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With 436 species of wild birds, 1.5 million acres of State Game Lands, 20 State Forests, and 86 Important Bird Areas, Pennsylvania is a premier destination for birdwatching, or 'birding.'  Explore the information and links below to learn more about this popular pastime and how you can get involved with Pennsylvania Game Commission bird conservation initiatives. Good birding!

Did you know that Pennsylvania is the birthplace of ornithology, the scientific study of birds?

Getting Started With Birding

If you're new to birding make sure to check out the Audubon's - How to begin birding webpage. Here you will find everything you need to get started including equipment, local places to go, safety tips, how to identify different birds and so much more!

Enjoying Birding

3rd Pennsylvania Bird Atlas Project
Raptor Migration Lookouts
Raptor Migration Through Pennsylvania





Get Involved 

The Pennsylvania Game Commission - your state wildlife agency – is responsible for conserving all wild birds, and their habitats, for this and future generations. Here are some ways you can get involved with us, and birding in general. The surveys and conservation opportunities below are conducted seasonally throughout the year and help support the agency's science-based management decisions for species and habitats. We welcome all bird enthusiasts to participate! 

Research

  • Bald Eagles and Lead - The recovery of bald eagles has come a long way since three nests in the late 1970s. With the success of the Game Commission's recovery program, Pennsylvania now boasts more than 300 nests. As the eagle population increases, so does the chance of negative interaction between people and eagles. Lead in the environment is dangerous to bald eagles. Hunters can help prevent lead from being ingested by avian scavengers in two ways: by choosing to use non-lead ammunition and by burying carcasses and gut piles. Learn more in the resources below.

    Bald Eagles & Lead brochure PDF
    Bald Eagles & Lead film (6:08)
    Bald Eagles & Lead Toxicity webinar (50:20)

  • Lesser Black-backed Gull movement map - The paths of nine lesser black-backed gulls that the Game Commission is studying can be seen here:

Lesser black-backed gull telemetry

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Pennsylvania Management Plans

 
Thank you for being a Pennsylvania Birder!