighcounty.org/recreation/rec.cfmPA Fish and Boat Commission (313 acres)www.fish.state.pa.usDirections, Access & Parking: From theinterchange of I-78 and Rt. 100, take Rt. 100 north about 8.2miles to the T-intersection with Rt. 309. Turn left onto Rt. 309and go 2.6 miles to where it intersects with Rt. 143. Turn leftonto Rt. 143 and drive 4.7 miles to Ontelaunee Rd. (look forthe small brown Leaser Lake sign). Turn right onto OntelauneeRd. and go about 1 mile to the north parking lot. At the brownsign at 0.7 miles, bear left to stay on Ontelaunee Rd. Activitycenters are located on the east, west and north sides of thelake. Each area has a paved parking lot. All three areas haverestrooms but they are closed in winter.Site Description: The 117-acre Leaser Lake was builtby the PA Fish Commission for water-oriented recreation andopened for public use in 1971. The lake provides fishing fromboats or shore. The land north of the lake was purchased byLehigh County in the early 1970s. This area is entirely woodedand is an addition to State Game Lands No. 217.Through the Seasons:Winter: Typical winter birds.Spring: Migrating birds of interest include waterfowl,waders (best if the water level is low), warblers andother woodland birds.Summer: Birds that nest in the woodlands on or atthe base of the Kittatinny Ridge (Blue Mountain) includeRuffed Grouse (now rare), Wild Turkey, Pileated Woodpecker,Great Crested Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Red-eyed andYellow-throated Vireos, and Black-and-white, Chestnut-sided,Cerulean, Worm-eating, Kentucky and Hooded Warblers. Birdsthat nest in the fields in the vicinity of Leaser Lake include:Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink and Grasshopper, Savannahand Vesper Sparrows.Fall: Migrants include waterfowl, hawks and warblers.Other Comments: Leaser Lake dam has a severe leakand the surface area of the lake may only be about 50 to 60acres. Rehabilitation by PFBC is tentatively scheduled to beginin December 2009. • From a birding standpoint, the lowwater level makes the lake better for shorebirds but not asgood for waterfowl.Worm-eating Warbler, B. Schorre/VIREO

Lehigh613LEHIGH GAPNATURE CENTERLocation: On the west side of the Lehigh River at the watergap with the Kittatinny Ridge (Blue Mountain) and extendingupriver about 2.5 miles. Main access point is in Lehigh County,but much of the center’s property is in Carbon County.Owner & Contacts: Lehigh GapNature Center (750 acres)610-760-8889lgnc@ptd.netwww.lgnc.orgDirections, Access & Parking: From the trafficlight at the intersection of Main St. and Rt. 873 (Walnut St.)in Slatington, go north on Rt. 873 for 1.7 miles to Paint MillRd. (unmarked) that enters Rt. 873 from a sharp angle on theright. Bear right onto Paint Mill Rd. and go 0.4 miles (crossunder the Rt. 873 Lehigh River bridge) to where the roadends at the Osprey House. To reach the northern end of thePreserve, take Rt. 895 west from Bowmanstown. After crossingthe Lehigh River, turn left (south) on Riverview Rd. and goabout a mile. Park at the area where the road turns right andwalk straight ahead to the ponds.Through the Seasons:Winter: Typical winter birds. There are feedersat the Osprey House.Spring: Migrating raptors, waterfowl on the Lehigh River,Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles and a variety of warblers.Summer: Breeding birds include Wood Duck, CommonMerganser, American Kestrel, Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow,Eastern Bluebird and Indigo Bunting. This is one of only twolocations in Lehigh County where Prairie Warblers nest.Fall: Migrating raptors and a variety of other fall migrants.Other Comments: Some trails may be underconstruction or not permanently marked. • The KittatinnyRidge has been designated an Important Bird Area byAudubon Pennsylvania.Site Description: The Refuge contains three ponds,riparian forest and wetlands adjacent to the Lehigh River,forested slopes, cliffs and talus slopes. About 350 acres ofgrassland have been established on formerly barren land onthe side of the mountain. This area was damaged by pollutionfrom a zinc smelter. The Center re-vegetated the mountainsideby planting native, warm-season grasses.Twelve-spotted Skimmer, Dan KunklePrairie Warbler, G. McElroy/VIREO

624LITTLE LEHIGH PARKWAYLocation: Along the Little Lehigh Creek from the westernedge of Allentown to where the Little Lehigh intersects withCedar Creek near Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr.Owner & Contacts: City of Allentown (583 acres)610-437-7628www.allentownpa.org/park_rec.htmDirections, Access & Parking: From theinterchange of I-78 and Cedar Crest Blvd. (Rt. 29), take CedarCrest Blvd. south about 0.4 miles and turn left at the light ontoFish Hatchery Rd. Follow Fish Hatchery Rd. for about 0.3 milesto the parking lot at the fish hatchery that is on the left. (Thereis a parking lot on the south side of Fish Hatchery Rd. just afterthe bridge over the Little Lehigh Creek.) To access anotherparking area, proceed east on Fish Hatchery Rd. to the light atthe intersection with Oxford Dr. Go through the intersectionand immediately turn left toward the creek. There is a smallparking lot at the bottom of the hill next to the creek andcovered bridge. (Note: Little Lehigh Parkway can be accessedat other locations.)Through the Seasons:Winter: Birds of interest include Belted Kingfisher, Whitebreastedand Red-breasted nuthatches, Ruby-crowned andGolden-crowned kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warbler. Great HornedOwls sometimes can be found sleeping in the pine trees nearthe creek.Spring: Look for Great Crested Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager,Baltimore Oriole and many species of warblers.Summer: Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Kingbird and BaltimoreOriole nest in or near the parkway.Fall: Typical fall migrants including many species of warblersOther Comments: The few restrooms available areclosed during winter. • Expect to see lots of joggers andwalkers on nice days and especially on weekends.Site Description: The Little Lehigh Parkway is a streamvalley park that follows the Little Lehigh Creek through muchof Allentown. The area along the creek floodplain is mostlygrass but is marshy in spots. The hillsides that border thefloodplain are wooded and brushy. In early morning, the sungives excellent lighting of the wooded hillsides on the west sideof the stream.Yellow-rumped Warbler, Corey HusicGreat-horned Owl

Lehigh63White-throated Sparrow, G. Bailey/VIREO5JORDAN CREEK PARKWAYLocation: Jordan Creek Parkway is a large stream valleypark that surrounds Jordan Creek in the townships of Whitehalland South Whitehall, just north of Allentown.Owner & Contacts: Lehigh County (296 acres)610-871-0281www.lehighcounty.org/Recreation/rec.cfmDirections, Access & Parking: From theintersection of Rt. 22 and 15th St., take the 15th St. exit andhead north at the end of the exit ramp onto Mauch Chunk Rd.Follow Mauch Chunk Rd. north for 0.7 miles and make a sharpright at the light onto Scherersville Rd. Follow Scherersville Rd.0.5 miles and park in the lot just past the tennis courts andmaintenance building. Parking also is available at thecommunity gardens about 0.2 miles west of the parkmaintenance building.Through the Seasons:Winter: Typical winter residents include several speciesof woodpeckers, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee,nuthatches and a variety of sparrows.Spring: The park is one of the best places in the countyto view migrating birds such as flycatchers, thrushes, vireosand warblers. The trees are tall and warbler viewing can bedifficult. Good binoculars are a must.Summer: Breeding birds of interest include Great CrestedFlycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager andBaltimore Oriole.Fall: Warblers and other songbirds occur with regularity butthe spring migration is better.Other Comments: Jordan Creek Parkway is verypopular with walkers and mountain bikers. • Jordan Creek isheavily fished during the first week of trout season.Site Description: Jordan Creek Parkway contains avariety of habitats that make for excellent birding. Thesehabitats include the Jordan Creek, two water-filled mine holes,old-growth woods, relatively new woods and low-growth fields.There are numerous trails that wind through these habitats andmake birding easy.

646TREXLER NATURE PRESERVE(formerly Trexler-Lehigh County Game Preserve)Great-crested Flycatcher, Robert Blanchard/iStockphoto.comLocation: In the townships of North Whitehall and Lowhill,about 2 miles west of Schnecksville.Owner & Contacts: Lehigh County (1,108 acres)610-871-1444www.lehighcounty.org/Recreation/rec.cfmDirections, Access & Parking: From theinterchange of Rts. 22 and 309, drive north on Rt. 309for about 5.5 miles to the traffic light at Sand Spring Rd.Continue north through the intersection for about 0.2 milesand turn left onto Game Preserve Rd. There is a large signfor the game preserve at Game Preserve Rd. Follow GamePreserve Rd. for 2.1 miles to the entrance to the NaturePreserve and Lehigh Valley Zoo on the left. Enter the gate andproceed to the parking lot at the zoo or the loop road thatwanders through the preserve. This is the only access point tothe preserve.Site Description: General Harry C. Trexler founded theTrexler-Lehigh County Game Preserve in 1909 as a sanctuaryfor preservation of various wildlife species. Upon the General’sdeath in 1933 the people of Lehigh County inherited thepreserve. The preserve consists of a variety of habitats thatinclude riparian areas along the Jordan Creek, scrubland,grasslands and mature deciduous forest.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for Red-tailed Hawk, woodpeckers,nuthatches, Eastern Bluebirds and other typical winter birdsSpring: The preserve can be good for warblers and otherneotropical migrantsSummer: There are nesting Great Crested and Willowflycatchers, Eastern Bluebird, Scarlet Tanager, Baltimoreoriole and Field and Grasshopper sparrowsFall: Warblers and other songbirds are presentOther Comments: The Trexler Nature Preserveis undergoing changes and it is anticipated more of thepreserve will be open for public use in the future. • TheLehigh Valley Zoo is located within the Trexler NaturePreserve. For more information on the zoo, call 610-799-4171 or visit the zoo’s web site at www.lvzoo.org.Northern Cardinal, G. Bailey/VIREO

Lehigh657FRANKO FARMRECREATION AREALocation: On the top of South Mountainin Salisbury TownshipOwner & Contacts: Township of Salisbury (92 acres)610-797-4000Directions, Access & Parking: From theintersection of South 4th St. (Rt. 145) and Emaus Ave. inAllentown, go east on Emaus Ave. for 1.2 miles to theintersection with Honeysuckle Rd. (the Eastern SalisburyAmbulance & Fire Rescue building is on the southeast corner).Turn right on Honeysuckle and go up South Mountain for 0.5miles to the intersection with Black River Rd. Turn left ontoBlack River Rd. and go another 0.2 miles. The Franko FarmRecreation Area is on the left. Park in the lot to the left of thehouse or drive another 200 yards and turn left for the parkinglot at the picnic pavilion and athletic fields. The area is opendawn to dusk.Site Description: Franko Farm Recreation Areacontains birding habitats that range from mature woods,young, second-growth woods and a variety of brushy areas.All areas are easy to bird because of the numerous, wellmaintainedtrails thatcrisscross the property.Some of the mostinteresting birds canbe found along the PPLelectric transmissionline easement. There isa small pond near theentrance to the park.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for Wild Turkeys, woodpeckers, includingPileated, and typical winter species.Spring: This is the best season to bird the park. Springmigrants include a variety of flycatchers, thrushes, vireos,many species of warblers, Scarlet Tanager and both Orchardand Baltimore orioles. On some days a decent spring hawkmigration can be observed when winds are from the south orsouthwest.Summer: June is an excellent time to observe nestingbirds such as Great Crested and Willow flycatchers, EasternKingbird, Tree Swallow, Brown Thrasher, Red-eyed andWhite-eyed vireos, Blue-winged and Yellow warblers, CommonYellowthroat, Indigo Bunting and Orchard and Baltimoreorioles. Some years Yellow-breasted Chat nests in the brushunder the power lines.Fall: The fall warbler migration can be good some days.Other Comments: There is a toilet near the picnicpavilions that is open all year.Brown Thrasher, Stephen Muskie/iStockphoto.com

66KittatinnyRidgeThe Kittatinny Ridge is the southern-most mountain inPennsylvania’s Ridge and Valley Province. This region ofthe Appalachians was formed as the North Americancrust buckled under pressure created when the Africancontinental plate plowed into North America seventymillion years ago.The Kittatinny, also called Blue Mountain, stretchesmore than 175 miles through Pennsylvania and extendsinto New Jersey and New York. The Native Americans ofthe region called it Kittatinny, “Endless Mountain.” Tothe north are many more ridges, none of which is nearlyas long as the Kittatinny. To the south lie the GreatValley and the cities of Reading, Allentown, Bethlehem,and Easton.Each autumn, tens of thousands of raptors use theKittatinny during migration. The Kittatinny is veryimportant for these migrating raptors because it is thelongest, unbroken and continuous ridge. This allows theraptors to conserve energy because they don’t have tochange ridges to ride the updrafts. Tens of thousands ofhawkwatchers also flock to the numerous lookouts onthe ridge, including world-famous Hawk MountainSanctuary.The Kittatinny has several other important values towildlife and wildlife watchers. Its extensive areas ofun-fragmented forest are rich habitat for forest interiorsongbirds such as Scarlet Tanagers and Wood Thrushes.In spring and fall, its forests serve as important stopoversites for migrating songbirds, and a leading line formigrating Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and MonarchButterflies. Its forests serve as an important dispersalcorridor for wildlife species such as Black Bear. Themountain is also an important watershed area for allthe rivers and streams flowing to the south.Like all natural areas, various forms of developmentthreaten the Kittatinny and a variety of conservationefforts are focused on preserving its habitats.Blue Mountain/Kittatinny RidgeBake Oven Knob, Dan Kunkle

Hawkwatching67Hawkwatching was “invented” in eastern Pennsylvaniain the 1930s at Hawk Mountain. From there, it spreadup and down the Kittatinny to Bake Oven Knob andWaggoner’s Gap, and soon spread throughout thecontinent and now the world. From watch sites ineastern Pennsylvania, 16 species of raptors occurregularly including hawks, falcons, eagles, Ospreys,harriers, and vultures.Most of the region’s well-known hawk watching sites areon the Kittatinny Ridge since the ridge serves as aleading line, concentrating migrating raptors eachautumn. Some of these sites have individual sitedescriptions in the text. However, many more hawkwatch sites operate in eastern Pennsylvania each fall,and a trip to any of them in the right season and rightweather conditions can produceclose-up raptorsightings or impressive numbersof raptors.Here is a list of some of the moreprominent sites and contactinformation for them:Rose Tree Park(Delaware Co.)www.rtphawkwatch.orgDirections: Rose Tree Park is onRoute 252, 2 miles north of Media, PA and 1/4-mile north of Route 1 (Media by-pass) on Route252.Militia Hill Hawkwatch, FortWashington State Parkwww.wyncoteaudubon.org/mhhw.htmDirections: Fort Washington State Park is locatedjust north of Philadelphia on PA 73, 1 3/8 milesnorth of PA 309.Council Cup Scenic Overlook–page 69Kittatinny Ridge SitesAny place on the Kittatinny Ridge with a view to thenorth and east will afford views of migrating hawks inautumn in the right wind conditions. Sites are found atvarious locations along the ridge, often requiring a hiketo reach them. Some of these places with expansiveviews, many of which are count sites, are: DelawareWater Gap–page 75, Wind Gap, Little Gap, LehighGap–page 61, Lehigh Furnace, Bake Oven Knob–page59, Bear Rocks, PA 309, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary–page 25, the Pinnacle, Port Clinton, State Game Lands110–page 22, and Route 183 Hawkwatch.A young hawkwatcher, Tim Fenchel Red-tailed Hawk, Randy Flament.

