At Middle Creek, the period that annually attracts the most birds, and visitors, remains late winter (usually late February or early March). For those planning a trip to Middle Creek, the first weekend in March would be a good time to visit.
During this timeframe, large numbers of migrating waterfowl normally appear. In recent years, more than 100,000 snow geese, 10,000 tundra swans, 10,000 Canada geese, and a wide variety of ducks have stopped at Middle Creek while pushing north to their breeding grounds. It’s also a great place to see northern harriers, or “marsh hawks,” nesting and immature bald eagles, and more common creatures such as white-tailed deer and red-tailed hawks.
Many of the migrants that come to Middle Creek winter south of Pennsylvania and usually begin to push north in conjunction with spring thaw. During extreme winters with a late thaw, however, there’s always a chance waterfowl will fly over Middle Creek, or stop only briefly. Timing is critical for migration and nesting.
To fully appreciate Middle Creek, a drive through the interior on the Tour Road shouldn’t be missed. Weather and driving conditions permitting, the Tour Road will open March 1.
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