When To Visit:

Knowing when anticipated species will arrive can be difficult to predict, but generally & when conditions permit, birds begin arriving in late February or early March. For those planning a trip to Middle Creek, the first weekend in March would be a good time to visit. 

What To Bring:

A map of the area is available at the Visitors Center, as are the latest updates and bird sightings.

Make sure to bring binoculars and a field guide to help identify some of the birds you'll see.

Warm clothes are an important consideration, especially if planning to spend extended periods of time outside during the winter months or driving with your windows open. 

A camera is  worth taking; tremendous photo opportunities may arise while exploring Middle Creek.

Visitors are encouraged to spend time birding along the self-guided Driving Tour; Stop #1 is located at the lower end of the lake. Weather & road conditions permitting, the tour road will be open annually starting the first of March. Interior sections of Middle Creek are designated as Waterfowl Propagation Areas where entry is prohibited. It is because of these Propagation Areas that waterfowl are attracted to Middle Creek. Within these areas, the habitat and lack of human disturbance remain the primary reason why Middle Creek has become such a vital stop for migratory waterfowl.

Snow Goose Migration

Middle Creek WMA is one of, if not, the best locations for witnessing the Snow Goose migration (from Janurary to early March) in Pennsylvania. Snow geese gather in flocks of up to 200,000 with the largest flocks usually occuring in mid-Feb. or early March. More information on the Snow Goose migration can be found on the Middle Creek WMA website. 

Middle Creek is a near 6,000-acre Wildlife Management Area managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission primarily for waterfowl, grassland nesting birds, and wetland dependent species. Middle Creek hosts an interactive Visitor Center, seasonal Wildlife Driving Tour, and over twenty miles of hiking trails. Other opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts are endless such as wildlife viewing & special hunts. Middle Creek is one of only six Globally Important Bird Areas in the state.