68LuzerneCountyL a k eS c r a n t o nL a k e C a t a l p aB e e c h L a k eL a k e J e a nHarvey’s Lake415309F R A N C E S S L O C U MM a p l e L a k eG L E NopR I C K E T T S G L E NP i n eC r e e kK118i t c h e n C r e e kH u n t s v i l l e R e s .P i k e s C r e e k R e s .L a k e S i l k w o r t hS y l v a n L a k eS h i c k s h i n n y L a k eH u n l o c k C r e e k29Kingston211813155Wilkes-Barre476M i l l C r e e kR e s .L a k e A l e e d aB e a r Cr e e kM e a d o w L a k eW a t r eL a kC h a m pB e a r L a kr S w a m pL a k eP i n e c r e s t2393K e i l a r L a k eC r y s t a lL a k e115C h o k eC r e e kAL11Wapwallopen93 239L i t t l e Wa p w a l l o p e n1BerwickCr e e kB i g W a p w a l l o p e n C r e e kN E S C O P E C KL a k e o f t h eF o u r S e a s o n s4437White Haven940T o b y h a n n a C r e e kL a k e H a r m o n yH I C K O R Y R U NB i g B o u l d e rL a k eP l an a R .B l a c kC r .8093H u m b o l d t R e s .924309HazletonD a m F R e s .EckleyL E H I G H G O R G EP e n n F o rLegende kL E H I G H G O R G EW i l d CHandicappedAccessibilityHikingTrailsBikingTrailsRestroomsDogsAllowed

1Council cupscenic ovERLOOKLuzerne69Location: Council Cup is located about 2 miles east ofWapwallopen.Owner & Contacts: Pennsylvania Power and Light, Inc(88 acres)866-832-3312 – Energy Information CenterOffice hours 8 am to 3:30 pm Monday-Friday.Part of the Susquehanna Riverlands Environmental Preservewww.pplweb.com/community/enviro_preserves/susq_index.htmOperated in cooperation with the PA Game Commissionwww.pgc.state.pa.usDirections, Access & Parking: From I-80, takeexit 256, Rt. 93 west to Rt. 239 north. At Wapwallopen, turnright at the Council Cup sign onto Wapwallopen Rd. Drive 2miles and turn left onto Maple Lane (T 394). Travel 0.5 milesand turn left at the Council Cup sign. Drive 0.5 miles and turnleft again. Drive 0.4 miles and turn right into the parking lot.Site Description: Enjoy a day hawk watching during thefall raptor migration or wander the woodlands for numeroussongbirds. A series of wide and well-marked wooded trailslead through a forested natural area and across a right-of-wayto a 700-foot-high bluff overlooking the Susquehanna Rivervalley and long ridges to the north. A grassy stretch along thehilltop provides a welcome spot to linger and observe migratingraptors. Local volunteers conduct hawk counts each autumn.Council Cup Scenic overlook is open 8 am to dusk, April toDecember. There are no restrooms.Through the Seasons:Winter: This is not a very good time to bird the overlook.However, typical winter birds should be present.Spring: Look for migrating songbirds and raptors.Summer: This is an excellent season to bird the area.Nesting birds of interest include Eastern Wood-Pewee, Blueheadedand Red-eyed vireos, Wood Thrush, and Blackburnian,Pine and Worm-eating warblers, Ovenbird and Scarlet Tanager.In the right-of-way corridor, you can find Chestnut-sided, Prairieand Black-and-white warblers. Golden-winged warblers nestedin this corridor in the recent past.Fall: August through November is the best time to visit forraptors. In September, Broad-winged Hawks are common, whileOctober offers views of Sharp-shinned and Red-tailed hawks.Osprey, Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles are occasionallyseen from the lookout as well. The raptor migration often isgood at Council Cup Scenic Overlook on days when it is poor atmore popular lookouts such as Hawk Mountain Sanctuary–page26 and Bake Oven Knob–page 61.Other Comments: • The area is open to hunting. Becareful if birding the area during any hunting season. • Visitthe PA Game Commission website for dates of hunting seasonsand blaze orange clothing requirements. Please follow StateGame Land or hunting regulations posted in parking areas.There is no hunting on Sundays.Blue-headed Vireo, R.& N. Bowers/VIREO

702Kirby parknatural areaLocation: Kirby Park Natural Area is located on the westside of the Susquehanna River, across from downtown WilkesBarre.Owner & Contacts: City of Wilkes Barre (80 acres)Parks and Recreation: 570-208-4240www.kirbypl.wilkes.edu/Directions, Access & Parking: Take I-81 to Rt.309 North (Cross Valley Expressway) to Exit 2 (Center City).From the exit ramp, turn left onto Wilkes-Barre Blvd. At the5th traffic light turn right onto E. Market St. Take Market St.halfway around Public Square so that when you leave theSquare (which is actually more like a traffic circle) you arestill on Market St. Go across the Market St. Bridge over theSusquehanna River and immediately (before the traffic light)turn right toward Reilly’s Classic Cars. Drive over the levee,park in the parking area, and walk beneath the bridge. Followthe trails through the meadow and toward the forest. Birdingis best along the trails farther back in the forest.Through the Seasons:Winter: Typical birds present at this season includewoodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and a varietyof sparrows.Spring: The area is best birded in May during the peakwarbler migration when 15 to 20 species of warblers maybe seen.Summer: Birds that nest during this season include Yellowthroatedand Red-eyed vireos and Baltimore Orioles. PeregrineFalcons have nested in the area for at least 5 years. Scan thebuildings across the river from Kirby Park for perched falcons.Fall: Look for migrating songbird from late August toearly October.Other Comments: The recreational part of the parkcontains restrooms, parking areas, playground, pond, picnicpavilions, 10 tennis courts, 1 baseball diamond, 3 softballfields, 4 horseshoe courts, fireplaces and grills, running trackfield, football field, Vita Course, and concession stand.Site Description: Kirby Park Natural Area is borderedon the east by the Susquehanna River and on the west by alevee that was built in 1937. The levee separates the NaturalArea from the city’s recreational park. In earlier years, thearea served as an arboretum, a greenhouse, and a zoo in thenorthern part. Gravel mining took place in the southern part.The riparian habitat along the river provides excellent habitatfor migrating and nesting birds. The forested floodplain haseasily accessible trails open to the public daily from dawn todusk. Restrooms and plenty of parking are available.Baltimore Oriole, Bob Balestri/iStockphoto.comRed-eyed Vireo, R.& N. Bowers/VIREO

Luzerne713mocanaqua LOOP trailLocation: The trail is located on the east side of theSusquehanna River, about 13 miles east of Berwick.Owner & Contacts: Earth Conservancy570-823-3445www.earthconservancy.org/projects/recamenities.htmDirections, Access & Parking: From Berwick,travel Rt. 11 north for about 13 miles. Turn right onto Rt. 239south and cross the Susquehanna River. Turn left to the parkingarea on the east side of the river. From I-80, take Exit 256 andgo north on Rt. 93. Make a right turn at Rt. 239 and proceed tothe parking lot noted above. There is a sign in the parking lotindicating the need to cross the railroad tracks and continueup the gravel road to the trail.Site Description: Traversing a ridge top, this 8-milehiking/biking trail contains several scenic overlooks withpanoramic views of the Susquehanna River, surroundingmountains, and valleys below. Located in an undevelopedwooded area, the trail meanders through rugged terrain andbecomes steep and rocky – proper footwear is a must. Usecaution when crossing the railroad tracks at the parking lot.The trail is open year-round 8 am to sunset.Palm Warbler, Corey HusicThrough the Seasons:Winter: Although there is limited birding at this season,year round residents include Pileated Woodpecker and WildTurkey.Spring: Look for spring migrants including many species ofwarblers. Watch for soaring hawks and vultures.Summer: Summer breeders include Least Flycatcher andseveral species of warblers.Fall: Migrating raptors can be seen some days. Look forsongbirds from late August to early October.Other Comments: Located at trail head are a restroom, picnic tables and benches, bicycle racks, a waterfountain, grills.Turkey Vulture, Dave Levandusky

724nescopeckstate PARKLocation: This state park is located about 5 milesnorthwest of White Haven.Owner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources (3,550 acres)570-403-2006Box 1137, Honey Hole Rd., Drums, PA 18222www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/nescopeck.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: Traveling west onI-80, take exit 273 (White Haven, Freeland). Turn right onto Rt.940 and, at the stop sign, go straight onto Rt. 437 for about4.5 miles. Past the power lines, turn left onto Honey Hole Rd.and travel about 2 miles to enter the Lake Frances Day UseArea.Site Description: Nescopeck State Park offers adiversity of habitats including forests, fields, and over 200acres of wetlands including many vernal ponds. A beautiful6-mile stretch of Nescopeck Creek flows through the parkand offers some of eastern Pennsylvania’s finest fly fishing.The parking areas at the Lake Frances and Lower Day UseAreas, and at the numerous trailheads along Honey Hole Roadand Lake Frances Rd., offer access to good birding habitat.There are 19 miles of hiking trails. Due to the unique naturalresources in the park, mountain biking is prohibited on parktrails. The park also features year-round environmentaleducation and interpretive services. The park is open sunriseto sunset.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse, PileatedWoodpecker and other birds of winter that like deep woods.Spring: Wood Duck, Osprey, Belted Kingfisher can be foundnear wet areas. Six species of woodpeckers are present inspring and summer. Also look for Least and Great Crestedflycatchers, Wood Thrush, Veery, many species of migratingwarblers, and Scarlet Tanager.Summer: Nesting warblers include Blue-winged, Chestnutsided,Yellow, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Black-andwhite,American Redstart, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthrushand Common Yellowthroat. Other birds that nest in the parkinclude several species of flycatchers and thrushes, RosebreastedGrosbeak and Scarlet Tanager.Fall: Migrating songbirds are present in good numbers onsome days.Other Comments: When in the area, be sure to visitHickory Run State Park–p. 43 and Lehigh George State Park–p.44 if time permits. • Most of the park is open to hunting.Use caution if visiting the park during hunting season. StateGame Land 187 borders Nescopeck State Park on three sides.• Visit the PA Game Commission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates of hunting seasons and blaze orange clothingrequirements. Please follow State Game Land or huntingregulations posted in parking areas. There is no hunting onSundays.Black-throated Green Warbler, Dave LevanduskyCardinal Flower, Dan Kunkle

Luzerne735seven tubs nature areaLocation: The site is located about 4 miles southeast ofdowntown Wilkes-Barre.Owner & Contacts: Luzerne County (527 acres)570-331-7046 Parks and Recreationwww.gwvas.org/tubsfolder/audubontrail.htmlOther Comments: There are a number of state parksin close proximity including Archbald Pothole, Ricketts Glenn,Frances Slocum, Tobyhanna, and Gouldsboro parks. For moreinformation visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us and select State Parkson left. These parks are in the Northeast PennsylvaniaMountain Region.Directions, Access & Parking: From I-81, takeRt. 115 South for about 1.5 miles. Make a sharp right into theentrance, marked by a sign. Follow the road down to find aregular parking lot on the left and a handicapped parking lotfurther down the road on the right.Site Description: The “tubs”, for which Seven TubsNature Area is named, are a series of unique glacial potholesfound along Wheelbarrow Run. The tubs were created by aseries of glaciers that passed in and out of the area during thelast two million years. The Greater Wyoming Valley AudubonSociety maintains a blue-blazed 1.5-mile loop Audubon Trail,which traverses a variety of habitats including mature uplandforest, wetlands, barrens, and a riparian area along Laurel RunCreek and Wheelbarrow Run. Mountain biking is allowed ontrail loop around Laurel Run. An active rail line borders the siteand can be noisy. Use caution during wet conditions on steephillsides. The area is open 8 am to dusk daily, Memorial Daythrough Labor Day, and closed the rest of the year.Through the Seasons:Winter: The area is closed.Spring: The area opens Memorial Day.Summer: Nesting warblers of interest include BlackthroatedGreen, Black-throated Blue, Black-and-white, andOvenbird. Other nesting birds include Broad-winged Hawk,Great-crested Flycatcher, Brown Creeper, Wood and Hermitthrushes, and Dark-eyed Junco.Fall: The area is closed after Labor Day.Dark-eyed Junco, Jim Jurica/iStockphoto.com Ovenbird, J. Wedge/VIREO

74Pocono MountainsThe Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvaniaincludes 2,400 square miles of wooded peaks andvalleys on a plateau with numerous lakes, bogs, andstreams with beautiful waterfalls. Ecologically, thePoconos are a touch of Canada in Pennsylvania and arehome to numerous wildlife species, including birds suchas Magnolia and Blackburnian warbler typical of morenortherly forests.Four counties encompass the Poconos region: Carbon,Monroe, Pike, and Wayne. The region boasts 7 stateparks, 72,000 acres of state forest, the Delaware WaterGap National Recreation Area, and numerous stategame land areas.Known for its natural wonders and close to themetropolitan New York and Philadelphia regions, thePoconos is also a haven for visitors and has beeninundated with development pressure. In spite of theresidential and resort development, the Poconos remaina natural wonder. Thanks to the many protected areas,it is still possible to witness the mass blooming ofPennsylvania’s state flower, the mountain laurel inJune, and the equally impressive display ofrhododendron blossoms in July. From bears tobobcats and eagles to otters, the Poconos remaina haven for wildlife and people.Lehigh River–Mud RunDingman’s Falls, Courtesy of National Park Service

DelawareWater GapNationalRecreation AreaThe Delaware River forms the border between Pennsylvaniaand New Jersey/New York and is the largest un-dammedriver in the East. The middle 40 miles pass between forestedmountains with few signs of human development beforecutting through the Kittatinny Ridge forming the spectacularDelaware Water Gap. From here the Delaware continues 200miles to Delaware Bay.Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and other water activities arepopular on the Delaware, whose watershed supplies waterto 10% of the nation’s people. In the 1950s, the federalgovernment proposed to build a large dam at Tocks Island,north of the water gap, and began acquiring the surroundingland in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. After a long andcontroversial fight, the Tocks Island Dam was finally deauthorizedand the land (about 70,000 acres) became theDelaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.On the Pennsylvania side, steep slopes with waterfalls dropfrom the Pocono Plateau to the Delaware. The streamsidesare cloaked with hemlock forests and rhododendrons. 5birding sites in this guide are located within the DelawareWater Gap NRA. Black bears, Bald Eagles, and many morewildlife species thrive in the recreation area.EagleWatchingBald eagle watching is a very popular winter activity in thePocono Mountains. December through March, the Middleand Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and theLackawaxen River are special spots for sightings whenever thewaters are not frozen. The eagles migrate south from Maineand parts of Canada to reach open waters in which to feed.The Pocono Mountains provides an ideal habitat with cleanwater and undisturbed land with lots of food and large treesin which to roost, perch and nest. Contact The Eagle Instituteat 570-685-5960 or visit their web site atwww.eagleinstitute.org for more information.75Delaware Water Gap,Courtesy of National Park ServiceThe Kittatinny Ridge is bisected by the river at Delaware WaterGap where the river and NRA intersect with the AppalachianTrail. As a result, the Delaware Water Gap National RecreationArea is not only a terrific place to find birds and other wildlife,but is also a fabulous outdoor recreation area for hiking andwater related activities.Bald Eagle, R.& N. Bowers/VIREO

76C h o k eMonroeCountyL a k eC h a m p a g n eB e a r L a k eC r e e k1B r a d y s L a k eB i g B a s sL a k eG O U L D S B O R O380T O B Y H A N N AL a k e W a t a w g aT O B Y H A N N ATobyhannaD r e s s e r L a k eL a k e C a r o b e t h196L a k e R u s s e l lP o c o n o P l a t e a u L a k e191390W i l k i n s o n L a k eB r o w n sL a k eP o r t e r s L a k eS i l v e r L aW i l dA c r e s LL a k e M aA r r o w h e a dL a k e423611L y n c h w o o d L a k eO t t e r L a k ey h a n n a C r e e ka k e H a r m o n yO R Y R U NB i g B o u l d e rL a k eP l a c i d L a k eY o s tS w a m pP e n n F o r e s t R e s .W i l d C r e e k R e s .940P o c o n o L a k eT u n k h a n n o c k53480C r e e k2S t i l l w a t e r L kL a k e N a o m iLong PondI n d i a n M o u n t a i n L a k eM o u n t a i n S p r i n g L a k e115Effort209P o c o n o S u m m i t L a k e314B I G P O C O N OL a k e A k i b a940S w i f t w a t e r L a k eTannersvilleS a y l o r s L a k eP o c o n oC r e e kT r o u t L a k e715P a r a d i s eC4r e e k447191C h er r ye kC reL a k eM o n r o eH a l l o w o o d L a k eP o c o h o n t a s L a k eP o c o n o H i g h l a n d s L a k eB l u e M o u n t a i n L a k eE. StroudsburgStroudsburg 80DelawareWater Gap5191M i n i s L a k e209402S a w C r e e k!3C a t f i s h P o n dL o w eU p p e r Y a r d s C r e e k R e s e r v o i rS u n f i s h P o n dG e n e v i e vC e d a r L a kL a k e S u s q u e h a n nL o c u s t L a k eB aB E L T Z V I L L EB e l t z v i l l e L a k eB u c k w h a C r e e k33M o u n t a i n LLegendA q u a s h i c o l a C r e e kHandicappedAccessibilityHikingTrailsBikingTrailsRestroomsDogsAllowed

Monroe771Brady’s lake natural area(STATE game lands no. 127)Location: This natural area is located on the west sideof I-380, just west of Tobyhanna and north of Pocono Lake, inCoolbaugh Township.Owner & Contacts: PA Game Commission (25,100acres)570-675-1143 N.E. Regional Officewww.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=463&q=150188Directions, Access & Parking: To reach Brady’sLake Natural Area from I-380, take Exit 8 at Tobyhanna to Rt.423. Go south on Rt. 423 until you reach Rt. 940. Go right(west) on Rt. 940 for about 2.6 miles and turn right on anunnamed road that is paved for a very short distance and thenturns to gravel. Proceed 3.3 miles to the Brady’s Lake parkinglot next to the new dam. To reach Brady’s Lake from I-80, takeExit 284 and go north on Rt. 115. Turn right (east) on Rt. 940and drive about 4.8 miles to the unnamed road on your left.There are no restrooms at Brady’s Lake.Site Description: Brady’s Lake Natural Area is anextensive tract of both mature and second growth deciduousand mixed northern hardwood forest interspersed with lakes,ponds and bogs. It is the largest contiguous protected area inMonroe County and the second largest protected area innortheastern Pennsylvania. Brady’s Lake is very large andaffords great opportunity for canoeing and kayaking. Otherwater bodies include Bronte Lagoon, Lake Binney andTungatinah Lagoon. There are many hiking trails throughoutthe area. The road into Brady’s Lake is very wide and gets littletraffic. Birding from the road can be excellent during springmigration and summer.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for woodland winter birds such aswoodpeckers and Ruffed Grouse.Spring: The area is excellent for migrating warblers,flycatchers, thrushes and Scarlet Tanager.Summer: A large variety of warblers, including Prairie,Chestnut-sided, Ovenbird, Black-throated Green, andCommon Yellowthroat and other species that like interior forestand edge habitat, nest at Brady’s Lake Natural Area. Someother interesting birds that nest include Hooded Merganser,Northern Goshawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Ruffed Grouse,Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker and Least Flycatcher.Fall: Look for migrating waterfowl, warblers and othersongbirds.Other Comments: The area is home to interestingmammals that include river otter, snowshoe hare and blackbear. • The area is open to hunting. Trout fishing in the lakesand streams is very popular. • Visit the PA Game Commissionwebsite, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates of hunting seasons andblaze orange clothing requirements. Please follow State GameLand or hunting regulations posted in parking areas. There isno hunting on Sundays.Red-shouldered Hawk, J. Cancalos/VIREO

