Summer
Summer finds more than 180 species of birds breeding in the Commonwealth. Birds found in Pennsylvania's woodlands during summer are referred to as 'neotropical migrants,' meaning that they migrate between the new-world tropics (Central and South America and the Caribbean), and North America. They are with us for the brief nesting season, and they are abundant and busy during this period. That includes the 30 species of warblers nesting here, the flycatchers, thrushes, tanagers, swallows and orioles.
Among the birds still migrating in early to mid-June are Semi-palmated Sandpipers, Sanderlings, Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied flycatchers, Gray-cheeked Thrushes, and Blackpoll Warblers. Mountain laurel blooms in early June. Wildflowers, butterflies and dragonflies also peak.
Birds that raise more than one brood begin another nest in late June or July, and the late nesting American Goldfinch begins to nest. Late summer is a great time to view migratory shorebirds, such as yellowlegs, plovers, and sandpipers. One might catch a rare glimpse of otter, beaver or mink. Bald Eagles, Wild Turkeys, and Peregrine Falcons can be observed year-round in Pennsylvania.
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