Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve

Pennsylvania · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve is a productive birding destination in Pennsylvania, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Mallard 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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/6/2026157 Sellersville Road, Chalfont, Pennsylvania, US (40.3, -75.23)1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/6/2026Norristown/Bridgeport Dam39 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/6/2026Perkiomen Trail--Graterford Area1 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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/6/2026Norristown Riverfront Park1 observed

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

3/6/2026Norristown/Bridgeport Dam1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/6/2026Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve1 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

63/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

173/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

123/6/2026

Mourning Dove

83/6/2026

Northern Flicker

23/6/2026

Carolina Wren

13/6/2026

European Starling

3/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/6/2026

American Robin

83/6/2026

Song Sparrow

63/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

73/6/2026

Common Grackle

23/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

American Crow

23/6/2026

House Sparrow

23/6/2026

House Finch

13/6/2026

Savannah Sparrow

13/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/6/2026

Wood Duck

63/5/2026

Mallard

103/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  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 Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve?
Notable species at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Mourning Dove, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve?
Birding at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve?
There is no entrance fee at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve?
Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.