782long pond/hypsy gapLocation: South of I-80 and northwest of Rt. 115, inTunkhannock TownshipOwner & Contacts: The Nature Conservancy & City ofBethlehem Authority (20,000 acres)570-643-7922 or 888-560-8700www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/pennsylvania/preserves/art825.htmlDirections, Access & Parking: From I-80, takeExit 284 (Rt. 115). Turn south on Rt. 115 towards Effort. After3.1 miles, bear left at the Long Pond and Pocono Racewaysigns onto Long Pond Road. Proceed on Long Pond Roadfor about 3.5 miles. At this point there are some very nicefields that have Bobolink in season. In another 0.4 miles youreach a T-intersection. Turn right onto Kuhenbeaker Rd., drive1.3 miles, and bear left onto Hypsy Gap Road. Go 1.5 milesto gate T-5 on the left. Park near the gate (but don’t blockaccess), walk down the path to a fork and turn right. After 200yards, take a left into the area surrounding Grass Lake.Continue along Hypsy Gap Rd. another 0.5 miles to a secondpull-off on the left at gate T-6. This area is also owned by theBethlehem Authority and provides access to Conservancy land.Walk straight up the trail to the first left turn, and follow thatthrough the barren until it reaches Hypsy Gap Road.Drive back to the intersection with Kuhenbeaker Rd. and takea short left over a bridge to a dirt road on the right. Park andwalk through a rhodora barren.Site Description: Nestled along the southernescarpment of the Pocono plateau, Long Pond embodies theregion’s boreal heritage, harboring species tolerant to coolertemperatures reminiscent of its glacial past. Representing theonly natural community of its kind in the world, the mesic tillbarrens at Long Pond are interspersed in a vast landscape ofswamps, bogs, marshes and shallow ponds surrounded by redspruce, balsam fir and eastern hemlock – woodlands morecharacteristic of Canada’s northern climate.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for winter mixed-flock species, NorthernHarrier, Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl.Spring: This season is good for migrating ducks, AmericanBittern and warblers.Summer: Nesting birds of interest include Red-shoulderedHawk, Swamp Sparrow and warblers that include Chestnutsided,Nashville, Louisiana Waterthrush, Golden-winged, Prairieand Common Yellowthroat.Fall: Look for migrating songbirds and waterfowl.Other Comments: Look for river otter and black bear.• This is one of The Nature Conservancy’s “Last Great Places”due to high levels of biodiversity, especially among plants andinsects. • Long Pond has been designated an Important BirdArea by Audubon Pennsylvania. If you want to kayak or canoeLong Pond, call The Nature Conservancy office at 570-643-7922for permission.Swamp Sparrow, R. Curtis/VIREO

Monroe793delaware water gapnational RECREATION areaPARK headquartersLocation: The headquarter building is at Bushkill locatedeast of U.S. 209, near the intersection of River Rd. and HiddenLake Dr. (Watch for the signs to the NPS headquartersbuilding.)Owner & Contacts: National Park Service (100 acres)570-588-2451www.nps.gov/dewa/Directions, Access & Parking: From I-80, takeExit 309 just east of East Stroudsburg and proceed north onRt. 209. In 1.5 miles, make a right on Buttermilk Falls Rd. andproceed 0.6 miles, turn left onto River Rd. and continue forabout 7 miles and turn right on an unmarked, dirt road thatis known locally at the Freeman Tract Rd. Any place along thisroad can be excellent for birding, especially during the springwarbler migration.To reach the Park Headquarters Building, return to River Rd.,turn right and go another mile. Parking and restrooms areavailable at the headquarters building.To reach another good birding spot from the headquarters,drive north on River Rd. and turn right on Community Dr. Parkon the right side of the road past the farm complex. Varioustrails lead from this spot. One trail leads to the Delaware Riverwhile the other trail goes left (north) to a swamp created by anold beaver pond.Site Description: The important feature at theHeadquarters Building is the large standing dead timber swampthat originally was created by beavers. There is a boardwalkwith observation decks for bird watching along the margin ofthe swamp. The remainder of the area is prime river bottomhabitat consisting of a mature deciduous forest with numerouswooded swamps and old beaver ponds.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for forest birds such as woodpeckers,nuthatches, titmice, cardinals and White-throated Sparrows.Spring: Birds seen during this season include Red-headedWoodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Great Crested Flycatcher,Tree Swallow, Eastern Bluebird, Yellow-throated, Blue-headedand Red-eyed vireos, and Swamp Sparrow. This is possibly thebest place in Monroe County to see a large variety of warblers.Summer: Look for cavity nesting birds such as Red-headedWoodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Tree Swallow and Blue Bird.Fall: Look for migrating warblers and other birds that likewooded swamps such as Swamp Sparrow.Other Comments: The Delaware Water Gap NationalRecreation Area offers some of the best birding in easternPennsylvania. Be sure to get a map and other information aboutthe many places to visit. Part of the Delaware Water Gap NRA isin New Jersey, where there are more birding & wildlife watchingopportunities. • There are many hunters in the area duringdeer and turkey season so be sure to wear orange if birding thesite during these times of the year. • The Delaware Water GapNational Recreation Area has been designated an ImportantBird Area by Audubon Pennsylvania.Red-headed Woodpecker, Bill Raboin/iStockphoto.com

804tannersvillecranberry bogLocation: The bog is located about 2 miles eastof Tannersville.Owner & Contacts: The Nature Conservancy(900 acres)570-629-6031Managed by the Monroe County Conservation District570-629-3060www.mcconservation.orgDirections, Access & Parking: Call MonroeCounty Conservation District for information about accessingthe bog. Access to this fragile area is very limited. A floatingboardwalk provides a unique opportunity to see the interiorof the bog. Tours are held throughout the year for the generalpublic as well as private and school groups. Monroe CountyEnvironmental Education Center educators provide interpretivetours of The Nature Conservancy’s Tannersville Cranberry Bog.Site Description: Affectionately known as “TheCranberry” to nearby residents, the bog is the southernmostglacial (kettle) boreal bog in the United States. It is an islandof boreal habitat with all its characteristic vegetation includinglarge stands of black spruce, larch, pitcher plants and orchids.A floating boardwalk built during the 1980s providesaccessibility without damage to the bog.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for Ruffed Grouse and mixed flocks oftypical winter birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, titmiceand chickadees.Spring: The bog is a great place to find wetland andshrub-scrub species such as Ruffed Grouse, Red-shoulderedHawk, Swainson’s Thrush, Nashville Warbler, Tennessee Warbler,Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat and NorthernWaterthrush.Summer: Most of the species listed above breedat the bog. The bog has large population of nestingNashville Warblers.Fall: Look for migrating warblers and other songbirds.Other Comments: Tannersville Cranberry Bog is mostnoted for its large number of endangered plants that includeCalla lilies, gold thread, carnivorous sundew and pitcher plantsand native orchids such as rose pogonia and heart-leavedtwayblade. • The bog is home to mammals such as beaver,black bear and river otter.View from Boardwalk, S.K. FordyceNashville Warbler

Monroe815cherry valley NWR,blakeslee FARMLocation: The farm is located in the Cherry Valley, about 5miles south of Stroudsburg.Owner & Contacts: The Nature Conservancy(285 acres)570-643-7922www.poconos.net/cherrycreek/7.htmDirections, Access & Parking: FromStroudsburg, take Rt. 191 south past the Stroudsmoor resort (1mile) into Cherry Valley and proceed 4 miles to Cherry Valley Rd.Turn right (west) on Cherry Valley Rd. and go about 2.5 milesand turn left on Blakeslee Rd. Proceed 0.5 miles to BlakesleeFarm with its fallow fields and meandering stream on the right.From Bangor Borough in Northampton County, take Rt. 191north over the Blue Mountain and down into the Cherry Valley.At Cherry Valley Rd. turn left and follow the directions givenabove. Park along the road and bird the surrounding fields,meadows and stream. The road is narrow and parking is limitedbut, luckily, there is very little traffic. There are no restrooms.Site Description: The 285-acre Blakeslee Farm wasacquired through the Conservancy’s farmland preservation planfor the Cherry Valley. The property is composed mainly ofmature deciduous forest, Cherry Creek, and an excellent creekside riparian habitat. The site also contains fallow fields,grassland/savanna, early successional forest, swamp andmarsh. The main feature of the farm is the meandering CherryCreek with its swampy margins. This is probably the best placein Monroe County to see shore birds.Through the Seasons:Winter: Species to look for this season include CommonMerganser, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, AmericanKestrel, and winter sparrows.Spring: Look for Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal,Northern Pintail, Wilson’s Snipe and other shore birds, AmericanPipit and Eastern Bluebird. The farm can be a good place tosee migrating warblers.Summer: Nesting birds include Great Blue Heron, WoodDuck, Killdeer, Willow Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, AmericanRedstart, Savannah Sparrow and Eastern Meadowlark.Fall: Look for migrating raptors, warblers, sparrows and othersongbirds.Other: The site contains a number of rare plants andamphibians. • The Cherry Valley is identified in the MonroeCounty Natural Areas Inventory as an outstanding wildlife areawith national significance. • Cherry Valley National WildlifeRefuge was authorized by Congress in 2009, but has not beendeveloped as of this printing in April 2009. The valley hasexperienced very little of the development activity that hastaken place in similar areas of eastern Pennsylvania.Lesser Yellowlegs, G. Bailey/VIREOSavannah Sparrow, R. Curtis/VIREO

82MontgomeryCountyR A L P H S T O V E RE. GreenvilleB E N J A M I N R U S HPennsburgM o r r i sR u nT r o u t R u nR e s .100PottstownG r e e n L a n e R e s .66322973SchwenksvilleRed HillM a p l e R u n R e s .Green Lane 56345663I n d i a nC r e e kr e e kS k i p p a c k C63Lansdale202P e a c e V a l l e y R e s .L i t t l eN e s h a m i n y C r e e kM il l Cr e e kE KS c h u y l k i l l R .Collegeville1E V A N S B U R G363476309463S p r i n g f i e l d L a k eC r e e k9F r e n c h C r e e k3 9113Sc h u y l k i l l R.Norristown3N O R R I S T O W NF A R M P A R KF O R TW A S H I N G T O N276Fort Washington611B E N J A M I NP i c k e r i n gC r . R e s .7202King of Prussia739 53201 3 54 0LegendF e r n h i l l L a k e9 6C76Q u e e n L a n eR e s .^E a s t P a r k R e s .F r a n k f o r d C r .R .D e l a w a r eHandicappedAccessibilityHikingTrailsBikingTrailsRestroomsDogsAllowed

Montgomery831evansbuRGstate PARKLocation: Evansburg State Park is located in south centralMontgomery County, along Skippack Creek, between Norristownand Collegeville.Owner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservation andNatural Resources (3,400 acres)610-409-1150851 Mary Hall Rd., Collegeville, PA 19426-1212www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/Parks/evansburg.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: From Collegeville,take the Germantown Pike east about 1.5 miles. From Rt.73, take Rt. 363 south to the Germantown Pike. Turn right onGermantown Pike and go about 2.2 miles to the park. To reachthe park headquarters and nature center, at the intersectionof Evansburg Rd. and Mill Rd. on the north side of the park, gosouth on Mill Rd. and turn left at May Hall Rd. and go about 0.8miles to both the headquarters and nature center. It would behelpful to get a park map at the headquarters. Access to thepark can be obtained from a number of other roads.There should be no problem finding parking.Site Description: Evansburg State Park is located inthe Skippack Creek valley and provides over 5 square milesof contiguous open space in a highly suburbanized area ofMontgomery County. The park consists mostly of northern andsouthern hardwood types in various stages of growth. There arefallow fields, cropland and meadows. The park contains 6 milesof hiking trails and 5 miles of mountain bike trails. SkippackCreek is a major part of the park.Other Comments: The park provides a large variety ofrecreational activities and can be very crowded on weekends inspring, summer and fall.Through the Seasons:Winter: In the forested areas of the park you will find thetypical winter birds.Spring: The park can be good for warblers and othermigrating songbirds. Skippack Creek supports small numbersof Green and Great Blue herons.Summer: Breeding birds of interest include Wood Thrush,Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole and several speciesof warblers.Fall: Look for migrating warblers and other songbirdsin early fall.Red-bellied Woodpecker, Bill Raboin/iStockphoto.com

842green lane reservoir,green lane PARKLocation: The reservoir is located in northern MontgomeryCounty, less than 1 mile southwest of the boroughs of EastGreenville, Pennsburg and Red Hill, and 1 mile northwest ofGreen Lane.Owner & Contacts: Mongtomery County/AquaPennsylvania (3,400 acres total, reservoir - 800 acres)215-234-45282144 Snyder Road, Green Lane, PA 18054http://parks.montcopa.org/parksBirding information: www.dvoc.org/DelValBirding/Places/GreenLanePA.htmDirections, Access & Parking: To reach theChurch Rd. shorebird area, from the intersection of Rt. 29(Gravel Pike) and Water St., go south on Water St. whichbecomes Church Rd. at State St. for 2.9 miles until you reachthe parking lot at the lake. To reach the Walt Rd. boat launchfrom Rt. 29 (Main St.) in Pennsburg, turn right at 11th St.and proceed about 0.3 miles to the intersection of 11th St.and Montgomery Ave. Stay on 11th St.; it becomes Walt Rd.Continue on Walt Rd. and look for the entrance on the right.For another view of the reservoir, from the intersection of Rt.663 and Knight Rd., go east on Knight Rd. for about 0.3 milesto where the road crosses the reservoir. There is a lookout andsmall parking lot on the right just after the first lake crossing.Site Description: The main feature is the 800-acreGreen Lane Reservoir. The reservoir, along with a variety ofterrestrial habitats, makes the area attractive to an impressivevariety of birds. In addition to the reservoir, there are twosmaller lakes, mixed riparian and upland oak forests, coniferplantations, red-cedar barrens, fallow fields and shallowmarsh/meadow.Through the Seasons:Winter: If the reservoir remains unfrozen, this is a goodtime to see waterfowl that can include Greater White-frontedGoose, Cackling Goose, Canvasback, Redhead, and more. Theresident pair of Bald Eagles begins to nest by mid-winter.There are feeders at the nature center on the west side of Rt.29 about 1.4 miles south of Red Hill. Turn right at the sign forMarlborough Elementary School and proceed straight ahead tothe nature center.Spring: Bald Eagles are raising young by spring. Look formigrating waterfowl in March and April. Some days are goodfor migrating songbirds.Summer: If the water level in the reservoir is low, startlooking for shore birds in late July. Great Egret, GreatBlue Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Green Heron andcormorant are often present.Fall: Look for late arriving shorebirds. As in winter, the varietyof waterfowl can be quite impressive with up to 30 species forthe season. Some areas adjacent to the reservoir can be goodfor sparrow species that include Lincoln’s, Vesper, Swamp andWhite-crowned.Other Comments: Green Lane Reservoir is the bestplace is southeastern Pennsylvania to see sandpipers andother shorebirds during the fall migration. However, the waterlevel must be low to expose the mud flats at Church Road andother locations. Up to 30 species of shorebirds are possiblefrom late July through September • There is a toilet at theWalt Rd. boat launch area • There is heavy traffic on parktrails on weekends from spring through fall • Green LaneReservoir has been designated an Important Bird Area byAudubon Pennsylvania.Short-billed Dowitcher, G. Bailey/VIREO

Montgomery853norristownfarm PARKLocation: North side of Norristown, in the Borough ofNorristown and the Townships of East Norriton andWest Norriton.Owner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources (690 acres), Operated and maintainedby Montgomery County610-270-02152500 Upper Farm Rd., Norristown, PA 19403www.schuylkillriver.org/Detail.aspx?id=151http://parks.montcopa.org/parksDirections, Access & Parking: The main entranceis off Germantown Pike, on the north side of the park. From theintersection of South U.S. 202 and Germantown Pike, go weston Germantown Pike for about 1 mile. The entrance to the parkis on the left at Barley Sheaf Dr./ Upper Farm Rd. Stop and geta park map at the entrance.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for typical winter species such aswoodpeckers, chickadees, titmice and a variety of sparrows.Spring: The park can be good for migrating warblers andother songbirds.Summer: Least Bittern bred in the park in 2006.Fall: The farm pond often attracts American Bittern, AmericanCoot and a wide assortment of waterfowl. Look for sparrows inthe proper habitat.Other Comments: The park was recently a working farmon the site of the former Norristown State Hospital.Site Description: The park is a large, open space in ahighly suburbanized area of Montgomery County. The primaryhabitats include mature deciduous forest, cultivated and fallowfields, Stoney Creek and creek side riparian habitat. NorristownFarm Park has paved hiking/biking trails, athletic fields andfishing in Stoney Creek. Parking and restrooms are available atseveral locations. One of the best places to park for birding isthe last parking lot before the road ends at a stone arch bridge.This parking lot has toilets and a pavilion.Chipping Sparrow, Corey HusicAmerican Coot, Laure Neish/iStockphoto.com

