Waterfowl:
November begins the peak months for fall waterfowl migration. By mid-November, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Pied-billed Grebe, and Common and Hooded Merganser are commonly found on many of the bodies of water in York. Some of these birds will ‘hang out’ in these locations for months if the water remains unfrozen, while others will only spend the day as they are just passing through. This necessitates frequent checks of open water at Pinchot Lake, Lake Marburg (Codorus State Park), Long Arm Reservoir, Lake Redman & Lake Williams, and the Spring Grove Paper Mill Pond.
Shorebirds:
While the main event in November is the waterfowl, the mudflats should continue to be checked for lingering shorebirds. Many of the shorebirds found in October may still be present into November (Dunlin, Least Sandpiper, Yellowlegs), while a late migrating straggler or other rarer species is always possible.
Raptors :
Although the majority of the hawks have moved through in September & October, there will still be small numbers of raptors moving through in November. In fact, November may be the best time to see rarities like a Golden Eagle, Rough-Legged Hawk, or Northern Goshawk; although only a couple of these are usually seen each year. The Hawk Watch at Rocky Ridge is definitely the place to be on the lookout for raptors. The hawk watch platform is always open, but volunteers will be present less frequently as November progresses.
Sparrows and Finches:
Wintering sparrows and finches continue to arrive. In addition to the wintering passerines that began arriving in October; look for Fox Sparrows and Tree Sparrows to begin showing up in November. These two uncommon wintering sparrows can show up in brushy areas and at feeders located near woodlands and fields throughout the county and will continue to be seen throughout the winter.
November begins the peak months for fall waterfowl migration. By mid-November, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Pied-billed Grebe, and Common and Hooded Merganser are commonly found on many of the bodies of water in York. Some of these birds will ‘hang out’ in these locations for months if the water remains unfrozen, while others will only spend the day as they are just passing through. This necessitates frequent checks of open water at Pinchot Lake, Lake Marburg (Codorus State Park), Long Arm Reservoir, Lake Redman & Lake Williams, and the Spring Grove Paper Mill Pond.
Shorebirds:
While the main event in November is the waterfowl, the mudflats should continue to be checked for lingering shorebirds. Many of the shorebirds found in October may still be present into November (Dunlin, Least Sandpiper, Yellowlegs), while a late migrating straggler or other rarer species is always possible.
Raptors :
Although the majority of the hawks have moved through in September & October, there will still be small numbers of raptors moving through in November. In fact, November may be the best time to see rarities like a Golden Eagle, Rough-Legged Hawk, or Northern Goshawk; although only a couple of these are usually seen each year. The Hawk Watch at Rocky Ridge is definitely the place to be on the lookout for raptors. The hawk watch platform is always open, but volunteers will be present less frequently as November progresses.
Sparrows and Finches:
Wintering sparrows and finches continue to arrive. In addition to the wintering passerines that began arriving in October; look for Fox Sparrows and Tree Sparrows to begin showing up in November. These two uncommon wintering sparrows can show up in brushy areas and at feeders located near woodlands and fields throughout the county and will continue to be seen throughout the winter.
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Public Bird Blinds and Feeder Locations: Nixon Park: The park typically maintains its feeders from November through April. The feeders are located just outside of the Visitor’s Center/Museum and can be viewed from outside, but viewing is actually best from inside of the Visitor’s Center. It’s hard to beat viewing a great bird feeder from the warmth of the inside during the winter months! Just be sure to check the hours (https://yorkcountypa.gov/parks-recreation/the-parks/richard-nixon-parks.html) to make sure it will be open if you plan on watching from inside. In addition to the expected wintering species, this has been one of the more reliable places in York to see Pine Siskins. Gifford Pinchot State Park: A feeder with a bird blind is maintained by the York Audubon Society in the winter. The 50 yard trail through the woods to the blind can be accessed from the Conewago Day Use Area parking lot. You will see a sign to the bird blind at the southeast corner of this parking lot at the Boulder Woods Disc Golf Course area. Rocky Ridge County Park: York Audubon Society maintains a feeder with a bird blind at Rocky Ridge. It is located just a few yards into the woods on Trail #1 from the back parking lot. Codorus State Park (3 Feeder Locations): This State Park hosts three bird feeding stations that are maintained by the “Friends of Codorus”. A major feeding station with multiple feeder types and a blind (known as the “Codorus State Park Bird Viewing Station) can be accessed by exiting Sinsheim Rd on the park road towards the Main Boat Launch and Band Shell. After driving past a field, turn into the first parking lot on the right and drive all the way to the back end of the lot. There, you will see a very short trail going down the hill towards a cove of the lake. The bird blind and feeders will be on the left before the water’s edge. Another feeder is located at the Visitor Center at the corner of Blooming Grove Rd (216) and Smith Station Road. A more recent addition is a feeding station that is located at the end of the parking lot of what is known as the ‘Codorus Launch’ or the ‘Marburg Dirt Launch’. It is an easily accessible feeder that can be viewed easily from inside of your car. The lot is located off of Hoff Road about ¾ of a mile east of the intersection of Hoff Rd and Smith Station Rd. |
Note: All pictures in this birding guide are actual pictures of birds taken while they were in York County, PA by David Arrow.