Kernsville Dam Recreation Area

Pennsylvania · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Kernsville Dam Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Red-eyed Vireo Scarlet Tanager Pileated Woodpecker Wood Thrush Ovenbird

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

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

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/1/2026Mountain Rd.1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

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

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

2/28/2026Five Points Feeder1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/22/2026Lake Ontelaunee--Peters Creek/Ponds1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

2/22/2026Backyard woods, feeders, Lower Heidelberg Twp, Berks, Pa1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Pennsylvania

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

World's first raptor refuge with legendary fall hawk migration along the Appalachian Ridge.

Antrim Commons Dr. Ponds

Forest birding hotspot in Pennsylvania with 201 recorded species.

Bald Eagle State Park

Forest birding hotspot in Pennsylvania with 275 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kernsville Dam Recreation Area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Kernsville Dam Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Kernsville Dam Recreation Area?▼

Notable species at Kernsville Dam Recreation Area include Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Kernsville Dam Recreation Area?▼

Birding at Kernsville Dam Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Kernsville Dam Recreation Area?▼

Kernsville Dam Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.