Taking in the Reward of Winter Delaware County Birdwatching

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Tinicum Eagles at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
Image via Bill Buchanan, US Fish and Wildlife Service.
The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum is a great place for some winter Delaware County birdwatching.

Late fall and winter are actually good times for birdwatching in Pennsylvania, writes Kalena Thomhave for The Keystone.

While many Pennsylvania bird species migrate south for the winter, there are still plenty of birds from farther north that head down to Pennsylvania in the snow season for some winter Delaware County birdwatching.  Plus, there are other species that hang out in the state year-round.

One local spot where you can catch some winter bird activity is the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum.

The Refuge, just a short distance from the heart of Philadelphia, is a natural oasis for winter Delaware County birdwatching.

During late fall and winter, Tinicum Marsh — the largest freshwater tidal marsh in the state — is home to an abundance of birds, including nesting bald eagles.

These birds begin their mating rituals as early as mid-January, which includes beginning to build a nest together.

Eaglets hatch in late winter and early spring.

You can view the birds nesting in the tallest tree in the middle of the manmade refuge from a wildlife trail.

Take the trail from the education center around the west side of the marsh.   A sign will alert you to the best viewing areas.

See the entire list of seven locations in Pennsylvania for winter birdwatching in The Keystone.


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