Birding Hotspots
Montgomery County
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
The first home in America of painter and naturalist John James Audubon, is a museum commemorating his life and legacy, and the preserved land around it serves as the official corporate address of Valley Forge Audubon Society. The 130-acre former estate along the Perkiomen Creek also is home to a new educational center hosted by the Pennsylvania chapter of the National Audubon Society, with whom VFAS has had a long association. VFAS hosts bird walks on the miles of nature trails here throughout the year.
1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon, PA 19403
Meng Preserve
Originally gifted to Valley Forge Audubon Society by avid preservationist Eva Meng, this 101-acre parcel is part of the Stone Hill Greenway, an important unbroken forested corridor. Containing rocky outcroppings and vernal pools, the steeply sloped Meng Preserve is a good place to spot warblers during migration. In 2019, VFAS transferred this property to Nat Lands.
226 Mine Hill Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473
Green Lane Park
An Important Bird Area, this 3,000-acre park includes 800-acre Green Lane Reservoir and the surrounding forests, fields, and wetlands. A total of 250 species of birds are considered regular here, including more than 20 species of ducks and almost 30 species of shorebirds.
2144 Snyder Road, Green Lane, PA 18054
Evansburg State Park
The ridges and valleys of Evansburg State Park offer significant areas of green space and relative solitude in an urbanized area. A long and narrow park that follows Skippack Creek, there are six distinct eBird hotspots within the park, each with over 100 species of birds on record.
851 May Hall Road, Collegeville, PA 19426
Valley Forge National Historical Park
A diversity of interconnected and crucial habitats is present in this sprawling, 3,500-acre park, making it an oasis for migratory bird species in an increasingly urban area. Tall-grass meadows, forests, and wetlands harbor the more than 225 species that have been spotted here.
1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Norristown Farm Park
Containing working farm fields that have been in production for over 200 years as well as woods, a pond, and two streams, this 690-acre state park is managed by Montgomery County and has plenty of habitat diversity to attract a variety of birds. With over 7 miles of paved trails as well as earthen footpaths, the park can accommodate birders of all abilities.
2500 Upper Farm Road, Norristown, PA 19403
Pleasant Run Park
This idyllic little park is one of New Hanover Township’s series of parks that offer over 75 acres of open space for public use. Along with the nearby Deep Creek Park, Layfield Park, and Swamp Creek Park, the parks offer both rustic footpaths and improved accessible trails through a variety of bird-friendly habitats.
600 Schultz Road, Perkiomenville, PA 18074
Perkiomen Trail
The multi-use Perkiomen Trail runs for 19 miles along the beautiful Perkiomen Creek, connecting to multiple public parks and historic sites that offer their own differing bird-friendly habitats. An old railroad right-of-way, most of the trail is relatively flat and composed of a 10-ft wide stone aggregate surface, making it accessible by foot, wheelchair, bike, or horseback. For eBirders, there are five “hotspots” to choose from along the trail.
Montgomery County Parks, Trails, & Historic Sites
Saunders Woods
This 25-acre Natural Lands property is located in the heart of the Main Line and contains a vibrant forest habitat as well as an open meadow and a stream. Over a mile of unpaved trails wind through the preserve, where over 125 species of birds have been recorded.
1020 Waverly Road, Gladwyne, PA 19035
Rolling Hill Park
Travel down lovely winding roads and under one-lane bridges to this 100 acre park in Lower Merion. The trails here take you through deep, established woods and open meadows. Hike the blue trail down to Mill Creek and investigate the ruins of several large stone buildings that housed millworkers before the turn of the 19th century. The slope of this trail can be quite steep. Over 125 bird species have been seen here. Note that this park is “dog-friendly” and there are both on and off-leash trails and fenced play areas here, which can make birding challenging.
1301 Rose Glen Rd, Gladwyne PA 19035
Heebner Park/Zacharias Trail
Heebner Park has 2.25 miles of walking trails over 84 acres. Most trails are gravel covered. The park has wooded and meadow habitats and many naturalized areas that attract a wide variety of bird species during the nesting season. Good for sparrows in the fall. Over 80 bird species have been noted here. The park adjoins Zacharias trail, a paved trail that runs along Zacharias Creek between Green Hill and Hollow Roads. For those not wanting to walk the entire distance through Heebner Park to the trail, there is a separate parking area at Green Hill Road. Bald Eagles have nested along the creek in past years. The park has 2 entrances.
3114 Heebner Road or 1721 Valley Forge Road, Collegeville PA, 19426
Wentz Run Park
Wentz Run Park in Blue Bell is an under-birded location in Montgomery County. It has some naturalized areas as well as a nature trail that goes through woods and meadows. A number of migratory birds have been noted there during spring migration, including Northen Parula, Blue-winged warbler, Chestnut-sided warbler, Prairie warbler, Black and White Warbler. There are paved and earthen trails. Over 50 bird species have been spotted here.
1000 Anvil Drive Blue Bell PA, 19422
Harriet Wetherill Park
This 67 acre park contains wooded areas, meadows, streams, and fields that are currently being farmed. There is a butterfly garden and bird blinds. Parts of the trail are paved. Over 140 bird species have been spotted here. There are 2 entrances.
2639 Narcissa Road or 2642 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting PA, 19462
Dixon Meadow Preserve
Not far from Harriet Wetherill Park, Dixon Meadow Preserve is a 14-acre naturalized area, created to manage stormwater, provide natural habitat, and offer passive recreation. A parking lot off Flourtown Road, connects by a walking trail down to the Boardwalk. There are three observation stations with educational signs and meadows boasting a diversity of wildlife. Off the boardwalk, there are some paved areas and other earthen trails. Over 180 bird species have been spotted here, including nesting blue grosbeaks and soras. It’s also a good spot for raptors including American kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine falcon, Red-tailed hawk, Red-shouldered hawk, and Northern harrier.
548 Flourtown Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
Fischer's Park
This 77-acre park has over 3 miles of walking trails through a variety of habitats. The park is split by Towamencin Creek which contains a dam that creates a small pond. The waterway and dam are surrounded by natural areas. Over 140 bird species have been seen here.
2225 Bustard Rd, Lansdale PA, 19446