864perkiomen trailnorth sectionLocation: Along the Perkiomen Creek, in northernMontgomery County, between Green Lane and Spring Mount,in the townships of Marlborough and Upper Salford.Owner & Contacts: Montgomery County(about 5 liner miles)610-278-3555http://trails.montcopa.org/trailsOther Comments: Birders must remember that muchof the trail passes private property and that they should alwaysstay on the trail. Birders should only leave the trail at accesspoints that are clearly marked as a public place. • Expectheavy use of the trail during weekends.Directions, Access & Parking: There are threetrailheads: 1) Green Lane Park has a large parking lot atthe intersection of Snyder and Deep Creek roads in UpperPerkiomen Valley Park, 2) Crusher Road trailhead on south sideof the road about 0.2 miles east of Rt. 29, 3) Harmon Roadtrailhead parking is available at William Rahmer Park, about0.5 miles south of Salford.Site Description: The Perkiomen Trail is a linear parkthat passes through many communities and neighborhoodsin the Perkiomen Creek valley. The trail allows users to travelthrough towns that grew and developed, in part, because ofthe railroad corridor. The trail is open during daylight hours.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for Pileated Woodpecker in heavilywooded areas.Spring: Many species of warblers and other songbirds canbe found during migration. Red-headed Woodpeckers areoften present at the Spring Mountain end. Look for Great BlueHeron, Osprey, Wood Duck and Broad-winged Hawk along thecreek.Summer: Expect the typical breeding birds to be foundalong a large stream valley. This includes Great CrestedFlycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Baltimore Oriole and the like.Fall: This is a good season to see migrating warblers.Belted Kingfisher, Frank Leung/iStockphoto.com

Montgomery87Green Heron, Tim Fenchel5Spring MountainLocation: About 2 miles northeast of Schwenksville, inUpper Salford Township.Owner & Contacts: Montgomery County, UpperSalford Township and multiple private owners (about 500 acres)610-278-3555 (Montgomery County)757 Spring Mountain Rd., Schwenksville, PA 19473www.springmountain-fun.com/directions.htmDirections, Access & Parking: From theintersection of Rt. 113 and Rt. 63 in Harleysville, gonorthwest on Rt. 63 for about 1.7 miles to Shelly Rd. Turn lefton Shelly Rd. and follow the signs to Spring Mountain. ShellyRd. becomes Schwenksville Rd. below Salford Station Rd. AtSpring Mount Rd. turn right (west). Spring Mountain is on thesouth side of Spring Mount Rd. From the intersection of Rt.29/73 and Spring Mount Rd. just north of Schwenksville, goeast on Spring Mount Rd. Spring Mountain is on the right afteryou cross the Perkiomen Creek. Park in the lot at the ski area.Better yet, park in the large lot on the south side of SpringMount Rd., just past the creek.Site Description: The site is composed of a variety ofhabitats that include mature deciduous forest, earlysuccessional forest, shrub/scrub and grasslands. There isconsiderable riparian habitat adjacent to the Perkiomen Creek.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for Great Blue Heron and a variety of waterfowlalong Perkiomen Creek. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees,titmice and kinglets can be found in the woods.A variety of wintering sparrows can be found in the grasslandand savannah areas.Spring: A great variety of warblers and other migratingsongbirds can be found in spring. Wood Duck, Hooded andCommon mergansers, Pied-billed Grebe, Belted Kingfisher andSpotted Sandpiper are possible along Perkiomen Creek.Summer: A large variety of birds nest at Spring Mountain.These birds include Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron,Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Baltimore andOrchard orioles, to name a few.Fall: Look for migrating raptors such as Red-tailed, Cooper’sand Sharp-shinned hawks. The woods and tree rows can begood for warblers and other songbirds. A variety of sparrowscan be found in the proper habitat.Other Comments: The Perkiomen Trail passes SpringMountain on the east side of Perkiomen Creek.

886unami creek valleyLocation: East of Green Lane, in the townships ofMarlborough and Salford.Owner & Contacts: Multiple owners(over 2,000 acres)See “Natural Lands Trust” website:www.natlands.org/projects/project.asp?fldProjectId=3Directions, Access & Parking: From theintersection of Rts. 29 and 63 in Green Lane, go southeast onRt. 63 (Sumneytown Pike) about 1.4 miles and make a sharpleft on Geryville Pike. Go about 0.2 miles and turn right onSwamp Creek Rd. At Magazine Rd. bear right and cross thecreek. Follow Swamp Creek Rd. that parallels Unami Creek forabout 3.6 miles to where the road crosses Unami Creek. Anyarea along Swamp Creek Rd. can be good for birding butfinding a satisfactory place to park can be a problem. Becareful not to trespass on posted property. There are severalscout camps located on both sides of the creek.Through the Seasons:Winter: A variety of woodpeckers, including Pileated, ispresent. Look for Hooded Mergansers on Unami Creek.Spring: This is the best season to visit the valley. Warblersof special importance include Hooded, Kentucky,Yellow-throated and Louisiana Waterthrush. Yellow-throatedVireo, Acadian Flycatcher and Rose-breasted Grosbeak alsoare present.Summer: The above-listed birds all breed in the UnamiCreek Valley.Fall: Look for migrant ducks and grebes on the creek.Migrating warblers and other songbirds are present in early fall.Other Comments: There are no restrooms in theUnami Creek Valley. • The valley is crowded with fishermenthe first week of trout season • Mink and beaver are presentyear round • The Unami Creek Valley has been designated anImportant Bird Area by Audubon PennsylvaniaSite Description: The Unami Creek Valley is one ofthe largest contiguous tracts of mature deciduous forest insoutheastern Pennsylvania. The unusual size and integrity ofthe woodlands explains why the area has been given a toppriority for protection by the The Natural Lands Trust. UnamiCreek is considered to be an “exceptional value” stream whichis the highest value granted by the PA Department ofEnvironmental Protection.Yellow-throated Vireo, Brian E, Small/VIREOCarolina Wren, Mr_Jamsey/iStockphoto.com

Montgomery897valley FORGE NATIONALhistorical PARKLocation: The park is located on the south side of theSchuylkill River, west of U.S. 422, and north of the PennsylvaniaTurnpike (I-76). Part of the park is in Chester County.Owner & Contacts: National Park Service(3,500 acres)610-783-10081400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406www.nps.gov/vafo/Directions, Access & Parking: The main entranceto the park is at the interchange of U.S. 422 and Rt. 23 (PortKennedy Rd.). Stop and get a visitor’s map at theWelcome Center. Ample parking and restrooms are within thepark. This is one of those sites where you drive to differentspots, or use the walks or roads throughout the park.Site Description: Valley Forge National Historical Parkis one of the few, large, contiguous, protected areas insoutheastern Pennsylvania that has a variety of habitat typesincluding a river, numerous streams and forested wetlands,eastern deciduous forest, and tall-grass meadows. The park’stall grass meadows are home to many birds year around, butespecially abound in songbirds that nest in late spring. Thewoodlands harbor spring nesting birds such as Wood Thrush.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for Black Duck, Bufflehead and BeltedKingfisher along the Schuylkill River. Other birds of winterinclude woodpeckers and typical winter species.Spring: A very good place to see migrating warblers andother songbirds. Wood Duck and SpottedSandpiper are found along the river.Summer: Nesting birds include several species offlycatchers, Green Heron, Common Yellowthroat andEastern Meadowlark.Fall: This is another season for migrating songbirds.Other Comments: The park is heavily used throughoutthe summer • The park is severely impacted by White-tailedDeer, and they will almost walk up to you. • A wealth ofinformation about the birds at Valley Forge NHP is available, inlarge part because park staff, university cooperators, membersof the Audubon Society, and volunteers have birded at the parkfor the past 30 years.Huts in Winter, Valley Forge National Historic Park

90John James AudubonCenter at Mill GroveMill Grove, Greg MatkoskyFrom 1803 to 1806, Mill Grove was the first home inAmerica of artist and naturalist John James Audubon.Today, the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove(JJAC) preserves and displays one of the nation’s largestcollections of Audubon art inside its 245-year-oldfarmhouse, listed on the National Register of HistoricPlaces. An educational center of the National AudubonSociety, JJAC is dedicated to connecting people withthe natural world by interpreting Audubon’s legacy andencouraging guests to explore the 175-acre estate,which remains largely as John found it—a haven forbirds and wildlife.The site boasts a variety of bird and wildlife habitatfrom wooded slopes to open meadows to riparianhillsides. More than 180 different species of birds havebeen observed onsite, while approximately 60 specieshave been found nesting within the sanctuary. The siteoffers approximately 5 miles of interior walking trailsin addition to the 4-mile Audubon Loop Trail, a pavedbike path that circles the property and links to thePerkiomen and Schuylkill River Trails.In addition, the site’s art museum (located inside thehistoric home) contains a wide variety of Audubonart. Visitors will find original prints (1826-1838)from John James Audubon’s seminal work, The Birdsof America, throughout the house. Regular museumexhibits also include examples from Audubon’s lesserknownwork, The Viviparous Quadrupeds, in which hesought to document North America’s mammals. Thespecial exhibition gallery on the second floor houseschanging exhibitions by contemporary artists working inAudubon’s naturalist tradition.Mill Grove is located at 1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon,PA 19403. 610-666-5593. The museum has anadmission fee.http://pa.audubon.org/centers_mill_grove.html

Academy ofNatural Sciences91The Academy of Natural Sciences is Philadelphia’sNatural History Museum. Founded in 1812 “for theencouragement and cultivation of the sciences, and theadvancement of useful learning.” the Academy is theoldest continuously operating natural science researchinstitution and museum in the Americas. The uniqueaspect of this statement of purpose lies in the word“useful,” a mandate the Academy has continuouslyredefined through research and education that reflectsthe societal needs of the times.The Academy’s history mirrors the evolution of therelationship between the American people and thenatural world. It was founded when the United Stateshugged the Atlantic coastline, and Philadelphia wasthe cultural, commercial, and scientific center of thenew nation. Classic expeditions to explore the westernwilderness brought back new species of plants andanimals. These specimens were studied, cataloguedand formed the foundation of the Academy’sscientific collections.Today, the Academy’s permanent exhibits include hallsof dioramas of North American, Asian, and Africananimals and natural history; dinosaurs; and butterflies.There are also numerous changing exhibits as wellas a calendar of events and programs. The museum’scollections include nearly200,000 study skins of birds.These collections are availablefor scholarly work, but notopen to the public.Gigantosaurus skull, courtesy Academy of Natural SciencesThe museum is at 19th Streetand Ben Franklin Parkwayin Philadelphia. There is anadmission fee. You can learnmore about the Academy atwww.ansp.org.

92NorthamptonCountyS w a m pC he rry C r e ekF o r e s t R e s .l d C r e e k R e s .S a y l o r s L a k e4M i n s i L a k e512PortlandB E L T Z V I L L EBangorB e l t z v i l l e L a k eB u c k w h a C r e e kWind Gap611A q ua s h i c o la C r e e k512333946J A C O B S B U R G1Martins Creek987WalnutportL e h i g h R i ve r248BathP e n n - D i x i e P o n dNazareth33611R a n g e r L a k e329Northampton512522BethlehemEaston72B E N J A M I N R U S HFreemansburg78Hellertown6S au c on C r ee k412L a k e W a r r e nLegendHandicappedAccessibilityHikingTrailsBikingTrailsRestroomsDogsAllowed

Northampton931JacobsburgenvIRONMENTALeduCATION centerLocation: Along the Bushkill Creek in Bushkill Township,about 2 miles north of NazarethOwner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservation andNatural Resources (1,168 acres)610-746-2801835 Jacobsburg Rd., Wind Gap, PA 18091www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/jacobsburg.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: From theintersection of Rt. 22 with Rt. 33, take Rt. 33 north 7 miles tothe Belfast exit. At the end of the exit ramp, turn right, go to thenext stop sign, and turn left onto Belfast Rd. The main parkingarea is about 0.5 miles down the road. There are other parkingareas throughout the park, including one on Henry Rd. that isopen from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, and others on Jacobsburg Rd.across from Fehr Rd., Douglasville Rd. and State Park Rd. Thepark is open from sunrise to sunset. Restrooms are available.Site Description: The rolling terrain offers habitats thatrange from fields in various stages of successional growth tohardwood forests dominated by oak trees. About 2.5 miles ofBushkill Creek and its tributaries wind through the center. Theportion of the center’s woodland, known as Henry’s Woods, isone of the most beautiful natural resources in NorthamptonCounty. A 1.9-mile loop trail passes through mature stands ofhemlock and dramatic slate outcroppings adjacent to BushkillCreek. This is one of the best places to bird. All total, there are18.5 miles of trails.Through the Seasons:Winter: Winter birds include woodpeckers, chickadees,titmice, and a variety of sparrows. The center has severalfeeders where birds can be observed.Spring: This is a good time to see migrating songbirdsincluding many species of warblers. Louisiana Waterthrush canoften be found along the stream in Henry’s Woods.Summer: Breeding birds of interest include Great CrestedFlycatcher, both species of cuckoo, Yellow-breasted Chat andScarlet Tanager. Of special recent interest was the presence ofbreeding Winter Wren and Hooded Warbler.Fall: The Center can be a good place to observe migratingsongbirds.Other Comments: The main parking area has aninformation board with a trail map. Individual maps are usuallyavailable. Maps may also be picked up at the park officeon Jacobsburg Rd., just past its intersection with Belfast Rd.,about a mile beyond the main parking lot. The office is openfrom 8 am to 4 pm., Monday through Friday. • For birding, itis best to arrive early since the park can become very crowded,especially on weekends. • Hunting is allowed in the park.Areas where hunting is allowed are clearly marked. • TheJacobsburgNational Historic District lies almost entirely within theboundaries of the Center. For a change from birding, visit thevarious exhibits that celebrate the Henry gun works where thefamous Henry Rifle was made.Yellow-billed Cuckoo, R. Curtis/VIREOLouisiana Waterthrush, R. Curtis/VIREO

942D&L Trail(Freemansburg to Palmer Township)Location: Along the towpath of the Lehigh Canal, on thenorth side of the Lehigh River, for a distance of 5.5 miles.Owners: Borough of Freemansburg and the townships ofBethlehem and Palmer (each municipality owns its portion ofthe D&L Trail)Directions, Access & Parking: There arefour locations from which the trail can be accessed. Fromthe interchange of I-78 and Rt. 412, go north on Rt. 412(Hellertown Rd.) for 0.8 miles and turn right onto ShimersvilleRd.. Proceed north for 1.0 mile and cross the Lehigh River toFreemansburg (Main St.). After crossing the river, go north onMain St. for about 0.7 miles and park in the lot next to thetavern or on the street. The trail is between the parking lot andthe river.To reach the next access point, go north on Main St. for 0.3miles and turn right (east) on Freemansburg Highway. Goeast for 1.7 miles and turn right (south) on Farmersville Rd.Proceed for 1.0 mile to Wilson Ave. There is a small parking onthe right; the trail is between the parking lot and the river.The third access point can be reached by going back north onFarmersville Rd. and turning right on Freemansburg Highway.Go east for 1.5 miles, passing over Rt. 33, to the green andwhite Fish & Boat Commission Rt. 33 Access sign and turnright. Drive another 1.8 miles passing under Rt. 33 twice untilthe road ends at a large, paved parking lot next to the river.To reach the last access, go back to Freemansburg Highway,turn right, and go 2.3 miles to 25th St. Turn right on 25thSt. and go 0.6 miles to Lehigh Dr. Turn right on Lehigh Dr.,proceed 100 yards, and turn right into Riverview Park. Thereare two parking lots. The trail, which is paved in this area, goesbetween the two parking lots. Walk west pastthe playground and the athletic fields to reach the goodbirding areas.Site Description: This section of the D&L Trail iscomposed of mature bottomland forest with a dense understory in many places. There are many large sycamores.Sections of the Lehigh Canal contain water. The Lehigh Riveris never far from the trail.Through the Seasons:Winter: The area is good for woodpeckers, Carolina Wrenand other typical winter birds. Look for waterfowl on theLehigh River.Spring: This is the season to see a large variety ofmigrating songbirds. Waterfowl, herons and Ospreys canbe seen on or near the river.Summer: Many interesting nesting species call the LehighRiver area home. Yellow-throated Warbler is a breeding birdof special interest. Warbling Vireo can be found at regularintervals along the entire length of the trail. Great CrestedFlycatcher, Northern Parula, American Redstart, Scarlet Tanager,and Baltimore Oriole nest near the trail.Fall: This season can be good for migratory songbirdsand waterfowl.Other Comments: When complete, the D&L Trail will gofrom Bristol in lower Bucks County to Wilkes-Barre, a distanceof 165 miles. Many other sections of the D&L Trail are openand provide good birding. • The only access area withrestrooms is Riverview Park and these restrooms are closed inwinter. • Watch for bike riders, especially on weekends.Yellow-throated Warbler, A. & J. Binns/VIREO

