A place where the city fades and the birds take over.
About This Location
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum protects the largest remaining freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania, just minutes from downtown Philadelphia. The refuge combines open water, marsh, boardwalks, and wooded trails into an easily navigable landscape that supports an impressive diversity of bird life. Its accessibility and habitat variety make it one of the most reliable and rewarding birding locations in the state.
Photography Notes
Parking is plentiful at the Visitor Center, and I always begin by walking to the right and then taking the fork to the left toward the main boardwalk. From the boardwalk overlooking the impoundment, herons, ducks, and swallows are often active, with gulls, Bald Eagles, and Ospreys frequently passing overhead. After crossing the boardwalk, I turn left onto the wide gravel path that circles the water, stopping at the viewing platforms along the way for clean looks at a wide range of species. The wooded edges of the loop are productive for warblers and other songbirds, especially during migration. I usually walk the full loop, exploring side trails and visiting the bird blinds as I go. With well-marked paths and consistent bird activity, this is one of the best bird photography locations in Pennsylvania.
Location
