Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 293 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Tundra Swan 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

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

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhynchus

3/3/2026Lions lake park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

30003/5/2026

Canada Goose

5003/5/2026

Tundra Swan

93/5/2026

American Wigeon

23/5/2026

Northern Pintail

803/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

103/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

403/5/2026

Common Merganser

83/5/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

23/5/2026

Killdeer

33/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/5/2026

Bald Eagle

43/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

23/5/2026

American Crow

33/5/2026

Fish Crow

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Gadwall, American Wigeon, American Woodcock, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Downy Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, House Sparrow, House Finch. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area?
There is no entrance fee at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area?
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.