Things You'll Need:
- Bird watching guide
- A spotting scope or binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Notebook
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Step 1
Begin birding in Pennsylvania at the remarkable Presque Isle and discover the highest concentration of bird species anywhere in the region. The sandy peninsula juts out 7 miles into Lake Erie, and over 320 bird species have been identified within the Isle's area.
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Step 2
Follow the Susquehanna River Birding and Wildlife Trail. There are over 200 birding locations along the trail. Over 180 bird species breed in the state, and the trail highlights some of the very best opportunities for viewing these and visiting bird species. The interactive trail guide allows visitors to map top birding locations as well as print out maps and directions (see Resources below).
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Step 3
Travel to Pymatuning State Park just outside of Jamestown. At over 21,000 acres, Pymatuning is Pennsylvania's largest state park and one of the best birding sites in the state. The 7,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir attracts a great variety of waterfowl, especially during the fall migration time.
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Step 4
Go to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh. Although it is not specifically for bird watching, birders can enjoy more than 200 species at the Aviary up close, and replicas of nearly every biome on Earth. The Aviary has many educational programs as well which would be of interest to even the most experienced bird watcher.
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Step 5
Print out maps, guides and checklists necessary for a relaxed birding excursion (see Resources below).
