Meet-Up at Middle Creek

Middle Creek Wildlife Management  Area

The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a 6,000-acre Wildlife Management Area located in Lancaster and Lebanon counties, Pennsylvania. It is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The area lakes seasonally get up to 200,000 migrating snow geese.

It is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission primarily for waterfowl, grassland nesting birds, and wetland dependent species. Middle Creeks hosts an interactive visitor center, seasonal wildlife driving tour, and over twenty miles of hiking trails. Other opportunities are endless for the outdoor enthusiast such as wildlife viewing, special hunts, and other forms of outdoor recreation. Middle Creek is one of just six Globally Important Bird Areas in the state.

• We will meet at the Middle Creek WMA Visitor Center at 11 AM on Feb 16. The date is subject to change due to weather or the number of birds present. We will meet in the parking lot if the weather cooperates, or inside the Visitor Center.
• For information about the site, site maps, directions and a live feed of the lake from the most popular viewing site, check out their website:  https://www.pgc.pa.gov/InformationResources/AboutUs/ContactInformation/Southeast/MiddleCreekWildlifeManagementArea/Pages/default.aspx. More specific info for our outing will be provided later to those who sign up.
• Definitely bring a long lens for close-ups and for times the birds are not close to the viewing spots. They do move around, and at times take flight en masse and fly around the area, landing closer or further away. A shorter lens can be helpful to capture the entire scene. Tripods might be inconvenient to use at Willow Point, the most popular viewing spot, if it is crowded (we’ll be able to judge that from how crowded that parking lot is).
• The most popular viewing spot, Willow Point, is a ¼ mile walk on a paved path. There are other viewing locations as well that don’t require walking. More info to come for those who sign up.
• The weather may be cold, windy, and/or damp, so bundle up with many layers. We will be exposed to the elements at Willow Point for an extended period of time to enjoy the best experience. There are covered picnic tables at Willow Point, but no other shelter. Gloves that enable you to operate your camera while wearing them, and hand-warmers are very helpful.
• There is no food available at Middle Creek, and no nearby town. You might end up staying longer than you expect to if the spectacle is as amazing as it has been in the past. Restrooms are at the Visitor Center and Porta-johns in the major parking areas.
• Middle Creek is renowned for the Snow Goose and Tundra Swan migration, but also has miles of hiking trails and walking paths, so there are alternatives to focusing on the wildlife. There are details on their website.

Please register below if you plan to attend so you get any important updates.

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