The diversity of birds is reflected in the diversity of habitats on the property and good birding can be found in all seasons. A few species encountered during spring and summer can be American Woodcock, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Brown Thrasher, Veery and Eastern Bluebirds, a variety of warblers, sparrows, and flycatchers, Ruffed Grouse, Canada Geese, herons and egrets, shorebirds including Piping Plover, Least and Common Tern, as well as a number of gull species. In fall and winter, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Song Sparrow, Dark-Eyed Junco, House and Purple Finches, Hairy, Downy, and Pileated Woodpeckers, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, Common Loon, Common Eider, and Red-breasted Merganser may be seen.

The Reserve has also been the site of unusual bird species including White-eyed Vireo, Connecticut and Mourning Warblers, American Avocet, Ruff, Caspian, Royal, Forster’s, and Sandwich Terns, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and Lark Sparrow.  Expect to find a surprise.

The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, with headquarters at historic Laudholm Farm, protects about 2,250 acres of habitat including salt marsh, grassland, and woodland. At least 260 bird species have been recorded here.

A bird-banding station has been active at the Wells Reserve since 1988. Public demonstrations of banding methods take place every Wednesday morning from June through August (weather permitting).

York County Audubon birders lead walks twice a month during summer. YCAS has also completed quarterly bird surveys at “Laudholm” for many years.