Birding in Butler County, PA

Whether you’re a birding enthusiast or just getting started, there are plenty of avian friends to be spotted in the county.

Start your day in Slippery Rock where you can get all of the necessary supplies at The Birdwatcher’s Store. Not only is the store itself intriguing, but you can begin bird watching on site.

Moraine State Park in Portersville is a great place to spot our feathered friends. Bald Eagles, waterfowl, and warblers are among the many species that can be found here. Osprey are often seen flying over Lake Arthur. These “fish hawks'' were reintroduced to Moraine in 1993. Viewers can take advantage of seeing an Osprey nest from the McDanel’s launch area. Another popular place for birding at Moraine is the waterfowl observation deck along old Route 422 (accessible from Route 528).

An osprey webcam is supported by Moraine Preservation Fund (MPF) and the Tourism Bureau. Viewers can access the webcam from April through September at: VisitButlerCounty.com/osprey-cam

An abundance of bird species can be found at Jennings Environmental Education Center in Slippery Rock. Goldfinch, Field Sparrow, flycatchers and Woodcocks are among the many birds that can be spotted here. The oak-hickory-cherry forest surrounding the prairie features a high density of breeding Carolina Warblers and Blue-Winged Warblers are found on the brushy edges of the prairie.

Together, Jennings Environmental Education Center and Moraine State Park cover 17,025 acres that have been designated as an Important Bird Area #12 by the National Audubon Society.

Other spots for great birding include Todd Nature Center and Succop Nature Park, both operated by the Western Pennsylvania Audubon Society. They feature wooded trails and offer free guided birdwatching walks throughout the week.

Visit our website to read more! VisitButlerCounty.com/Birding

Osprey enjoy the abundant fishing at Moraine State Park. One of their nesting spots is near the McDanel's Launch area on the north shore.

Bald Eagle

P. Mark LeFebvre

Redpoll

Kimberly Berry

Black-necked Stilt at Moraine State Park

Kimberly Berry

Baltimore Oriole

Joy Hays