Birds

Male American Goldfinch

Scott Rando

Within its riverine, riparian, and terrestrial habitats, the Upper Delaware Region is an important area for hundreds of bird species. The river itself is noted for its free-flowing nature and exceptional water quality. A diverse array of birds rely on the high water quality and habitats for the food and nesting areas they need. These attributes also allow the river to support abundant fish populations, an important food source for many birds who inhabit the river valley. Extensive mixed hardwood and hemlock forests can be found along the river and offer even more high quality habitat.

In 1998, Pennsylvania Audubon Society designated the Upper Delaware River as an Important Bird Area. An Important Bird Area distinction is only given to areas that supply critical habitats for breeding, wintering, or migrating birds. Birds migrating throughout the Atlantic Flyway rely on the food and habitat provided by the Upper Delaware River to refuel during their long journey. The Atlantic Flyway is a north-south migration route spanning more than 3,000 miles. The Upper Delaware Region also provides year-round habitat to resident bird species.

 

Mature Bald Eagle

Scott Rando

The Upper Delaware River hosts one of the largest populations of wintering Bald Eagles in the northeast. Each winter, over 100 Bald Eagles migrate to the Upper Delaware Region from their northern breeding areas. Wintering Bald Eagles are typically in the river valley from mid-December through mid-March. Resident Bald Eagles can be seen in the area year-round.

In addition to Bald Eagles and other birds of prey, visitors may see many smaller birds like American Robins and Blue Jays in the wooded riverside habitat or flying across the river. On the river, visitors can find Mallards dabbling or Great Blue Herons wading. Belted Kingfishers can be seen nesting in burrows along the riverbanks. These are only a few of the many species found in and around the Upper Delaware Region. When birdwatching in the river valley, visitors can use eBird to report sightings and discover birding hotspots.