Northampton953martins creekenvIRONMENTALpreserveLocation: Also known as “Tekening”, the preserve islocated along the Delaware River in Lower Mount BethelTownship, just north of the PPL Martin’s Creek Steam ElectricStation, and about 2 miles southwest of Belvidere, New Jersey.Owner & Contacts: PPL Electric Utilities (223 acres)6605 Foul Rift Rd., Bangor, PA 180131-800-354-8383www.pplweb.com/martins+creek+preserve/Directions, Access & Parking: From the Villageof Martin’s Creek, go north on Rt. 611 for about a mile to theintersection with Martins Creek- Belvidere Highway. Go straightonto Martins Creek-Belvidere Highway. In 2.9 miles, turn rightonto Foul Rift/Depues Ferry Rd. at the PPL Martins Creek sign.Proceed down Foul Rift/Depues Ferry Rd. and follow signs tothe south parking area.To reach the boat launch area, follow signs on Foul Rift/Depues Ferry Rd. before the south parking lot. To reach thenorth parking lot, drive another 2.3 miles along Martins Creek-Belvidere Highway and look for the Tekening sign on the right.Site Description: Thepreserve contains mostly maturedeciduous woodlands with lushunderstory and occasional redcedars. There are open fieldsand views of the river. There areabout five miles of trails, withtrailheads at both the northand south ends of the preserve.The Blue Trail parallels the river,passing by Foul Rift, an area ofwhitewater rapids.Through the Seasons:Winter: A feeding station located near the boat launch isworth a visit at this time of year. It has had up to 40 WhitecrownedSparrows along with a variety of other sparrows.Waterfowl are often present on the Delaware River.Spring: The preserve attracts warblers and other migratingsongbirds. A good birding loop begins at the north parkinglot. Take the Orange Trail (the first off the trailhead) and followit through the woods and fields until a steep stairway on theleft leads toward the river where you can pick up the Blue Trailback to the parking lot.Summer: This season is excellent for nesting ScarletTanager, Eastern Bluebird, several species of warblers, andwoodland hawks. Common Merganser and Wood Duck nestalong the river. Green Herons are present in summer. Thereare active Osprey nests on the large power line towers alongMartins Creek-Belvidere Highway and on platforms near thesouth entrance to the area. Peregrine Falcons have nested onthe PPL property.Fall: The preserve can be good for the typical fall migrants.Other Comments: During summer, a toilet is availableat the boat launch area. • Hunting is permitted in season. •A picnic area is located near the boat access area with tables,grills and toilets. There is no running water. Picnic facillitiesopen 7am to 9pmOsprey nest

964minsi lake andbear SWAMPLocation: Minsi Lake and Bear Swamp are located inUpper Mount Bethel Township, near the base of BlueMountain, about 4 miles northeast of Bangor and 4miles west of Portland.Owner & Contacts: Pennsylvania Fish Commission(Minsi Lake – 311 acres)www.fish.state.pa.us/water/lakes/minsi/00minsi.htm(Minsi Lake)Northampton County (Bear Swamp – 262 acres)www.northamptoncounty.org/northampton (see “Minsi LakeWilderness Area” and “Bear Swamp Park & Archery Complex”)Directions: To reach the archery complex parking lot atBear Swamp from the intersection of Rt. 512 and Rt. 191, turnleft (north) on Rt. 191 and go about 2.4 miles to theintersection with Lake Minsi Dr. Turn right onto Lake Minsi Dr.and follow it 1.3 miles to the stop sign at the intersection withCreek Rd. Turn left on Creek Rd. (which is labeled Lake MinsiDr. in places) and go 0.7 miles to the parking lot on the right.To reach the west parking lot at Minsi Lake, go another 0.3miles on Creek Rd. and turn left at Blue Mountain Rd. then takean immediate right into the lot entrance.To reach the east parking lot, return to Creek Road/Lake MinsiDr. and continue 0.3 miles. Turn left onto East Shore Dr. andproceed 0.5 miles to the parking lot.Site Description: Minsi Lake (117 acres) is a shallow,man-made Pennsylvania Fish Commission lake. Much of thearea surrounding the lake is mature woodlands. There is anature trail that circles the lake. Bear Swamp is part of theBear Swamp Archery Complex. The boardwalk trail, the featureattraction of Bear Swamp, is a raised trail through a smallsection of a sphagnum swamp that covers an extensive area onboth sides of the road. There is a small pond and interpretivearea at the entrance to the trail. Access the trail by parkingat the archery target range. Cross the road, walk west (left)along an old railroad bed for 100 yards, then take the secondright just before the stone fence row. Cross the gravel areaand go to the right of a short wooden walkway (which leadsto the interpretive building and pond) to reach the path tothe boardwalk. The boardwalk makes almost a complete loopthrough the swamp.Through the Seasons:Winter: Barred Owls are present all year. PileatedWoodpeckers and Wild Turkeys also are present.Spring: Lake Minsi is good for migrating waterfowl, Osprey,and swallows. Other spring migrants include vireos, thrushes,flycatchers, including Acadian, Scarlet Tanagers and a largevariety of warblers. Swamp Sparrows and Common Yellowthroatsare common along the elevated boardwalk at Bear Swampduring spring and summer.Summer: Birds that nest in the area include Great CrestedFlycatcher, Acadian Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush,Veery and a variety of warblers.Fall: The area is good for migrating songbirds. Waterfowl canbe found at Minsi Lake.Other Comments: Both areas are open to the publicfrom dawn until dusk daily. • The parking areas at Minsi Lakehave information boards with posted regulations, bird lists, andtrail maps. Both parking lots have toilets. • Because the soil ispoorly drained throughout the park, muddy conditions can existat any time of the year on the trails.Indigo Bunting, G. Bartley/VIREO

Northampton975monocacy Nature centerLocation: Along the Monocacy Creek in Bethlehem,between Illick’s Mill Rd. and Eaton Ave.Owner & Contacts: City of Bethlehem (20 acres)610-865-7000www.pipeline.com/~rlfreed/linda.htmDirections, Access & Parking: From theintersection of Rt. 22 and Rt. 512, take Rt. 512 (Center St.)south for 1.6 miles to Illick’s Mill Rd. Turn right onto Illick’sMill Rd. and go 0.1 miles to the parking lot on the left just pastMonocacy Creek. The trail, marked by a hanging wooden sign,begins at the south end of the parking lot.Site Description: Monocacy Nature Center is a streamvalley preserve along the Monocacy Creek. Trails lead to apond about 0.7 miles south of the parking lot. The trails passthrough moist riparian woodland, beside a partially mowedfield, and along wooded hillsides.Through the Seasons:Winter: Winter Wrens and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers canoften be found during winter.Spring: This is the best season to bird Monocacy NatureCenter. The Center has a bird list of over 180 species, including34 species of warblers. Other spring migrants of note includeBlack-crowned Night Heron, American Bittern, Green Heron,Common Snipe and a variety of songbirds.Summer: Birding is slow during summer but, on occasion, ararity such as Common Moorehen has been found.Fall: The fall warbler migration can be excellent in late Augustand September.Other Comments: Across Illick’s Mill Rd. from theparking lot is a more developed recreation area with picnictables and a restroom that is open most of the year, but notwinter. Other restrooms are available at the municipal ice rinkon the south side of Illick’s Mill Rd. to the west of the NatureCenter. • It is best to avoid the trail along the stream duringthe first week of trout season. • The railroad tracks are active;be alert for trains if birding from or near the tracks.Mourning Dove, Dan KunkleNorthern Parula, Paul Tessler/iStockphoto.com

986reservoir PARK(Hellertown Reservoir)Wood Frog, Dan KunkleLocation: The park is located in along Polk Valley Rd. inLower Saucon Township, about 1.4 miles east of Hellertown.(Local birders often refer to this park as “Hellertown Reservoir.”)Owner & Contacts: Hellertown Borough Authority (257acres)610-838-8051 (Hellertown Borough Authority)Directions, Access & Parking: From theintersection of I-78 with Rt. 412 in Hellertown, take Rt. 412south for 2.1 miles through downtown Hellertown to Polk ValleyRd. (This road is immediately past a MacDonald’s on the rightand a small shopping plaza and bank on the left; it is alsolabeled “McAdoo Ave.”) Turn left onto Polk Valley Rd. and go0.7 miles to the stop sign facing the Saucon Valley schoolcomplex. Turn right to continue on Polk Valley Rd. Continueon Polk Valley Rd. another 0.4 miles. Turn right onto ReservoirRd. and go 0.3 miles down a hill and across a small stonebridge. Bear left to the small parking area at the gatedentrance to the park.Site Description: Reservoir Park is part of a protectedwatershed property. The park is mostly wooded with standsof tall oak, tulip poplar, pines, hemlocks and other coniferousand deciduous trees. There is a large fenced-in pond, severalsmaller ponds, and two streams. To the left of the parking area,there is a large picnic pavilion with playing fields nearby. Thereare hiking paths around the pavilion and pond areas and in thewoods beyond the ponds. The main paths are paved or graveland provide easy, though slightly, hilly walking.Through the Seasons:Winter: Reservoir Park is good for woodpeckers, includingPileated that are believed to nest here. Great Horned Owls canbe heard in the late afternoon. Screech Owls and Wild Turkeysalso are present.Spring: In early spring, Eastern Phoebes nest in thepavilions and other small buildings. Spring migrants includemany species of warblers, Scarlet Tanager, and various thrushes.Summer: Blue-winged Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler,Ovenbird, American Redstart and Veery nest in the park.Acadian Flycatcher and Kentucky Warbler are presentsome years.Fall: Although spring is best, the fall migration can be goodsome days.Other Comments: A restroom located near the pavilionis open May to October.Black-capped Chickadee, Bruce McQueen/iStockphoto.com

Northampton997hugh mooreHISTORICAL PARKLocation: The park is located along the banks of the LehighRiver in the City of Easton.Owner & Contacts: City of Easton (259 acres)30 Centre Square, Easton, PA 18042www.canals.org/Directions, Access & Parking: From theintersection of Rt. 33 and Rt. 22, take Rt. 22 east for 2 milesto the 25th St. exit. At the end of the exit ramp, bear rightonto 25th St. and follow it south for 1.5 miles. Just before theGlendon Bridge, turn right onto Lehigh Dr. and go 0.5 miles tothe stop sign and turn right, then cross over the bridge into thepark. At the end of the bridge, turn right and proceed 0.4 milesto the main parking lot. Restrooms are available.Site Description: Hugh Moore Historical Park stretchesnarrowly along 6 miles of the Lehigh River from the confluenceof the Delaware and Lehigh rivers to the Bethlehem Boat Clubat Hope Rd in Bethlehem Twp. Oak and hickory dominate theupland forested slopes while the bottomland forest consistsmainly of American Sycamore, Cottonwood, Box Elder, SilverMaple and Black Walnut. A 2-mile section of the Lehigh Canalwas rewatered in 1975 and is used for mule-drawn canal boatrides in season. (Note: This description covers the main part ofthe park reached by the bridge noted in the “directions”section. For the section of the park that is on the north side ofthe Lehigh River, see the “D&L Trail” site description–p.94.)Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for waterfowl, gulls and land birds associatedwith riparian habitat.Spring: Migrating waterfowl that can be seen in springinclude Common and Hooded merganser, Bufflehead, CommonGoldeneye, Wood Duck and Green-winged Teal. Osprey andGreat Blue Heron can be seen fishing along the river. TheLehigh River floodplain is an excellent place to see a greatvariety of migrating songbirds, including many speciesof warblers.Summer: Breeding birds of interest include Wood Duck,Great Crested Flycatcher, Veery, Wood Thrush, Yellow-throatedVireo, Warbling Vireo (very common), Rose-breasted Grosbeak,and Orchard and Baltimore orioles. Many warblers nest here,including a high density of American Redstart, Northern Parula,Yellow, and Worm-eating. Yellow-throated Warbler, a rare breederfor Northampton County, can be found in the tall sycamores onthe north side of the river.Fall: Look for migrating songbirds during late August throughearly October. Migrating waterfowl, herons, gulls and raptorsoften can be seen using the Lehigh River corridor.Other Comments: Visit the Emrick Technology Centerjust west of the playground. • Enjoy a ride on the Josiah WhiteII Canal Boat if you are there in season. • Visit the CanalMuseum and Crayola Center on the square in downtown Easton.Information about these other attractions is at www.canals.org.Warbling Vireo, G. McElroy/VIREOHerring Gull, A. Morris/VIREO

100PhiladelphiaBlue Bell!?Ambler!?!?F O R TFort WashingtonW A S H IN G T O N!?PlymouthMeetingGlenside!?!?Jenkintown!?Bryn AthGB E N J A M IN R U S H1463nshohockeRockledg!?3hoho26313!611232!F ra n k fo rd C r.MawrArdmore!?76Narberth30Q u e e n L a n eR e s .!1E a s t P a rk R e s .e lDR .a w a r e13!!95S w e d e s L a k eillbournsdowne!?!?!?!?Aldan Daraleon Hill!?!?!?YeadonFolcro!?y lk ill R .S c h u13291161167676S tra w b rid gC o o p e r R iv e r L a k eN e w to n L a k eE v a n s P o n dNorwoo95LegendHandicappedAccessibilityHikingTrailsBikingTrailsRestroomsDogsAllowed

Philadelphia101FAIRMOUNT PARKSYSTEMIn the 1790s, several yellow feverepidemics spurred Philadelphia to seeka system to provide safe drinking water to its citizens.An 1801 center square waterworks was built, replaced in1815 by the Fairmount Water Works and a reservoir atopFaire Mount. This former reservoir site is now occupied bythe Philadelphia Museum of Art.Throughout the early 1800s industrial pollution impactedwater quality and made safeguarding the Schuylkill River,the city’s main water supply, extremely important.In the Consolidation Act of 1854 the County ofPhiladelphia became the City of Philadelphia. This actgranted the City of Philadelphia the power to acquireareas within the city as open public space.Fairmount Park was officially founded in 1855 when theLemon Hill estate was dedicated as a public park andrenamed Fairmount Park. Thousands of citizens signed apetition urging the purchase of Lemon Hill. Over the yearsother summer homes and villa properties were purchasedto protect the Schuylkill’s watershed and the city’s watersupply. Today Fairmount Park is sprinkled with thesehistoric homes and estates, including Strawberry Mansion,Woodmont, Belmont Mansion and Sedgley. One of theWest Park estates, the 80-acre Spring Hill, later becamepart of the Philadelphia Zoo. Unlike New York City’sCentral Park with its man-made landscapes, FairmountPark evolved through this absorption of older estates, theirtree groves and open meadowland without significantalterations.The Park’s 9,200 acres accounts for over 10% of the totalland area in Philadelphia. Other sites within FairmountPark include Bartram’s Garden, Memorial Hall, PleaseTouch Museum, Philadelphia Horticulture Center, and theCentennial Arboretum.Over 200 species of birds are known to occur within thepark system each year. Of these 80-100 are breedingspecies, while 90-100 are wintering species. The majorityof species recorded are landbirds, but many species ofwaterfowl also occur along with some waders, shorebirdsand marshbirds.The greatest diversity and concentration of birds occursduring the spring and autumn when migrating birds usethe park as a stopover site. Almost all of the species oflandbirds that migrate through eastern Pennsylvaniaand New Jersey occur annually within the park duringmigration. Because so many birds migrate throughPhiladelphia, at least during the spring, birds tend tooccur throughout the park system during migration, evenin the park’s smallest and most disturbed parcels.Most of the land within the park system is deciduousforest. These large, mature forests attract several forestbreeding species like Veery, Pileated Woodpecker,Louisiana Waterthrush and Barred Owl.Five major forested streams in the Philadelphia area andattract a number of stream-side and riparian breedersincluding Louisiana Waterthrush, Acadian Flycatcher,Warbling Vireo, Belted Kingfisher, Wood Duck, and (untilrecently) Cerulean Warbler. Philadelphia’s other streamswere buried for use as sewers many years ago.Fairmount Park has been designated an Important BirdArea by Audubon Pennsylvania.Memorial Hall from the Centennial Exposition, now the Please Touch MuseumMichael Branscom, courtesy the Please Touch Museum

1021f.d. ROOSEvELT PARK(Fairmount Park)Location: The Park is located at the south end of BroadSt., on the west side of the street, across from the WachoviaSpectrum and the Wachovia Center.Owner & Contacts: City of Philadelphia (348 acres)215-683-0211 (Bellaire Manor)www.fairmountpark.org/FdrPark.aspDirections, Access & Parking: From theinterchange of I-76 with Broad St., go south on Broad St.for about 0.4 miles and turn right (west) on Pattison Ave.Entrances to F. D. Roosevelt Park are on your left (south) not farfrom Broad St.Site Description: FDR Park’s existing waterways areremnants of the tidal marsh and channel system that originallyoccupied the area. The park also includes two ecosystems thatare nearly extinct in Pennsylvania – coastal plain forests andfresh water tidal marsh. Restrooms and lots of parking spacesare available.Through the Seasons:Winter: A large variety of ducks can be found, includingNorthern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Redhead, RingneckedDuck and Ruddy Duck. Other birds of interest includePied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Great Blue Heron, RustyBlackbird and Fox Sparrow. Surf Scoter, Ross’s Goose, CacklingGoose and Eurasian Wigeon are present some winters.Spring: Look for migrating waterfowl, herons, gulls,cormorants, raptors and a variety of songbirds, including, attimes, Yellow-breasted Chat.Summer: Nesting birds include Tree, Barn and Roughwingedswallows, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, CommonYellowthroat, Cedar Waxwing and Baltimore Oriole.Fall: Look for waterfowl, herons, cormorants, gulls, raptorsand songbirds.Other Comments: The park can be busy on weekends• F.D. Roosevelt Park was designed by the Olmstead Brothersarchitectural firm • Bellaire Manor, now a part of the FDR golfcourse, was constructed between 1735 and 1750. Its originalowner, Samuel Preston, served as the trustee of William Penn’sestate • The American Swedish museum was built in FDRpark during the nation’s Sesquicentennal exposition in 1926to commerate the Swedes’ arrival in 1638 • F.D. RooseveltPark is part of Fairmount Park, which has been designated anImportant Bird Area by Audubon Pennsylvania.Northern Shoveler, R.& N. Bowers/VIREO Dbl.-crested Cormorant, Frank Leung/iStockphoto.com

