Photography Notes
Often when I bird at Beltzville State Park, I extend my outing just a few minutes farther north to an area I refer to as Penn Forest. From Beltzville, I follow Pohopoco Drive, turn right onto Koch Road, and then continue onto Penn Forest Road at the fork. In just a few miles, the road passes several fenced reservoirs. After crossing a bridge with water visible on both sides, I drive about another mile to a small pull-off on the right—this marks the spot I return to again and again. From the pull-off, a trail directly ahead leads into a rich mix of habitats, including grasslands, pine stands, and native vegetation. This diversity makes Penn Forest productive throughout the year and especially rewarding during migration. Warblers are a highlight here, with regular sightings of Black-and-white Warblers, Northern Parulas, Common Yellowthroats, and Pine Warblers. The area also supports a wide variety of songbirds, flycatchers, and woodpeckers. Over multiple visits, I have photographed Olive-sided Flycatchers, Red-headed Woodpeckers, and Red-tailed Hawks, among many others. Quiet, lightly traveled, and habitat-rich, Penn Forest is an excellent complement to nearby Beltzville—ideal for slowing down, observing behavior, and spending time with birds in a natural, uncrowded setting.
Location
