In addition to our sanctuaries, here are some of our favorite birding locations in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Please let us know if you have something to add to the list!
LACKAWANNA COUNTY
Dick and Nancy Eales Nature Preserve at Moosic Mountain
Off Rt. 247, south of Marshwood Rd.
Lake Scranton
Owned and operated by the Pennsylvania American Water Company, Lake Scranton supplies all of Scranton’s water needs. The 3.5 mile paved road/trail is easily accessible from a parking lot on Route 307, just a mile or so south of Interstate 81. Go to the end of the parking lot and walk a few hundred meters down to the trail and start there.
PIKE COUNTY
Delaware State Forest, Route 402 Corridor
Delaware State Forest, along the route 402 corridor between route 209 and interstate 84. Peck’s Pond area. Pine Flats, Highline and Hobday Roads. During breeding season, Golden-winged Warblers can be found in harvested areas with deer exclosure fences; also along Pine Flats and Highline Roads.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC)
Promised Land State Park / Bruce Lake Natural Area
Over 50 miles of trails. Birds observed here have included Merlin (nesting, with young), Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Canada, and Mourning Warblers. It’s also a good spot to see Red-breasted Nuthatch.
Roebling Bridge
Take Route 590 East from Hawley along the Lackawaxen River. Turn left at Lackawaxen firehouse & follow Scenic Dr. to Roebling Bridge (there are signs). Cliff Swallows & Northern Rough-Winged Swallows can be found nesting at the bridge. This is also usually a good spot to see Bald Eagles.
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY
Woodburne Forest & Wildlife Preserve
WAYNE COUNTY
Beech House Creek Wildlife Refuge
Across the road from Shuman Point. There are no designated trails, but access to the wetlands is permitted for hiking and birding.
Dorflinger-Sydam Wildlife Sanctuary
Web site has directions & a trail map. During breeding season, Bobolinks can be found in the field when you enter the sanctuary.
Lacawac Sanctuary
Nice trails. See website for directions.
Ledgedale Natural Area
This 80-acre woodland tract is located at the southern end of the lake; its parking lot can be accessed from Ledgedale Rd. off Rt. 507 near I-84, or from Everly Rd. to Ledgedale off Rt. 590 in the other direction. Brochure/Map.
Shuman Point Natural Area
Three mile hiking trail (loop) on a 250 acre PPL nature preserve on Lake Wallenpaupack. The trail has almost 2 miles that runs within 50-150 meters along the shoreline. The trail is narrow and heavily wooded, but has some beautiful vistas along the lake. It is an easy hiking trail with one spot elevating to approximately 70-80 feet above the lake. Approximately 2.5 miles west of Hawley on Route 590 (on the left).
More Pennsylvania Birding Locations
Pennsylvania Birding Site Guide
The PA Society of Ornithology has a Site Guide to many of the best birding spots in counties throughout Pennsylvania. It includes general site descriptions, directions, and the birds of interest you can find there during particular seasons.