Philadelphia1032wissahickon creek park(Fairmount Park)Location: The park extends along the Wissahickon Creekin northwest Philadelphia from Montgomery County to theSchuylkill River.Owner & Contacts: City of Philadelphia (2,091 acres)215-685-9285www.fairmountpark.org/WissahickonEC.aspDirections, Access & Parking: There are anumber of roads from which the park can be accessed. TheWissahickon Environmental Center is located at 300 NorthwestAve. Carpenter’s Woods is at Wayne Ave. and Sedgwick St. Agood city map is helpful for locating access points to the park.Site Description: The park extends for 7 miles alongWissahickon Creek. Despite its city location, the park is anisland that is wild and free from the intrusion of the city andits traffic sounds. The mature deciduous forest, WissahickonCreek, scenic outcrops, historic stone bridges, ruins that datefrom the 1700s, and battle sights from the American Revolutioncontribute to the park’s attractiveness. There is an extensivenetwork of trailsThrough the Seasons:Winter: Birds to be found include wintering raptors, owls,woodpeckers and songbirds.Spring: The park is an excellent place to find migratingwarblers, kinglets, thrushes, vireos and other songbirds.Summer: Nesting species of interest include Wood Duck,Eastern Screech-Owl, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee,Red-eyed and Yellow-throated vireos, Wood Thrush, Veery,Louisiana Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Scarlet Tanagerand Baltimore oriole.Fall: Look for a large variety of migrating songbirds,including many species of warblers.Other Comments: The park is part of Fairmount Park,which has been designated an Important Bird Area byAudubon Pennsylvania.Eastern Wood Pewee, R.& N. Bowers/VIREO Blue Jay, iStockphoto.com Stephen Muskie

1043pennypack creek park(Fairmount Park)Location: The park is located along the Pennypack Creekin northeast Philadelphia. It extends from Montgomery Countyto Torresdale Ave. not far from the Schuylkill River.Owner & Contacts: City of Philadelphia(1,776 acres)215-685-0407www.fairmountpark.org/PennypackEC.aspDirections, Access & Parking: The park is accessibleat numerous locations. One location is at the PennypackEnvironmental Center off Verree Rd. Another location is FoxChase Farm. A good city map is helpful for locating accesspoints to the park.Site Description: Pennypack Creek Park extends for6 miles through the city along Pennypack Creek. The parkconsists mostly of mature deciduous forest and the PennypackCreek floodplain that includes some wetlands. There are areasof early succussional forest, shrub/scrub and both cultivatedand fallow fields. There are hiking and bridle path trailsthroughout the park.Through the Seasons:Winter: At this season, look for wintering owls, woodpeckersand a variety of passerines.Spring: Birds to be found along the creek include Solitaryand Spotted sandpipers, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher,woodpeckers and a large variety of warblers and othermigrating songbirds.Summer: Nesting species include: Wood Duck, EasternScreech-Owl, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Wood Pewee,Red-eyed, Warbling and White-eyed vireos, Wood Thrush, Veery,Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Orchard and Baltimore oriolesand much more.Fall: In early Fall, look for migrating warblers, flycatchers andother songbirds. Solitary and Spotted sandpipers, Great BlueHeron, Belted Kingfisher, raptors and woodpeckers are present.Other Comments: John James Audubon and AlexanderWilson, two of America’s most noted ornithologists, spent manyhours along the banks of Pennypack Creek • There are manyhistoric structures in the park. The Holmsburg Bridge at U.S.13 was built in 1697 and is the oldest stone arch bridge stillcarrying traffic. The Pennypack Baptist Church was built is1688 • The park is heavily used on weekends duringwarm weatherGray Squirrel, Joe Gough/iStockphoto.com

Philadelphia1054Benjamin rushSTATE PARKLocation: The park is located in northeastPhiladelphia, on the east side of Roosevelt Blvd., about1.5 miles south of the PA Turnpike (I-276).Owner & Contacts: PA Department ofConservation and Natural Resources (275 acres)215-591-5250 (Fort Washington State Park office)www.dcnr.state.pa.us/State/Parks/parks/benjaminerush.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: Currently,the only way to access the park is from the south onRoosevelt Avenue. When driving north on Roosevelt Blvd.,stay in the right set of lanes. The entrance to the park islocated about 0.2 miles north of Byberry Rd. When leavingthe park, you must turn right on Roosevelt Blvd. There isplenty of parking available but none of the lots is paved.Site Description: The park is a mixture of maturedeciduous forest, fallow fields and a small stream withriparian habitat. The park is undeveloped at this time(Spring 2008) but is scheduled for improvement soon.This will involve adding a parking area and improvingtrails and signage but other than that the plan is to keepit green for passive recreation uses. It is the best placein Philadelphia to see Bobolinks, Vesper and Savannasparrows, and a variety of other sparrows and field birds.Model plane enthusiasts use the field on the east side ofthe park.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for owls, woodpeckers and a varietyof sparrows.Spring: The park can be good for migrating warblersand other passerines. Look for migrating sparrowsand Bobolink.Summer: Breeding birds of interest include EasternKingbird, Tree, Barn and Rough-winged swallows, Warblingand Red-eyed vireos, Wood Thrush, Yellow Warbler andOrchard and Baltimore orioles.Fall: Look for migrating passerines. Vesper, Savannahand White-crowned sparrows are often present. Dickcisselhas been found on occasion.Other Comments: Access to the park is difficult(see “Directions, Access & Parking” section). • The park isreported to have the world’s largest community gardens.• The park has been designated an Important Bird Areaby Audubon Pennsylvania.Fox Sparrow, R. Crossley/VIREO American Tree Sparrow, J. Jantunen/VIREO

106Heritage AreasSchuylkill River,Delaware & LehighA National Heritage Area or Corridor is a regionthat has been recognized by the United StatesCongress for its unique qualities and resources.It is a place where a combination of natural,cultural, historic and recreational resourceshas shaped a cohesive, nationally distinctivelandscape. A National Heritage Area or Corridoris a joint effort of private groups and interestedcitizens, county and municipal governments, theCommonwealth of PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources and the National ParkService, Department of Interior.The Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area(www.schuylkillriver.org) encompasses a five-countyarea along the Schuylkill River including parts ofSchuylkill, Berks, Chester, Montgomery and PhiladelphiaCounties. To interpret the stories of the people who shapedthis region, the Heritage Area uses as an overarching themethe River of Revolutions, interpreting the region’s people andtheir lives within the context of the American, Industrial andEnvironmental Revolutions.APPALACHIAN TRAILThe Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor(www.delawareandlehigh.org) works with its many public andprivate partners to conserve cultural and natural resourcesin the five-county region of Pennsylvania that traversesthe historic Delaware and Lehigh Canals. Since the D&L’sdesignation by Congress in 1988, its mission has been toenrich the communities within the Corridor through actionsand partnerships that conserve the resources, tell the storiesand enhance the quality of life for residents of the Corridor. The165-mile D&L Trail follows the canals and railroads along theDelaware and Lehigh rivers in eastern Pennsylvania.BLUE MARSH LAKE MT. BIKE TRAILSCHUYLKILL HAVENBerks County Heritage CenterUNION CANAL TOWPATH TRAILWEST READINGReading Public MuseumNolde Forest State ParkBLUE MARSH LAKEConrad Weiser HomesteadASHLANDPioneer MineLocust LakeState ParkPOTTSVILLEYuengling BrewerySovereign Majestic TheaterORWIGSBURGTuscaroraState ParkHawk Mountain SanctuaryTAMAQUATamaqua Train StationPORT CLINTONKernsville Dam Wildlife AreaWK&S Steam RailroadHAMBURGLEESPORTLeesport Locktender’s HouseLAKE ONTELAUNEEMid-Atlantic Air MuseumREADINGGoggleworksPagodaSCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAILKUTZTOWNPA German Heritage CenterDaniel Boone HomesteadBIRDSBOROBOYERTOWNBoyertown MuseumJoanna Furnace Morlatton Village of Historic VehiclesFrench Creek State ParkHopewell Furnace NHSWelkinweirThe Mill at AnselmaHistoric Yellow SpringsBlack RockWaterfowlSanctuaryPHOENIXVILLEPhoenixville FoundryThe Colonial TheatreWharton Esherick StudioValley Forge NHPJenkins ArboretumPOTTSTOWNPottsgrove ManorJohn Heinz NWRAPPALACHIAN TRAILSCHWENKSVILLEPennypacker MillsSchwenkfelder Libraryand Heritage CenterGoschenhoppen FolklifeMuseum and LibraryEvansburg State ParkLock 60 COLLEGEVILLEBerman Museum of ArtJ.J. Audubon Center at Mill GrovePeter Wentz FarmsteadPERKIOMEN TRAILSCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAILFort MifflinNorristown Farm ParkNORRISTOWNFort Washington State ParkW. CONSHOHOCKEN CONSHOHOCKENRiverbend Env. Edu. CtrMorris ArboretumSchuylkill Center for Env. Edu.Cliveden of the National TrustWISSAHICKON/GREEN RIBBON TRAILLower Merion ConservancyHistoric RittenhouseTownFAIRMOUNTPhiladelphia Zoo PARK Laurel Hill CemeteryPlease Touch Museum Fairmount Water WorksEastern State PenitentiaryThe Woodlands Philadelphia Museum of ArtBartram’s GardenIndependence NHP

NESCOPECKRicketts GlenState Park#9 Mine & MuseumHAZELTONCarbon County EECAPPALACHIAN TRAILNescopeckState ParkNESQUEHONINGWEISSPORTNathan Denison HouseWHITE HAVENEckley MinersVillageROCKPORTLehigh GapNature CenterTrexler-Lehigh CountyGame PreserveSaylor KilnsLiberty Bell Museum CATASAUQUALehigh Valley Heritage CenterAllentown Art Museum ALLENTOWNALBURTISLock RidgeFurnace ComplexWildlands ConservancyPool Wildlife SanctuaryJIM THORPEAsa Packer MansionLehigh Gorge Scenic RROld JailBeltzvilleState ParkFrances SlocumState ParkPALMERTONPalmerton Area Heritage CenterSwetland HomesteadWILKES-BARREKirby Center for the ArtsSeven Tubs Nature AreaHickory RunState ParkWALNUTPORTLocktender’s HouseBethlehem Steel SiteMoravian Colonial Industrial AreaThe Banana FactoryKemerer Museum of Decorative ArtsBETHLEHMEASTONTwo Rivers Landing/Crayola FactoryCanal Boat RideGround Hog Lock Hugh Moore ParkRAUBSVILLE State TheaterNockamixonState ParkRalph StoverState ParkTheodore RooseveltRecreation AreaTohickon Creek AqueductDelaware Canal State ParkAdlie Mansion/Heritage ConservancyPearl S. Buck House LAHASKADOYLESTOWNMercer Museum/Fonthill Honey Hollow EECJames A. Michener Art MuseumBowman’s Hill Wildflower PreserveThompson-Neely HouseNeshaminyState ParkAPPALACHIAN TRAILTyler State ParkHistoric FallsingtonNEW HOPELocktender’s HouseNew Hope & Ivyland R.R.Parry MansionYARDLEYSilver Lake Nature CenterBRISTOLGrundy MuseumPennsbury ManorRiverside TheaterMORRISVILLESummerseat Historic SiteRegionalTrailsThe eastern Pennsylvania region is blessed with a largenumber of trails, including national, regional, and localtrails. The most famous of these is the Appalachian NationalScenic Trail (AT), which bisects the region from southwest tonortheast, mostly along the top of the Kittatinny Ridge–pages22,23,68,121. The AT is the oldest long-distance trail in thenation, extending over 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine.Its trademark white blazes (rectangles of paint) can befollowed easily along the trail. The Pennsylvania section isnotorious for its rocks.Two other national/state trails intersect with the AT in anorth-south direction, following the regions major waterways.The Schuylkill River Trail will extend from Philadelphia toPottsville, intersecting the AT near Hamburg. The Delaware &Lehigh (D&L) Trail intersects with the AT at Lehigh Gap nearPalmerton/Slatington. The D&L follows the Delaware andLehigh Rivers and overland railroads on a path from Wilkes-Barre in the north to Bristol, just outside Philadelphia, in thesouth. Both the Schuylkill River Trail and the D&L Trail areunder construction with many sections completed. Many ofthese trail sections along their respective rivers are good forbirding and wildlife watching.107The Perkiomen Trail follows Perkiomen Creek from GreenLane–p. 84, to the Schuylkill River Trail just north of ValleyForge National Historical Park–p. 89. The Perkiomen offerssome climbs in addition to sections that are rail-trails. It alsopasses through several small, charming towns that welcometrail users.Forbidden Drive and Green Ribbon Trail in Philadelphiafollows the historic Wissahickon Creek–p. 103 and offersspectacular vistas through natural gorges. Because of itsproximity to Fairmount Park–pp. 101-104, there are manywildlife-viewing opportunities along this trail.Numerous other local trails can be found throughout theregion. Most of them traverse natural areas or at leastcorridors of natural habitat and are good places to look forbirds locally.

108Pike County!?!?!?M i d d le C r e e k!?590Lackawaxen4590434402GreenlyB u s h K i l l50739027398846MilfordMatamorasM i l l C r e e k44775739DELAWARE RIVERDingmans Ferry402!?Legend!?P a r a di s e C r e e kS a w C r ee kBushkill132096D e l a w a r e R i v e rN a t i o n a l R e c r e a t i o n A r eHandicappedAccessibilityHikingTrailsBikingTrailsRestroomsDogsAllowed

Pike109Site Description: The area consists mostly of youngdeciduous trees with a few pines. There are two small beaverponds next to the road. The last pond contains a number of talldead trees where Great Blue Herons nest.1Whitetail buck, Dave LevanduskyBig Egypt RoadLocation: Big Egypt Road is part of the Delaware WaterGap National Recreation Area. It is located west of Rt. 209and about 3 miles north of Bushkill.Owner & Contacts: National Park Service570-426-2452www.nps.gov/dewa (Delaware Water Gap NationalRecreation Area)Directions, Access & Parking: To reach Big EgyptRoad from the south, take Rt. 209 north. Just after mile marker4, turn left onto Little Egypt Rd. Turn left at Egypt Mills Rd. andproceed to the T-intersection with Rt. 2001. Turn right andstay on Rt. 2001 until you reach Big Egypt Rd. on your right.The distance from Rt. 209 to Big Egypt Rd. is about 3 miles. Toreach Big Egypt Road from the north, drive south on Rt. 209.Just before mile marker 5, at Tom’s Creek Picnic Area, turn righton Egypt Mills Rd. and follow the instructions given above. Turnright (east) onto Big Egypt Rd. and drive 1.4 miles to the beaverpond where the road ends. Park at the lake and bird the area.Any spot along the road can be good for birding but make surenot to block the road since it is very narrow at most places.There are no restrooms.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for typical winter birds found in forest and fieldhabitats. The road may not be passable during much of winter,especially if there is snow.Spring: The area can be a good place to see a variety ofspring migrants, including many species of warblers. Look forWood Ducks and Hooded Mergansers at the ponds.Summer: The area contains a small Great Blue HeronRookery at the end of the road. Prairie Warblers nest in thesmaller trees. Other nesting birds include Least Flycatcher,Great Crested Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Ovenbird, EasternTowhee and Scarlet Tanager.Fall: Migrating songbirds are present in late August andSeptember.Other Comments: The area has active beaver ponds• The area is excellent for hiking and observing a variety ofwildlife • Big Egypt Road has been designated an ImportantBird Area by Audubon PennsylvaniaGreat Blue Heron, R. Curtis/VIREO

