Chestnut Grove Natural Area

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chestnut Grove Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/6/2026Woods Edge Park1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/6/2026William Kain Park, Hess Farm Rd West Bank1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/6/2026Clear Spring Road, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, US (40.092, -76.434)1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/3/2026River Dr. upstream from Accomac.1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/1/2026Hopewell Twp. Park2 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

2/28/2026Woods Edge Park1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

2/28/202693B46_31 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

2/27/2026Susquehanna River--Columbia/Wrightsville2 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

2/26/2026Wrightsville--Lemon St. Viewpoint (York Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

23/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Northern Flicker

43/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

Winter Wren

13/5/2026

Carolina Wren

43/5/2026

European Starling

23/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/5/2026

Field Sparrow

43/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

93/5/2026

Song Sparrow

113/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

243/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

83/5/2026

Canada Goose

303/5/2026

Mourning Dove

33/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

503/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

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 Chestnut Grove Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Chestnut Grove Natural Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chestnut Grove Natural Area?
Notable species at Chestnut Grove Natural Area include Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chestnut Grove Natural Area?
Birding at Chestnut Grove Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chestnut Grove Natural Area?
Chestnut Grove Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.