Explore BHWP
Birding
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve has been a hot spot among birders in Bucks County for many years. The reason is simple. There is an abundance of birds here.
More than 110 species can be seen over the course of a year, including 31 species of warblers during peak spring and fall migration.
Birds will concentrate where there are resources available to them for food, shelter and nest sites. With about 800 native plant species on 134 acres of undisturbed land, many birds find the Preserve an oasis amidst over-development or unsuitable habitat.
Check our Calendar of Events for Spring Bird Walk dates and details.
On The Move
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve is home to an amazing diversity of birds. During spring and fall, the number species of birds that can be observed at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve increases dramatically.
This is in part due to the geographic location of the Preserve. BHWP sits on the Atlantic flyway; mid way between the northern territory of arctic birds and the southern territory of the neo-tropical migrants.
Large tracts of undisturbed forest, like the Preserve can serve as resting places for the birds as well as seasonal refuges.
A Special Place
As humans change the landscape to meet their growing needs, native plant, animal and insect populations are often adversely affected.
Bird populations rely heavily on insects to feed their young and themselves. Insects also pollinate native plant species that birds use for food and shelter.
As development continues to encroach on suitable bird habitat, places like Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve which offer native foods, shelter, and clean water become even more critical.
Bird Observatory
Inside the Auditorium of the Visitor Center, there is an enormous bank of windows that overlook the forest canopy and Bowman's Hill beyond. The Bird Observatory offers an unrestricted view of several feeders, where birds can be observed feeding on seeds, suet and sugar water, with the Pidcock Creek valley serving as a back-drop.
Depending on the season, you might see hummingbirds, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, house finches, goldfinches, grosbeaks, cardinals, juncos, sparrows, doves, thrushes or woodpeckers. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a hawk, a turkey, or a pileated woodpecker, the largest North American woodpecker.
Platt Collection
After observing birds at the feeders and in the trees, go downstairs to the lower level of the Visitor Center, where you can enjoy the highly unusual Platt Collection of birds, eggs and nests.
Donated in 1972 by local ornithologist Charles Platt, the collection is a perennial favorite of young and old. It includes nearly 100 mounted bird specimens and over 200 nests and 600 eggs.
With its impressive scope, you will find the nests and eggs of nearly all birds in the Delaware Valley region. Arranged by plant community, the exhibit serves as a reminder of the importance of native plants to birds.
Birds of Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve
To learn more about which bird species you may find here at the Preserve and surrounding areas, please download our Bird Checklist for your reference and use.
Happy birding!
Great Backyard Bird Count
Great Backyard Bird Count Event
Sunday, February 19, 2012
11 a.m. - noon
Join Michael O’Shea from Wild Birds Unlimited for a Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) event at the Preserve. It's FREE, fun, and easy - and it helps the birds! The GBBC is an annual four-day event (February 17-20, 2012) that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. The event will take place at the Bird Observatory in the Preserve Auditorium. Binoculars aren’t necessary, but would be helpful.
The GBBC is a joint project of Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society and Bird Studies, Canada. For more information about the GBBC visit http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/