1102bruce lakenatural areaLocation: Bruce Lake is located on the south side of I-84,between Routes 390 and 402 and just north of PromisedLand State Park.Owner & Contacts: PA Bureau of Forestry, DelawareState Forest (2,845 acres)717-895-4000 (District Forester)www.dcnr.state.pa.us./FORESTRY/stateforests/delawarenatural.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: From theinterchange of I-84 and Rt. 390, go south about 0.1 miles toa small parking lot on your left. A trail leads from this parkinglot to Egypt Meadow Lake and Bruce Lake. Egypt MeadowLake is a short (0.4 mile) hike but the hike to Bruce Lakeis a little over 2 miles. Be sure to get a Promised Land TrailSystem map before heading out to bird as there are lots oftrails and the area is very large. Maps are available at mapboxes at each parking lot or at Promised Land State Parkheadquarters. Map boxes may be empty some of the time.To reach the second parking area, drive south on Rt. 390 andlook for the parking lot on the right. There is a third parkingarea on the left side of Rt. 390 a little further south. The trailsystem extends south into Promised Land State Park. Thereare no restrooms.Other Comments: Bruce Lake is a natural glacial lake.• The area is excellent for hiking and observing a variety ofwildlife. • The area has been designated an Important BirdArea by Audubon Pennsylvania.Black Bear, Courtesy of National Park ServiceSite Description: The Bruce Lake Natural Areaconsists of mature deciduous and coniferous forest, swamps,riparian habitat and Bruce Lake and Egypt Meadows Lake.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for typical winter birds to be found in a foresthabitatSpring: The Bruce Lake Natural Area is an excellent placeto see a variety of spring migrants, including many speciesof warblers. Look for migrating waterfowl on Bruce Lake andEgypt Meadows Lake in March and April.Summer: There is a Great Blue Heron rookery at BruceLake. A large variety of warblers and other woodland andgrassland birds nest in the area.Fall: The area is an excellent place to see migratingsongbirds in late August and September. Migrating waterfowlcan be present in October and November.Canvasback, F. Leung/iStockphoto.com

Pike1113eshbach’s farmLocation: Eshbach’s Farm is part of the Delaware WaterGap National Recreation Area. It is located between Rt. 209and the Delaware River, midway between mile markers 6 and7, just north of Tom’s Creek Picnic Area.Owner & Contacts: Delaware Water Gap NationalRecreation Area, National Park Service570-426-2452www.nps.gov/dewaDirections, Access & Parking: As noted above,the farm is located on the east side of Rt. 209 between milemarkers 6 and 7. Look for the sign to the Eshbach BoatLaunch. Drive back on the dirt road until you reach the boatlaunch area at the river. Here you will find a small parkinglot at the boat launch and an outdoor toilet. There is a farmcomplex on the west side of Rt. 209 not far from the road tothe boat launchSite Description: The area consists of cultivated andfallow fields, riparian habitat along the Delaware River, andthe Delaware River. Most of the area is in fields but someof the best birding can be found in the tall trees along theDelaware River.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for waterfowl and Bald Eagles along theDelaware River. Wintering sparrows may be found in theweedy fields.Spring: The trees along the river can be a good place tofind migrating songbirds including vireos, warblers, ScarletTanager and Baltimore Oriole. Migrating waterfowl can befound on the Delaware River in March and April. Bald Eagleand Osprey may be present.Summer: Nesting birds include Great Crested Flycatcher,Eastern Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, several species of warblers,Indigo Bunting and Baltimore Oriole.Fall: Look for migrating songbirds in August andSeptember. Raptors and waterfowl may be present fromSeptember through November.Other Comments: A boat launch provides easy accessto the Delaware River. • The area is an excellent place to seewildlife. • The farm has been designated an Important BirdArea by Audubon Pennsylvania.Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Bill Raboin/iStockphoto.comCommon Merganser (female), Dan Kunkle

1124lackawaxen river/eagle INSTITute officeLocation: The Eagle Institute office is located inLackawaxen, at the west end of the Roebling Bridge.Owner & Contacts: Eagle Institute845-557-6162176 Scenic Dr., Lackawaxen, PAwww.eagleinstitute.orgDirections, Access & Parking: From the Hawleyarea, follow Rt. 590 along the Lackawaxen River. Turn left atLackawaxen firehouse. Follow Scenic Dr. to Robeling Bridge.The office is at the entrance to the bridge. From the Milfordarea, follow U.S. 6 west about 15 miles to Rt. 434. Turn rightat the Exxon station; stay straight when Rt. 434 turns into Rt.590 in Greeley. Follow Rt. 590 north to Lackawaxen, cross therailroad tracks, and follow the signs to Roebling Bridge. Thereis a nice, paved parking lot next to the bridge. Restrooms areavailable.Other Comments: The area is part of the UpperDelaware River National Scenic and Recreation River. •The Upper Delaware watershed hosts the largest number ofwintering Bald Eagles in the northeast, and a growing yearround population of eagles has made the area an ideallocation for eagle watching. • Take a walk or drive acrossthe Historic 1848 Delaware Aqueduct (Roebling Aqueduct) toMinisink Ford, New York. • Other places to visit include theEagle Institute office at the west end of the bridge and theZane Grey Museum (570-685-4871) that is located in thehome where Zane Grey lived from 1914-1918. The museum isopen seasonally, usually Memorial Day Weekend through LaborDay Weekend. • The area has been designated an ImportantBird Area by Audubon Pennsylvania.Site Description: The area includes the Delaware Riverand the adjacent river bottom forest.Through the Seasons:Winter: The main attraction in winter is the number of BaldEagles that can be seen along the Delaware River. Also lookfor waterfowl.Spring: Look for migrating waterfowl in March and April.The trees along the river are a good place to look for springmigrants. The best place in the area to see spring migrantsmight be along the canal towpath on the New York side of theDelaware River.Summer: Rough-winged and Cliff swallows nest at thebridge. Warbling Vireo nest in the tall trees along the river.Fall: Look for migrating songbirds and waterfowl. BaldEagles arrive for the winter in late fall.Bald Eagle

Pike1135pecks pondLocation: The pond is located on the east side of Rt. 402,adjacent to the Village of Pecks Pond.Owner & Contacts: Delaware State Forest, PecksPond – (420 acres)717-895-4000www.peckspond.com/ (marina)Directions, Access & Parking: From the north,at the intersection of I-80 and Rt. 402, go south on Rt. 402 forabout 6.5 miles. Pecks Pond is on the east side of Rt. 402.From the south, at the intersection of Rt. 402 and Rt. 2004, gonorth on Rt. 402 for about 2 miles.Site Description: The main feature of this site isPeck’s Pond, a large, shallow lake with a forested shorelineand many marshy areas. A canoe, kayak or rowboat is neededto bird the area since most of the shore is inaccessible byfoot. Boats can be rented at Pecks Pond Marina along Rt.402.The area also contains early successional forest, riparianhabitat and a stream. Pecks Pond is part of the DelawareState Forest.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for forest birds such as woodpeckers,nuthatches and chickadees. There may be waterfowl on thepond in areas where the water remains unfrozen.Spring: Pecks Pond can be a good place to view migratingloons, grebes, other waterfowl and herons. Look for Ospreysand Bald Eagles. Numbers of migrating songbirds are oftenpresent in May.Summer: A variety of nesting warblers and other songbirdsnest in the forest surrounding Pecks Pond.Fall: Migrating songbirds are present in early fall whilewaterfowl can be found in October and November.Other Comments: The pond ecosystem is animportant feature of Pecks Pond. • Pecks Pond offers a trueback-to-nature escape. The pond is a quiet, peaceful placeto fish and boat at your leisure. • The Pecks Pond Marinahas a bait and tackle shop, USGS maps, and a map of PecksPond Lake. There is a lake view restaurant and a PennsylvaniaFishing Museum.Pied-billed Grebe, Jemini Joseph/iStockphoto.comCedar Waxwing, G. Frieden /iStockphoto.com

1146pocono environmentaleduCATION centerLocation: The Center is located within the Delaware WaterGap National Recreation Area, just west of U.S. 209, about 0.5miles west of the Village of Dingman’s.Owner & Contacts: Pocono Environmental EducationCenter (1,000+ acres)570-828-2319RR 2, Box 1010, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328www.peec.org/Directions, Access & Parking: From the north,at the interchange of I-80 and U.S. 209, take U.S. 209 souththrough Milford and Dingmans Ferry. Look for the sign to theCenter between mile marker 8 and 9. Turn right on BriscoeMountain Rd., proceed 0.5 miles, and turn right again to reachthe Visitor Education and Administration Building Center. Thereis plenty of parking at the Center. From the south, take U.S.209 north and look for the sign to PEEC after you pass milemarker 8. Turn left and drive a short distance to the Center.There are restrooms.Site Description: The Pocono EnvironmentalEducation Center (PEEC) is located within the Delaware WaterGap National Recreation Area. The primary habitats includemature deciduous forest, mature coniferous forest, severalsmall ponds and riparian buffer. There are 13 miles of trails.Be sure to get a trail map at the Visitor Center. There areindividual maps for many of the trails. Canoeing is possibleon the ponds. The Visitor Education and AdministrativeBuilding is the hub of activity at PEEC. The building housestwo classrooms, a library, craft center, darkroom, store, indoorpool, offices, educational displays, and meeting areas forpresentations and dances. There are 47 cabins that cancomfortably sleep from two to 16 persons on wooden bunkbeds. All cabins have modern facilities.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for birds typically found in a mainly woodedenvironment. Rare species found at PEEC in winter haveincluded Black-backed Woodpecker.Spring: PEEC is an excellent place to see a large varietyof migrating songbirds, especially warblers. Herons may bepresent at the ponds.Summer: Many species of warblers and other songbirdsnest in the area.Fall: This is a good time to look for migrating songbirds. Thebest time to bird PEEC in fall is September.Other Comments: The Center offers a large varietyof events and educational workshops. Major improvementshave been made in recent years. Improvements for 2008included repaved campus roads, refurbished cabins, and theaddition of recreation areas for volleyball and basketball. •PEEC has been designated an Important Bird Area by AudubonPennsylvania.Mountain Laurel, Courtesy of National Park Service

Pike1157promised landSTATE PARKLocation: The park is located about 10 miles north ofCanadensis, on both sides of Rt. 390.Owner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources (about 3,000 acres)570-676-3428RR 1, Box 96, Greentown, PA 18426-9735www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/promisedland.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: To access thepark from the south, at the intersection of Rt. 390 and Rt.447in Canadensis, go north through Skytop for about 10 miles. Toreach the park from the north, at the interchange of I-84 andRt. 390, go south of Rt. 390 for about 3 miles.Site Description: Promised Land State Park containsextensive mature deciduous and coniferous forest. There aretwo large lakes: Promised Land Lake–422 acres, and LowerLake–173 acres. There are 50 miles of hiking trails in thepark and surrounding Delaware State Forest that provideaccess to many natural scenic areas that can be good forbirding. Some of the trails extend north into the Bruce LakeNatural Area. Bikers and hikers can also share the 6.5-milepaved road around Promised Land Lake. There are a variety offacilities in the park, including restrooms, changing rooms forbathers in summer, and many places to camp. An excellenttrail map and other information on the park is available atpark headquarters. There are lots of picnic tables.Through the Seasons:Winter: The park is good for woodpeckers, nuthatches andother winter birds.Spring: Look for migrating warblers and other forest birdssuch at Scarlet Tanager and nesting Bald Eagles at LowerLake. The two lakes can be good for migrating waterfowl attimes.Summer: Many species of warblers nest at Promised LandState Park.Fall: Look for migrating warblers in early fall and waterfowllater in the season.Other Comments: Promised Land State Park issurrounded by 12,464 acres of Pennsylvania’s Delaware StateForest. • The two lakes are good for fishing and have fiveboat launch areas. Boats must display a PA boat registrationsticker. • There is an active Bald Eagle nest at Lower Lake.• The park has been designated an Important Bird Area byAudubon Pennsylvania.Bobcat, Merlin BennerBird Hide, Promised Land State Park

1168State game land 180shohola WATER FOWLmanagement areaGolden-winged Warbler, G. Bartley/VIREOLocation: The area is located about 11 miles northwest ofMilford, off U.S. 6.Owner & Contacts: PA Game Commission (SGL 180- 11,493 acres, Shohola Lake – 1,150 acres)N.E. Regional Office: 570-675-1143www.pgc.state.pa.usDirections, Access & Parking: From Milford, takeU.S. 6 west for 11 miles until you see the State Game Landparking lot on the left (south) side of the highway. Park in thelot and walk down the path past the comfort station, to thelake. To reach the area from the west, at the intersection of Rt.434/1001 go east on U.S. 6 for 2.1 miles to the large parkinglot on the right. Just before the parking lot there is a road thatheads right (south) to a boat launch.Site Description: The Shohola Waterfowl ManagementArea is one of the largest wetlands in the region. The wetlandswere formed by a dam that was built in the 1960s on theShohola Creek. The wetlands have limited access, but severalboat launches provide access to wonderful canoeing andkayaking. In fact a boat is needed to bird much of the area.Some areas are closed during the Bald Eagle nesting season.Much of the remainder of the area is made up of a maturemixed deciduous/coniferous forest. The PA Game Commissionhas an excellent map of State Game Land 180 that showsthe location of trails, parking areas, the boat launch and alookout tower.Through the Seasons:Winter: Because of its size, the lake attracts unusualwaterfowl. The lake also has beaver, otter and muskrat.Spring: The area has long been known as a nesting site forBald Eagle. The area was a release site for Osprey when theywere being reintroduced to Pennsylvania. Several pairs nesthere now. The lake is well known for many waterfowl species.There is a good population of Golden-winged Warblers in thecutover forest habitat on the north side of the lake.Summer: Nesting waterfowl include Mallard, Black Duck,Wood Duck, Common Merganser and Hooded Merganser. Soraand Pied-billed Grebe are confirmed nesters.Fall: The observation tower is a good place from which towatch waterfowl and migrating eagles and other raptors.Other Comments: Shohola Falls and gorge, locatedbelow the lake dam, is listed in “Outstanding GeologicalFeatures of PA”. • The site has been designated an ImportantBird Area by Audubon Pennsylvania because it is a nesting areafor Bald Eagles and Ospreys. • Visit the PA Game Commissionwebsite, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates of hunting seasons andblaze orange clothing requirements. Please follow State GameLand or hunting regulations posted in parking areas. There isno hunting on Sundays.Hooded Merganser, R. Thornton/iStockphoto.com

Pike117Canada Geese, courtesy Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor

118SchuylkillCountyH u m b o l d t R e s .D a m F R e s .M a h a n o yC r e e kR o a r i n gCM u g s e r R u nr e e kB r u s hV a l l e y R e s .S h a m o k i n R e s .901A s h l a n d R e s .R i n g t o w n R e s .339K e h l y R u n R e s .924Mahanoy CityL O C U S T L A K EE i s e n h u t h R e s .K a u f m a n R e s .T a r R u n R e s . W o l fM i n e r s v i l l e R e s .C r e e k R e s .61St. ClaireC a t a w i s s a2C r e e k81S i l v e rC r e e k R e s .3L o f t y R e s .T U S C A R O R A209S t i l l C r e e k R e s .309G r e e n w o o dL a k eBarnesvilleTamaqua443H a u t oD a mN e s q u e h o n i n g C309rM a u c h C h u n k L aL i z a r d C r e eS n o wC r e e kL i t t l e M a h a n t a n g oC r e e kC r y s t a l R e s .Pottsville895L e a s e r L a k ee kW i c o n i s c o C r e e kP i n e Cr e e k2092512581L e b a n o n R e s .125S w a t a r aC r e e kS w e e t A r r o wL a k eI n d i a n R u n R e s .4438959014S t a i r w a yL a k e44361 895AuburnPort Clinton15N e w K e r n s v i l l eL a k eS a c o n yC r e e kS W A T A R A645O n t e l a u n e eLegendHandicappedAccessibilityHikingTrailsBikingTrailsRestroomsDogsAllowed

Schuylkill119Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Paul Tessler/iStockphoto.com1STATE GAME LAND 110KITTATINNY RIDGE,PORT CLINTONLocation: The site is located on the north side of theKittatinny Ridge (Blue Mountain) west of Port Clinton.Owner & Contacts: PA Game Commission(10,000 acres)S.E. Regional Office610-926-3136www.pqc.state.pa.usDirections, Access & Parking: From I-78, take theHamburg exit No. 30. Follow Rt. 61 north toward Port Clinton.Turn left onto Broad Street and go about 1.2 miles to a parkingarea on the right.Site Description: This 3-4 square mile area within the10,000-acre State Gamelands No. 110 is something special.Explore ridges and valleys on short trails that overlook theforested creeks and canyons of the northern flanks of theKittatinny Ridge. From the parking area, walk uphill along theravine to the top of the hill. Once at the top, bear left and thenmake another left a bit further along the path to hike a linear0.9-mile trail along the southwest ridge. Back at the top of thehill, follow the loop trail to the Schuylkill River and back up tothe north side of the ravine.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for typical winter birds such as Wild Turkey,woodpeckers, nuthatches and sparrows.Spring: The ridge offers excellent songbird migration habitat.Summer: The recently logged Southwest Ridge hosts a highdensity of breeding warblers that include Hooded Warbler andYellow-breasted Chat. The loop trail hosts breeding songbirdsthat include Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,Red-eyed Vireo and a variety of warblers. Whip-poor-will canbe heard at the top of the hill and near forest edges alongthe ravine.Fall: The site is part of the Kittatinny Ridge raptor migrationcorridor. Look for migrating raptors throughout the fall. Themigration along the north side of the ridge is best on dayswhen winds are from the west or northwest. Look for migratingsongbirds in late August through early October.Other Comments: If you visit in the fall, considervisiting the world-famous Hawk Mountain Sanctuary–page 26• The Kittatinny Ridge has been designated an ImportantBird area by Audubon Pennsylvania. • Visit the PA GameCommission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates of huntingseasons and blaze orange clothing requirements. Please followState Game Land or hunting regulations posted in parkingareas. There is no hunting on Sundays.

