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Birds

Photo of the indoor bird observation area - Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Refuge staff invites visitors to enjoy the new indoor bird observation area at the Erie National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Contact Station, in Guys Mills.

Photo of several bird books - Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

A special viewing area, including seating, binoculars and bird identification materials, has been set aside in the 40-seat visitor center to assist birding enthusiasts in viewing and identifying a vast number of birds attracted to feeding stations installed outside from the viewing area. Microphones have been placed under two of the stations so that visitors can also enjoy hearing and identifying bird vocalizations from inside the building.

Photo of a bird feeder - Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Erie National Wildlife Refuge has been designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society because of the diversity of habitat it provides to the approximate 237 species of birds attracted to the refuge. Other bird viewing opportunities consist of a driving tour through the refuge, a bird observation blind at one-of-sixteen impoundments on the refuge, and over six miles of refuge hiking trails.

The refuge is located approximately 10 miles east of Meadville on Highway 198 and is open each day of the year from dawn till dusk. Normal headquarters operating hours are 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday – please call in advance to verify.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service