Western berks County

Popular Birding Spots

Blue Marsh Lake

This lake and surrounding state game lands offer it all: a lake, creeks, wetlands, forests, and grasslands. There are half a dozen hotspots around the lake. The visitor’s center on Palisades Drive has year-round heated bathrooms with running water.

The hotspots:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3341691
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1475165
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1535751
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L8450491
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1546734
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1608115
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1073966

E.J. Breneman Quarry and Cacoosing Park

A deep, groundwater-fed quarry that never freezes makes this one great waterfowl spot from November to April. There is no parking in the bike lane; yes, the police will ticket you. Park at Cacoosing Park, and it’s just a short walk up the road where you’ll find good views of the water. The park and the quarry are separate hotspots.

The hotspots:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1056698
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2518228

Stricker Road

This is roadside birding only. Stricker Road is home to a private game bird hunting facility. This habitat is well-kept for cover for the game birds, which also makes it a reliable place to see Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, Short-eared Owls, and American Kestrels. Wintering sparrows and larks are found here in good numbers, and this area is phenomenal after it snows with larks, longspurs, and buntings feeding at the road edge.

The hotspot:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3331580

Other Areas

There are some other hotspots that tend to host a few chase-worthy species and are worth visiting if you’re in the area.

Big Spring and Palm Rd
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4092324

Snyder Dr.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L29474492

Wyomissing Park
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L6824328