Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
WetlandLake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Hooded Merganser 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

3/5/2026Middle Creek WMA--Willow Pt. Trail2 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/5/2026Middlecreek1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Middle Creek WMA--Auto Tour (Lancaster Co.)7 observed

Carolina x Black-capped Chickadee (hybrid)

Poecile carolinensis x atricapillus

3/2/2026Orwigsburg, 347 Coal Mountain Road1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/1/2026E.J. Breneman Quarry4 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

2/28/202630 Hafer Road, Oley, Pennsylvania, US (40.378, -75.728)1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

2/28/2026Angelica Park, Reading US-PA 40.31166, -75.926181 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

2/28/2026Allendale to Kwikshop1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

73/2/2026

Wood Duck

53/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/2/2026

Common Merganser

563/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/2/2026

Bald Eagle

13/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/2/2026

American Crow

63/2/2026

White-throated Sparrow

13/2/2026

Common Grackle

13/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/2/2026

Snow Goose

2002/24/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/24/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/24/2026

American Robin

52/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports wetland, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area?
Birding at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area?
Blue Marsh Lake State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.