Big Spring

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Big Spring is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Mallard among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/6/2026Letterkenny Reservoir2 observed

Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x rubripes

3/4/2026Children's Lake2 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/4/2026Children's Lake1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/4/2026I-81 S, Carlisle US-PA 40.15329, -77.303041 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

3/3/2026Children's Lake1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

3/1/2026US-Pennsylvania-Carlisle-6 Westminster Drive - 40.19x-77.1631 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

2/28/2026SGL 169–Bridgewater Rd. first section1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

43/5/2026

Wood Duck

23/5/2026

Mallard

133/5/2026

Greater Scaup

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

43/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Black Vulture

43/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Blue Jay

23/5/2026

American Crow

33/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/5/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

23/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

Carolina Wren

13/5/2026

European Starling

403/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

33/5/2026

Song Sparrow

33/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

63/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Spring for birding?
The best months to visit Big Spring for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Big Spring?
Notable species at Big Spring include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Greater Scaup, Mourning Dove. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Spring?
Birding at Big Spring is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Spring?
Big Spring offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.