Credit: USFWS        Indoor Bird Observation Area

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.

Credit: USFWS         Bird Books

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.

The Erie National Wildlife Refuge has been designated an Important Bird Area by the Pennsylvania 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.

Headquarters is located off Route 198E on Wood Duck Lane, 3/4 mile east of Guys Mills and 10 miles east of Meadville 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.

Credit: USFWS        Bird Feeder