The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is one of the most popular birding spots in Pennsylvania for good reason: it is a premier spot to find migrant waterfowl, shorebirds, herons and songbirds. Located in both Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, in the shadow of Philadelphia International Airport, this urban oasis also provides vital nesting habitat for several wetland bird species that are rare in Pennsylvania, including Marsh Wren and Least Bittern. The refuge includes the only remaining freshwater tidal marsh in the Commonwealth.

For the IBA conservation plan, {link:click here|http://pa.audubon.org/IBA_Consplans/IBA73.pdf}.

For fact sheet, {link:click here|http://pa.audubon.org/Sites/Site73.pdf}.

For more information, visit the {link: official refuge website|http://www.fws.gov/heinz/index.html}.

Ornithological Summary

The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum boasts a bird list of nearly 300 species. In the fall, thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl pass through the refuge. Some waterfowl linger over the winter depending upon the availability of open water. In the spring, waterfowl pass through again, along with smaller numbers of shorebirds. During the summer nesting season the refuge hosts several nesting wetland bird species of conservation concern, including Marsh Wren and Least Bittern. The refuge is also a key habitat for songbirds, especially during the spring and fall migrations.