Birding Hotspots

Situated in a rural area in northern Chester county, this 700-acre township-owned park consists of mostly mature deciduous forest dotted with springs, creeks, and fields.  As a part of the Hopewell Big Woods, many deep woods species of birds not commonly seen in other areas of the county can be found here, including Ovenbirds, Hooded Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, and a variety of thrushes in season.

610.323.1694

1954 Saint Peters Road, Pottstown, PA  19465

Composed of over 900 acres of wooded hillsides, fields, creeks and the 94-acre Chamber Lake, this park has almost everything a bird could want, which is why over 200 species have been recorded here.  The lake is an especially good spot for sighting waterfowl in the winter and shorebirds during the fall migration.

610.383.3812

1 Park Rd., Coatesville, PA 19320

Mature woodland habitat with bluffs that overlook the Octoraro Creek and glades full of mountain laurel are prime habitat for a number of woodland birds not often seen elsewhere in this southwestern part of Chester County.  Ten miles of trails through forest, meadow, and along a trickling stream allow for exploration of this rustic 569-acre park, which first opened in 2010.

610.932.2589

1399 Schoff Road, Atglen, PA  19310

Bird conservation is a main focus of the Willistown Conservation Trust, which owns and operates Rushton Woods Preserve as well as the nearby Ashbridge and Kirkwood Preserves, all of which are open to the public.  Bird banding, bird monitoring, and habitat restoration are primary initiatives at WCT, which also holds a conservation easement on the 180-acre Okehocking Preserve, a scant ½ mile away and which also offers excellent birding.

610.353.2562

911 Delchester Road, Newtown Square, PA  19073

Adjacent to French Creek State Park, Hopewell Furnace NHS, and State Game Lands 43, Crow’s Nest Preserve is part of one of the largest areas of protected land in the region.  Part of the Hay Creek/French Creek Forest Block Important Bird Area, more than 150 species of birds have been recorded in this preserve of farmland and streamside forest.

610.286.7955

201 Piersol Road, Elverson, PA 19520

One of the most popular and heavily birded spots in Southeastern PA, this park is notable for its pond and adjacent wetlands which serve as an important breeding ground and migration stopover in an intensely developed area. Weekly bird walks here are hosted by the Friends of Exton Park.

610.363.9525 Ext. 2131

615 Swedesford Rd. Exton, PA 19341

This 535-acre northern Chester County park includes dense hardwood forest, wetlands, meadows, and riparian areas along a section of French Creek, an “exceptional value” stream.  This varied habitat attracts a diversity of birds year-round, including Rusty Blackbirds in the winter.  During breeding season six types of flycatchers, four types of vireos, and ten types of warblers including American Redstarts, Northern Parulas, and Kentucky Warblers have been spotted.

610.469.1916

191 County Park Road, Pottstown, PA  19465

This 1,705-acre park contains Marsh Creek Lake, at 535-acres the largest and deepest lake in Chester County, which provides an important migration rest stop and winter refuge for waterfowl.  The surrounding mudflats, fields, and woods provide habitat for more than 240 species of migrants and year-round residents.  In winter the lake is a good spot to find gulls, grebes, and coots as well as waterfowl.

610.458.5119

675 Park Road, Downingtown, PA 19335

Established in 2017, more than 125 species of birds have already been recorded at this new preserve, a mixture of agricultural fields, wet meadows, and woodlands which include the headwaters of Pickering Creek.  The bryn coed – “tree hill” in Welsh – for which the preserve is named is home to a pair of breeding Bald Eagles, whose nest is visible from one of the trails a short walk from the parking area.

610.353.5587 x505

1869 Flint Road, Chester Springs, PA  19425

This expansive 1255-acre preserve along the Delaware border protects the watershed of White Clay Creek, a National Wild and Scenic River.  Multi-use trails explore 8 miles of riparian habitats as well as wooded uplands.  Warblers abound during migration, with 30 species having been recorded here.

610.274.2900

405 Sharpless Road, Landenberg, PA  19350