Birding in the winter months around Clarion County is quite different than during the migration and summer seasons. On a day with clear skies and roads, plan for a day outdoors surrounded by an array of diverse and beautiful wildlife.
Source: Steve Gosser
Source: Steve Gosser
North of Interstate 80
There are many open farm fields in the northern part of the county, like in Snydersburg and Fryburg, that attract Rough-legged Hawks and Short-eared Owls from the tundra. Rough-legged hawks stand out with their striking dark and white plumage and are often perched out in the open in field areas or kiting above as they hunt. Owls are more likely to be seen at dusk and dawn, hunting low over the fields, and sometimes perching on the ground. Bald eagles often stay through winter now and can hunt along open water or found eating in a field.
Though they are becoming less common, there are several little field birds that flock together in the winter, most often found in manured crop fields or cow pastures. Nicknamed “manure birds,” these include Horned Larks, Snow Buntings, and Lapland Longspurs. They are a fascinating sight as they feed and lift off in flight in unison. Some of the best spots to spot them is the northern farmland of Clarion County, including Fryburg (along Rt. 208), Leeper (along the Rail 66 Country Trail), and around Kahle Lake.
During heavier migration years, some birds can be found at feeders, including Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, and the elusive Grosbeak. If your AirBnb or lodging has a bird feeder, take this opportunity to keep an eye out for these fellow finches and other species.
Occurring less often are incursions of red and White-winged Crossbills from Canadian forests, which are fascinating birds with a specialized crossed bill for eating seeds from cones. The best places to look and listen for these rare visitors are in our northern pine and hemlock forests, especially around Cook Forest State Park.
Source: Steve Gosser
Source: Steve Gosser
South of Interstate 80
Northern Shrikes are a smaller bird that nest in northern Canada and come south live amongst open fields with small trees and shrubs. Known by the nickname, “butcher birds,” they often catch their prey by impaling them. While uncommon, they are most often found in the reclaimed strip-mine fields south of I-80, especially in Mt. Airy, outside of Sligo, and State Game Lands 330.
Similarly to north of I-80, Rough-legged Hawks and Short-eared Owls can be found in the grasslands of Leatherwood and Callensburg.
Ducks and waterfowl can still be found where water remains unfrozen, often along the Allegheny and Clarion rivers, as well as Kahle Lake. Common Mergansers and American Black Ducks can be found along with the occasional Common Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, and Long-tailed Ducks. Colorful Green-winged Teal, Wood Ducks, and Hooded Mergansers can sometimes be found in sheltered open water areas.