John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 280 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, 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

Redhead

Aythya americana

3/6/2026Springton Reservoir (restricted access)5 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/6/2026John Heinz NWR--wetlands (Delaware Co.)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/6/2026John Heinz NWR--wetlands (Delaware Co.)2 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

3/6/2026Delaware River--Hog Island Rd. (Delaware Co.)2 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/6/2026John Heinz NWR--impoundment (Philadelphia Co.)2 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

3/6/2026Pugh Road, Wayne, PA backyard birdfeeder1 observed

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

3/6/2026Norristown/Bridgeport Dam1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/6/2026King of Prussia area1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/6/2026King of Prussia area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

373/6/2026

Mallard

1313/6/2026

American Black Duck

333/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

173/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

303/6/2026

Bufflehead

103/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

83/6/2026

Common Merganser

353/6/2026

Mourning Dove

13/6/2026

Killdeer

43/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

603/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

33/6/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Northern Flicker

23/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

American Crow

163/6/2026

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 John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands?
Notable species at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, American Wigeon, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands?
Birding at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands?
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.