Northeastern PA - Arizona Birding Guides

Scranton, Stroudsburg, Milford

Birding Northeast Pennsylvania

Where the Pocono Plateau rises into forested uplands and the Delaware River cuts through scenic gaps, Northeast Pennsylvania offers a compact but remarkably varied birding landscape. Mixed hardwood forests, hemlock ravines, and glacial lakes provide rich breeding habitat, while bogs and barrens add specialized niches for sparrows, flycatchers, and wetland species. Ridge lookouts and river corridors funnel impressive movements of raptors, warblers, and thrushes during spring and fall, and lakes draw seasonal loons, grebes, and waterfowl. Winter quiets the uplands but brings finches, sparrows, and hardy woodpeckers to sheltered valleys and feeders. Extensive public lands, from state parks and game lands to national recreation areas, ensure easy access to both remote and popular sites. This blend of upland forest, river scenery, and glacial wetland makes Northeast Pennsylvania a rewarding four season birding region.

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Northeastern PA

Key Counties & Hotspots

The counties and hotspots listed below represent well-known birding areas within the region and are provided for planning and reference. Specific trip locations vary based on season, access, and local conditions.

Monroe County, Pennsylvania

Monroe County blends wetlands, river corridors, and upland forests. Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, including the headquarters area and Sorrenti Tract, protects meadows, wetlands, and riparian trails. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, with sites such as Freeman Tract Road and Smithfield Beach, provides riverfront access and migration corridors. Gouldsboro State Park and Tobyhanna State Park add lakes and mixed forests at higher elevation, while the Tannersville Cranberry Bog offers a classic glacial wetland with specialized flora and fauna. Collectively, these sites highlight Monroe County’s ecological breadth.

Pike County, Pennsylvania

Pike County combines expansive upland forests, major lakes, and prime Delaware River access. Lake Wallenpaupack, especially the Visitor Center and Ledgedale Natural Area, supports waterfowl and forest edge birding. Promised Land State Park, including Lower Lake and Conservation Island, provides extensive upland trails and marsh habitat. In the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Milford Beach and Dingmans Falls add riverside and ravine birding. Delaware State Forest, with Pecks Pond and the Bruce Lake Natural Area, offers glacial lakes and bogs, while the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, at the Roebling Bridge and Zane Grey area, provides exceptional riparian habitat.

Wayne County, Pennsylvania

Wayne County hosts a mix of state parks, sanctuaries, and deep forest habitat. Prompton State Park offers lake and upland trails, while Lacawac Sanctuary provides mature forest, glacial lake edges, and research-managed habitats. The Varden Conservation Area adds meadows, wetlands, and wooded slopes. Lake Wallenpaupack, at Mangan Cove and Shuman Point, provides additional shoreline and forest birding, and the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary protects open woodlands, ponds, and quiet forest trails. Collectively, these sites anchor the region’s mix of plateau and lake habitat.

Planning Your Trip

Travel access and seasonal timing are key considerations when planning a visit to the Northeast Pennsylvania region.

Getting There

Nearest Airports
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP)
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Drive Times
Scranton to Wilkes-Barre: 20–30 minutes
Scranton to Milford: 1.5–1.75 hours
Scranton to Stroudsburg: 1.25–1.5 hours
Philadelphia to Scranton: 2.25–2.75 hours

Timing Your Visit

Spring (Mar–May): Warblers, thrushes, and waterfowl peak across forests and rivers. Cool mornings give way to mild, breezy afternoons.

Summer (Jun–Aug): Forest breeders, bog species, and upland flycatchers are widespread. Warm days mix with cooler plateau evenings.

Fall (Sep–Nov): Raptor flights crest on ridges and loons and grebes move across lakes. Cooler air and foliage color define the season.

Winter (Dec–Feb): Finches, owls, and hardy woodpeckers persist in valleys and conifer stands. Cold, snowy conditions dominate with calm intervals.

Hire Your Guide

From the bogs of Tannersville to the ridge lookouts of the Delaware Water Gap and the lakes of the Pocono Plateau, our guides know Northeast Pennsylvania’s most productive habitats. Whether you’re targeting breeders, seeking lakefront migration, or exploring upland forests, we’ll tailor an outing to your goals. Hire your guide today.