Gifford Pinchot State Park

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Gifford Pinchot State Park is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/5/2026435 N School House Rd, Paradise US-PA (39.9295,-76.9289)1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/4/2026Front St.1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/4/2026Possum Hollow Rd.1 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

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

3/3/2026Children's Lake1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/2/2026Codorus SP--Hoff Rd. Launch/Smith Point Area2 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/1/2026Millers Corner 934 E Lisburn Rd, Mechanicsburg US-PA 40.17326, -76.944191 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

323/5/2026

Gadwall

23/5/2026

American Wigeon

283/5/2026

Mallard

233/5/2026

Northern Pintail

503/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

603/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

53/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/5/2026

Common Merganser

503/5/2026

Mourning Dove

43/5/2026

American Coot

13/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

83/5/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

63/5/2026

American Crow

13/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

43/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

33/5/2026

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 Gifford Pinchot State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Gifford Pinchot State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Gifford Pinchot State Park?
Notable species at Gifford Pinchot State Park include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gifford Pinchot State Park?
Birding at Gifford Pinchot State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Gifford Pinchot State Park?
Gifford Pinchot State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.