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John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

Pennsylvania  >  United States

Largest remaining freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania. Over 300 different bird species have been recorded.

Added* by Matthew Pinegar
Most recent update 8 April 2025

Description

The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is a 1,000-acre sanctuary in Philadelphia. It protects the largest remaining freshwater tidal marsh in the state and is home to hundreds of species of birds. The gravel dike road, which begins near the visitor's center and is closed to cars, is the main birding route.

Along the road and side paths you can search for Least Bittern, Virginia Rail, Sora, Marsh Wren, Swamp Sparrow, but also all kinds of herons, ducks, geese, grebes, waders and other waterbirds. The refuge also attracts a large number of raptors including: Bald Eagle, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Merlin and American Kestrel.

Details

Access

The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is located in Philadelphia. The eastern entrance to the refuge is located at 86th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard in Southwest Philadelphia, and provides access to the Visitor Center, walking trails, and wildlife observation structures. The western entrance is on Route 420, just north of I-95, and provides access to walking trails. Press a P on the map for directions to a parking. Public Transportation: SEPTA Bus take Route 37 and 108 buses to 84th St. and Lindbergh Blvd. The Visitor Center is approximately 0.5 miles from the bus stop.

Entry to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is free. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. Trails are accessible every day from sunrise to sundown. Free parking is available at both the Lindbergh Blvd. entrance and the Rt. 420 entrance. Visitors can explore over 10 miles of trails. The popular 3.5 mile Wetland Loop offers opportunities for wildlife observation, walking, and biking in a variety of habitats. The Big Boardwalk Loop is less than 1 mile and is wheelchair accessible.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland

Conditions

Open landscape , Wet

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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