Birders should always be prepared for strong & persistent winds at Lake Wallenpaupack, especially when birding from atop the Tafton Dike. Winds are most prevalent in winter through early spring, but are not unheard of during the heat of summer. Lake Wallenpaupack is a massive tourist attraction from May through October as seasonal residents return to their shoreline summer homes, RVs, & cottages to take advantage of the reservoir's limitless boating and fishing opportunities. Birders can expect large crowds and extensive boating activity for much of the summer limiting the lakes most enjoyable birding opportunities to October through early May. 

Lake Wallenpaupack can have a great lake effect in encouraging a variety of migratory seabirds and waterfowl to stop down to refuel during spring and fall migrations. An extensive list of diving and dabbling ducks can, and have, been located at several locations on both sides of the reservoir. Some of the most sought after species include sea ducks including Long-tailed Ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers, Scoters, Grebes, & Loons, as well as Terns and Shorebirds. Gulls also congregate here in large numbers and are most reliably seen from atop the Tafton Dike and from Mangan Cove. As long as the lake remains unfrozen, birding remains noteworthy here through the winter months. Walking the shoreline is also sure to turn up a long list of songbirds during migration seasons so birders are encouraged to avoid limiting their efforts solely on water birds. 

**For additional information and safety tips, click the link above to visit the Lake Wallenpaupack Hotspots Overview/Group Page.**

With a perimeter of 52 miles and length of 13 miles, Lake Wallenpaupack is the 2nd largest lake entirely confined within Pennsylvania and the 5th largest in the state. The reservoir encompasses approximately 5,700 acres with it's deepest section(s) approaching 60 feet. It was created in 1926 by the Pennsylvania Power & Light Company (PPL) for the production of hydro-electricity. Besides birding, visitors take advantage of the abundant fishing and boating opportunities. The lake is a heavily sought after fishery containing Muskellunge, Pike, Pickerel, Large & Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye, Brown and Rainbow Trout, and a wide variety of panfish and baitfish. 

Hiking the Wallenpaupack Lake Trail (WLT) on the Pike County side of the reservoir provides visitors with spectacular views of the lake and countless opportunities to encounter wildlife. It begins from the parking lot beside Pennsylvania Route 507, traverses the Tafton Dike, and continues along the north shore of the lake until you reach the Lake Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center and the Hydro-Dam. The blue blazed perimeter trail at the Shuman Point Natural Area also grants excellent shoreline access to birders.