Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir

Pennsylvania · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This lake 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

Common Loon Bald Eagle Double-crested Cormorant Ring-billed Gull Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

3/6/2026Howard Bridge1 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

2/23/20261132 West Village Drive, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, US (41.219, -77.135)1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

2/21/2026Tiadaghton Elm Park, Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, US (41.18, -77.279)2 observed

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
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.

Pennsylvania Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Pennsylvania →

Birding Guides

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

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

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

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir for birding?▼

The best months to visit Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir?▼

Notable species at Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir?▼

Birding at Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir?▼

Ohl / McElhattan Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.