Birding in the Allegheny National Forest

Birding is a popular and fun activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. You will need a pair of binoculars and a field guide, patience, curiosity and the desire to enjoy the wonder of nature as you explore new birding habitats. More than 200 species of birds can be found in the Forest, including bald eagles and osprey. The most common birds found are the ruffed grouse, the state bird of Pennsylvania, and the wild turkey.

Avid birder, Steve Dowlan, an employee of the Allegheny National Forest, suggests the following sites for birding within the Forest. Buzzard Swamp, south of Kane, includes an 11.2 mile trail system, with several loop and connector trails. Buzzard Swamp has fifteen ponds that have been built to provide habitats for wildlife, making this one of the best wildlife-viewing trails in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). With exceptional habitat diversity, numerous species of waterfowl, wading birds, forest and grassland songbirds call Buzzard Swamp home. Bobolink, Field Sparrow, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Eastern Meadowlark, Indigo Bunting, Great Blue Heron, Wood Duck, Red-shouldered Hawk and Woodcock are within this area.

Big Bend Birding Overlook just past the Kinzua Dam between Bradford and Warren along Route 59 provides an overlook of the Kinzua Dam spillway. Other popular sites in the ANF are Rimrock Overlook, Timberdoodle Flats, and Tracy Ridge Campground.

Rimrock Overlook offers a canopy-level view of forest songbirds set among massive borders, with great views of the Allegheny Reservoir. Hermit Thrush is a common breeding species, and nests throughout the trails and picnic area. Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Hawks soar above and around the overlooks, often flying below eye-level. Other breeding forest birds include American Redstart, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Eastern Towhee, White-breasted Nuthatch and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. For a birding guide book, Steve recommends “National Audubon Society-Guide to Birds” written and illustrated by David Allen. Rimrock Overlook is located along Route 364, 14 miles southwest of Bradford, Pennsylvania.

Timberdoodle Flats Interpretive Trail is named for the American woodcock, also known as the timberdoodle, a bird species that uses both open areas and forest woodlands for mating and nesting. This trail is a wonderful beginners’ trail for those interested in birding. Informational and interpretive signage is located along both trail loops. The Woodcock Loop, 1 ¼ miles in distance, is marked with yellow woodcock insignia and features 12 interpretive stops. The shorter Bluebird Trail, ½ mile in distance, is suitable for parents with small children and features six interpretive stops.  Trailhead parking is located along Route 59, just west of the intersection of Route 59 and Route 770. From Bradford, travel south on Route 219, turn right onto Route 770 heading west, at the intersection with Route 59, turn right, then watch for the large brown Forest sign for trailhead parking.

At Tracy Ridge Campground, you might find a Northern Saw-whet Owl from March through July. Cerulean Warblers sing in the oak trees along the Tracy Ridge Trail. The Mourning Warbler will likely be seen in clear-cut areas. Tracy Ridge Campground features 119 campsites. If you enjoy hiking, you can access both the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Bullis Hollow Trail from this campground in the Allegheny National Forest.

Osprey (Pandion halaetus) are a fish-eating large bird of prey, usually mating for life. Osprey nests can be viewed from Rt. 321, along the Longhouse National Scenic Byway north of Kane, Pennsylvania.

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are among the largest birds of prey. They may weigh up to 14 pounds and have seven-foot wingspans. Bald eagles are readily identified by their white heads and tails; however, they don’t attain this plumage until five years of age. They nest in large trees near water. Bald eagles have been sighted at the Allegheny Reservoir, Tunungwant Creek, Smethport’s Hamlin Lake, and north of Eldred along the Allegheny River and Oswayo Creek.

Other suggested sites for birding are Marilla Reservoir and the northern shoreline of the Allegheny Reservoir. Marilla Reservoir, located 5 miles west of Bradford, along Route 346, includes a loop trail and is an easy family-friendly hike.  Pennsylvania Route 346 continues northwest to the Willow Bay Recreation Area on the Allegheny National Forest, connecting to Route 280 in New York, running along the northern shoreline of the Allegheny Reservoir.

A variety of excellent nature and wildlife books are available at the Bradford Ranger Station, 29 Forest Service Drive, Bradford, Pennsylvania, located at the intersection of Route 59 and Route 321, in the Allegheny National Forest. Birding books sold at the Ranger Station through ENFIA (Eastern National Forest Interpretive Association) include:  1.) Peterson First Guides:  Birds by Roger Tory Peterson; 2.) Peterson Field Guide – The Young Birder’s Guide Birds of Eastern North America by Bill Thompson III; 3.) Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central North America by Roger Tory Peterson; 4.) Birds of Pennsylvania Field Guide by Stan Tekiela.

Birding Tips:

·        Peak migration period for song birds is mid-April to the end of May.

·        Generally, birds are secretive and shy. Learning bird songs will aid in species identification.

·        Observe birds when they are most active in the early morning, especially during breeding season.

·        Binoculars recommended for birding are: 6x32, 7x35, 8x40, 7x42, 8x42 or 8.4 x44

·        Buy binoculars that have a single focusing knob located between the two barrels that turns one to one-and-a-half times. Don’t buy binoculars with separate focus adjustments on the two barrels-they’re too slow to be useful for birding.

Suggested lodging sites for birding include camping or cabins on the Allegheny National Forest. Reservations can be made by calling 877-444-6777 or on-line at www.recreation.gov. Other suggested accommodations nearby to the Forest and Buzzard Swamp include the Olmsted Manor Carriage House in Ludlow,  814-945-6512, the Kane Manor, 814-837-6522, or Kane View Motel 814-837-8600 in Kane, Pennsylvania.

A full list of accommodations, restaurants, and other activities is available at www.visitANF.com,  

for a free visitors guide and map please call 800-473-9370.

-end-