Scotia Barrens - general

Pennsylvania · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Scotia Barrens - general is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts American Woodcock, Hairy Woodpecker, and Black-capped Chickadee among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

American Woodcock Hairy Woodpecker Black-capped Chickadee Cedar Waxwing White-throated Sparrow

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026167 Halby Lane, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, US (40.86, -77.875)2 observed

Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x rubripes

2/28/2026Sinking Creek Haven2 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

2/27/2026Axemann Rd. Pond1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

2/23/2026Bob’s house 40.72279, -78.122001 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

2/21/2026Plummer's Hollow1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Woodcock

42/28/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/26/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

22/26/2026

Cedar Waxwing

22/26/2026

White-throated Sparrow

12/26/2026

Song Sparrow

12/26/2026

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 Scotia Barrens - general for birding?▼

The best months to visit Scotia Barrens - general for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Scotia Barrens - general?▼

Notable species at Scotia Barrens - general include American Woodcock, Hairy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Cedar Waxwing, White-throated Sparrow. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Scotia Barrens - general?▼

Birding at Scotia Barrens - general is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Scotia Barrens - general?▼

Scotia Barrens - general offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.