The Pennsylvania Game Commission website says that more than 400 types of birds either live in the state year round, part time or migrate through the Keystone State. Bird watchers that desire to identify as many of these species as possible should consider the time of year and plan their trips accordingly. By investing in a regional field guide such as "National Geographic Field Guide to Birds: Pennsylvania" by Jonathan Alderfer, you can then go into the field armed with the information to identify birds.
Instructions
1. Observe the bird feeders around your home once the snow flies in Pennsylvania. The northwest part of the state is typically hard hit by snowfall, making going afield useless. Many species of birds will try to stay in the state during the winter and you can trust that many of them will show up at the feeders. Look for the northern cardinal, blue jay, sparrows, titmice, chickadees, woodpeckers and finches at this time of year.
2. Focus your birding activity near bodies of water as spring approaches. When the snow and ice fade, there are multiple types of waterfowl moving north through Pennsylvania on their way to their summer nesting grounds. By staying around ponds, lakes and rivers, you will have the opportunity to glimpse and possibly identify species such as teal, mergansers, canvasbacks, shovelbacks and scaup.
3. Walk through the woodlands in late spring and early summer when most of the bird species present are in the midst of their nesting season. Follow the songs and calls of birds to get a look at species such as warblers, tanagers, orioles, thrushes and swallows. Use your Pennsylvania bird guide to differentiate the species, relying on your observations of such features as color patterns and behavior.
4. Visit the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in September to see and identify a number of impressive birds of prey. This area close to the town of Kempton in eastern Pennsylvania contains miles of trails to traverse and excellent perches for you to view raptors like the golden eagle, kestrel, turkey vulture and others that are heading south to better hunting grounds before winter comes.
5. Head back to the water in October for a chance to see wading birds like the heron and bittern. These long-legged water birds find that the fishing is a bit easier this time of year as they scour the shoreline for minnows and frogs. Put yourself in position to see some, perhaps with a canoe trip up or down a waterway.
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