1202LOCUST LAKESTATE PARKLocation: Locust Lake State Park is located about 4miles southwest of Mahanoy City.Owner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources (1,089 acres) (Locust Lake – 52acres)570-467-2404 • RR. 1 Barnesville, PA 18214www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/locustlake.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: From Pottsville,follow Rt. 61 north to St. Claire. Turn right onto HancockSt./SR 1006 at the park sign. Follow 1006 7.8 miles andturn right on SR 1011. Stay on 1011 at the stop sign (bearright), and turn right on T489 at the park sign. From I-81, Exitat 131A and follow SR1008 1.2 miles west. Turn left on SR1006/1011 for 1 mile then turn left on SR 1011 at the parksign. Stay on 1011 at the stop sign and turn right on T489 atthe park sign. Parking and restrooms are available.Site Description: Locust Lake State Park nestleson the side of Locust Mountain and is comprised mainly ofmature deciduous forest. Locust Lake is a popular fishinglake. There are two campgrounds with a total of 282campsites located near the lake. The campgrounds are openfrom early April to mid-October. The concessions are opendaily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends duringthe fall. Rowboats and canoes are available for rent on anhourly and daily basis. A paved, one-mile, bike trail circles thelake. A number of hiking trails wind through the park and varyfrom level trails to steep, challenging trails for hearty hikers.The park gets busy during summer, especially on weekends.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for typical winter forest birds such aswoodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice and chickadees.Spring: Migrant waterfowl can be found on Locust Lake onoccasion. In May, look for Wood Thrush, Veery, Scarlet Tanagerand a variety of migrating warblers.Summer: Scarlet Tanagers and several species of nestingwarblers can be found.Fall: Look for migrating songbirds from late August throughearly October and waterfowl in October and November.Other Comments: Hunting is permitted during season.• Locust Lake State Park is only 6 miles from Tuscarora StatePark. • The state park adjoins 600 acres of Weiser StateForest. • Visit the PA Game Commission website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, for dates of hunting seasons and blaze orangeclothing requirements. Please follow State Game Land orhunting regulations posted in parking areas. There is nohunting on Sundays.White-breasted Nuthatch, Corey HusicRed Admiral, Corey Husic

Schuylkill1213TUSCARORA STATE PARKLocation: The park is located about 3 miles west ofTamaqua and south of Barnesville.Owner & Contacts: PA Department of Conservationand Natural Resources (1,618 acres)(Tuscarora Lake – 96 acres)570-467-2404687 Tuscarora Park Rd., Barnesville, PA 18214-9715(The Park Office and Visitor Center also serves Locust LakeState Park.)www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/tuscarora.aspxDirections, Access & Parking: From Tamaqua atthe Rt. 209/309 junction, travel north on Rt. 309 for 1 mileand turn left at the park sign onto SR 1018. Follow SR 1018for 2.7 miles to the park entrance road on the left. Parkingand restrooms are available.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for typical winter forest birds such aswoodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice and chickadees.Spring: Migrating waterfowl can be found on TuscaroraLake. In May, look for migrating thrushes, Scarlet Tanagerand warblers.Summer: A variety of warblers nest in the park. Alsopresent are Wood Thrush and Scarlet Tanager.Fall: Look for migrating songbirds in late August throughearly October and waterfowl later in the season.Other Comments: About 1,100 acres are open tohunting. • Tuscarora Lake State Park is only 6 miles fromLocust Lake State Park.Site Description: Tuscarora State Park is comprisedmostly of mature deciduous forest with some coniferous forest,fallow fields, marsh and stream habitat. There is a small lakethat offers mostly warm water game fish. There are sevenhiking trails that range in length from 0.3 miles to 1.4 miles.None of the trails involves difficult hiking. Concessions areopen Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends during the fall.Rowboats and canoes can be rented at the lake. Tuscaroraand Locust Lake state parks offer a wide variety ofenvironmental education and interpretive programs.Check the Calendar of Events for a listing of upcoming events.The park can be very busy during summer months, especiallyon weekends.Tree Swallow, Dan Kunkle

1224LANDINGVILLE MARSHLocation: The site is located along the Schuylkill River,about one mile south of the Borough of Landingville.Owner: PA Department of Environmental Protection/Bureauof Abandoned Mine Reclamation.Directions, Access & Parking: If approachingfrom the south on Rt. 61, about 4 miles north of Port Clinton,take Rt. 895 West toward Auburn. After driving about 1.8 milesturn right (north) on Hickory Dr. at the Omnova Solutionssign. Go about 1.5 miles to Tunnel Rd. and turn left. Proceedanother 1.1 miles to the Tunnel Road Trailhead parking lot onthe right. There is plenty of parking available. The SchuylkillRiver Trail’s Bartram Section crosses Canal Street at theparking lot. To reach the Tunnel Road Trailhead from the smallBorough of Landingville (population – 175), turn east intoCherry St. and go about a block to Canal St. Cherry St. is notmuch more than an alley. It is located across the road fromthe large Community Fire Company parking lot. Go south onCanal St., cross the one-lane bridge over the Schuylkill River,and continue south along the east side of the river. The parkinglot is about 0.8 miles south of Landingville. Bird the trail ineither direction from the parking lot. You can also bird alongthe road but watch for traffic. There are no restrooms.Through the Seasons:Winter: Ducks, Great Blue Herons and Belted Kingfishersmay be present if the water remains open. Look for typicalwinter birds such as woodpeckers, titmice, chickadees,nuthatches and winter sparrows.Spring: This is the season to see a variety of waterfowl,Great Blue and Green herons, possibly bitterns and rails. Thearea is good for migrating warblers.Summer: Birds that breed in the area include Wood Duck,Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Wood Thrush, YellowWarbler, Common Yellowthroat, Scarlet Tanager and SwampSparrow.Fall: Look for migrating warblers in late August andSeptember and waterfowl and sparrows in October andNovember.Other Comments: The PA Fish & Boat Commission hasa public fishing and boating “Auburn Access” area on the westside of the river south of Landingville. To reach this area, drivesouth from Landingville on Meadow Dr. for about 1 mile andturn left into the parking lot.Site Description: The main features of the site arethe marshes and open water along the Schuylkill River. Theareas along the trail are mostly wooded. Some field habitat ispresent on the west side of the river.Virginia Rail, R.& N. Bowers/VIREOBlue Flag Iris, Dan Kunkle

Schuylkill123American Redstartt (female), G. Bailey/VIREO5RATTLING RUN –KITTATINNY RIDGEThe site is located along Rattling Run,in Port Clinton.Owner & Contacts: Port Clinton Water Co-Op.Contact information is unavailable.Directions, Access & Parking: From I-78,take the Hamburg exit 30. Follow Rt. 61 north into PortClinton. Turn right onto Clinton St. across Rt. 61 from thePeanut Shop and the Port Clinton Hotel. Be careful of theheavy traffic on Rt. 61 and give plenty of warning beforeturning onto Clinton St. Drive to the end of the streetand park on the grass on the left next to Rattling Run.Cross the wooden bridge to the trail.Site Description: Salamanders appreciate thenumerous seeps that keep this 2-mile footpath along RattlingRun a bit soggy. The trail follows a lush mountain ravine ofeastern hemlocks and white pines that provides ideal foresthabitat for nesting birds. The area is free and open to thepublic year-round. Please observe any water quality regulationpostings. There are no restrooms.Through the Seasons:Winter: Look for winter birds typically found in this type ofhabitat.Spring: The best times to visit Rattling Run are in springand early summer. Migrating songbirds can be found. Lookfor salamanders.Summer: Nesting birds of interest include AcadianFlycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Veery, Wood Thrush, Worm-eatingWarbler, Ovenbird and Louisiana Waterthrush.Fall: Migrating songbirds may be present during late Augustand September.Other Comments: If you go in the fall, considervisiting the world-famous Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, page 25.Dogs are not allowed on Hawk Mountain property.

124Guide to specialty birdsSpecies Habitat Site(s) SeasonPied-billed Grebe lakes, ponds Shohola late spring--early autumnRoosevelt Park – Phila. autumn through springRoss’s Goose lakes, fields Lake Ontelaunee autumn through springGreater White- lakes, fields Lake Ontelaunee, autumn through springfronted GooseGreen Lane, Peace ValleyHooded Merganser lakes, ponds Shohola, Brady’s Lake late spring–early autumnGreat Blue Heron swamp (with trees) Quakertown Swamp, March–May(rookery)Big Egypt Road, Bruce LakeAmerican Bittern wetlands, wet meadows Long Pond, Quakertown springSwamp, Del. Water Gap NRA HQsLeast Bittern wetlands John Heinz NWR spring–summerVirginia Rail wetlands Quakertown Swamp spring–summerJohn Heinz NWRSora wetlands Quakertown Swamp spring–summerJohn Heinz, Shohola,Landingville MarshShorebirds mudflats, shallow water Green Lane, Cherry Valley May, Aug–SeptLesser Black- lakes Peace Valley, Core fall through springbacked Gull Creen, Lake NockamixonIceland Gull lakes Lake Nockamixon December through MarchNorthern Harrier grassland Long Pond spring–autumnBald Eagle (nesting) lakes, rivers with forest Teekening Preserve early spring–summerShohola, Green Lane,Core Creek, Promised LandOsprey (nesting) lakes, rivers with forests Shohola, Teekening spring–summerPeregrine Falcon cliffs, tall structures Teekening Preserve early spring--summer

125Guide to specialty birds (continued)Species Habitat Site(s) SeasonMigrating raptors ridges Hawk Mt. Sanctuary autumn (some in spring)Bake Oven Knob,Kittatinny Ridge sitesRed-headed open woods and Delaware Water Gap spring–autumnWoodpecker swamps HQs, Green LaneCommon Nightwaks bare rocks, roofs Lehigh Gap Nature Ctr. summer–early autumnPrairie Warbler scrub Lehigh Gap Nature Ctr. spring—mid summerLong Pond, NottinghamGolden-winged scrub Shohola, Long Pond spring—mid summerWarblerYellow-throated riparian forest and Washington’s Crossing, spring—mid summerWarbleralong canal Unami Creek,Hugh Moore Park, D&L TrailCerulean Warbler mature forest Leaser Lake, Bake Oven spring—mid summerKnob, Washington’s CrossingWorm-eating forest Leaser Lake, Bake Oven spring—mid summerWarblerKnob, Unami CreekSGL 106/Pine SwampBlue Grosbeak grassland Lehigh Gap Nature Ctr. summerTyler State ParkGrassland Sparrows grassland Leaser Lake, Tyler spring—mid summerState Park, BeltzcvilleCherry ValleyEastern Meadowlark grassland Leaser Lake, Tyler State Park spring–early summerLong Pond Cherry Valley,Blue Marsh LakeBobolink grassland Leaser Lake, Long Pond spring–early summer

126ResourcesGeneralDelaware & Lehigh National Heritage CorridorWeb: www.delawareandlehigh.orgSchuylkill River Heritage AreaPhone: 484-945-0200Web: www.schuylkillriver.orgPennsylvania AudubonWeb: http://pa.audubon.orgPA Department of Conservation and Natural ResourcesWeb: www.dcnr.state.pa.usBerks CountyGreater Reading Convention and Visitors Bureau2525 N. 12th Street, Suite 101Reading, PA 19605Phone: 800-443-6610Web: www.readingberkspa.comBaird Ornithological Club, Reading, PAWeb:http://hometown.aol.com/kargardner/myhomepage/pagebaird.htmBucks CountyBucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau3207 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020Phone: 215-639-0300Web: www.buckscountycvb.orgBucks County Audubon Society6324 Upper York RoadNew Hope, Pennsylvania 18938Phone: 215-297-5880Web: www.bcas.orgCarbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne CountyPocono Mountains Visitors Bureau1004 Main Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360Phone: 800-762-6667Web: www.800poconos.comNortheast PA Audubon SocietyBox 711Honesdale, Pennsylvania 18431Phone: (570) 253-9250Web: www.nepaaudubonsociety.orgMonroe County Conservation DistrictEnvironmental Education Center8050 Running Valley RoadStroudsburg, PA 18360Phone: 570-629-3061Web: www.mcconservation.org/EnvironEducation/abouteecenter.htmlChester CountyChester County Conference and Visitors Bureau400 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA 19341Phone: 800-228-9933Web: www.brandywinevalley.comDelaware CountyBrandywine Conference and Visitors BureauOne Beaver Valley RoadChadds Ford, PA 19317Phone: 800-343-3983Web:www.brandywinecvb.org

127Resources (continued)Lehigh and Northampton CountyLehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau840 Hamilton Street, Suite 200Allentown, PA 18101Phone: 800.747.0561Web: www.lehighvalleypa.orgLehigh Valley Audubon SocietyP.O. Box 290Emmaus, PA 18049Web: www.lehigh.edu/~bcm0/lvas/index.htmlLuzerne CountyLuzerne County Convention and Visitors Bureau56 Public Square, Wilkes Barre, PA 18701Phone: 888-905-2872Web: www.tournepa.comMontgomery CountyValley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau600 West Germantown Pike, Suite 130Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462Phone: 800.441.3549Web: www.valleyforge.org/VisitorsValley Forge AudubonWeb: www.valleyforgeaudubon.orgPhiladelphiaGreater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corp.30 S. 17th Street, Suite 1710Philadelphia, PA 19103Phone: 215-599-0776Web: www.philadelphiausa.travel/www.gophila.comAcademy of Natural Sciences1900 Benjamin Franklin ParkwayPhiladelphia, PA 19103Web: www.ansp.orgDelaware Valley Ornithological Clubc/o Academy of Natural SciencesWeb: www.dvoc.org/Main.htmWyncote Audubon SocietyWeb: www.wyncoteaudubon.orgSchuylkill CountySchuylkill County Visitors Bureau200 E. Arch Street, Pottsville, PA 17901Phone: 800-765-7282Web: www.schuylkill.orgSnow Geese, Steven P. Fordyce

128My Birding Notes:

My Birding Notes:129

130Site Index(SGL = State Game Land)Auburn Lookout-SGL 110................................................24Bake Oven Knob.............................................................59Beltzville State Park.......................................................42Benjamin Rush State Park............................................105Big Egypt Road.............................................................109Black Rock Sanctuary.....................................................49Blue Marsh Lake............................................................26Bowman’s Hill/Washington Crossing Historic Park..........38Brady’s Lake Natural Area-SGL 127................................77Bruce Lake Natural Area...............................................110Carbon County Environmental Education Center.............41Cherry Valley, Blakeslee Farm..........................................81Churchville Nature Center...............................................29Core Creek County Park..................................................30Council Cup Scenic Overlook..........................................69D & L Trail.......................................................................94Delaware Water Gap NRA Park HQ..................................79Delaware Water Gap.......................................................75Eshbach’s Farm............................................................111Evansburg State Park.....................................................83F.D. Roosevelt Park.......................................................102Fairmont Park System...................................................101Five Mile Woods.............................................................31Frank Farm Recreation Area............................................65French Creek State Park.................................................19Green Lane Reservoir, Green Lane Park...........................84Hawk Mountain Sanctuary..............................................25Hay Creek-French Creek State Park.................................19Hickory Run State Park...................................................43Hugh Moore Historical Park............................................99Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center..................93John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum...............55John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove......................90Jordan Creek Parkway.....................................................63Kirby Park Natural Area...................................................70Kittatinny Ridge..............................................................66Kittatinny Ridge Mountaintop-SGL 110...........................22Kittatinny Ridge, Northkill Gap-SGL 110.........................23Kittatinny Ridge, Port Clinton-SGL 110..........................119Lackawaxen River/Eagle Institute Office.......................112Lake Ontelaunee............................................................20Landingville Marsh.......................................................122Leaser Lake....................................................................60Lehigh Gap Nature Center..............................................61Lehigh Gorge State Park.................................................44Little Lehigh Parkway......................................................62Locust Lake State Park.................................................120Long Pond/Hypsy Gap....................................................78Martins Creek Environmental Preserve............................95Minsi Lake and Bear Swamp..........................................96Mocanaqua Loop Trail....................................................71Monocacy Nature Center................................................97Nescopeck State Park....................................................72Nockamixon State Park..................................................32Nolde Forest E.E. Center.................................................27Norristown Farm Park.....................................................85Nottingham County Park.................................................52Palmerton Superfund Site..............................................47Peace Valley County Park................................................33Peck’s Pond..................................................................113Pennypack Creek Park..................................................104Perkiomen Trail North Section........................................86Pickering Creek Trail - West Pikeland Township................51Pine Swamp...................................................................21Pocono Environmental Education Center......................114Pocono Mountains.........................................................74Promised Land State Park............................................115Quakertown Swamp........................................................37Rattling Run.................................................................123Reservoir Park................................................................98Ridley Creek State Park..................................................56Seven Tubs Nature Area..................................................73Shohola Water Fowl Management Area-SGL 180...........116Silver Lake Nature Center...............................................34Spring Mountain.............................................................87State Game Land 110...................................... 21-24, 119State Game Land 127....................................................77State Game Land 180..................................................116Tannersville Cranberry Bog..............................................80Tinicum County Park/Giving Pond Recreation Area..........35Trexler Nature Preserve...................................................64Tuscarora State Park....................................................121Tyler Arboretum...............................................................57Tyler State Park..............................................................36Unami Creek Valley.........................................................88Valley Forge National Historical Park..............................89Warwick County Park......................................................50White Clay Creek Preserve...............................................53Wissahickon Creek Park...............................................103

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