October Bird Photography & Birding Field Report – Cumberland County, PA

October Bird Photography & Birding Field Report – Cumberland County, PA Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026 Guide: Andrew “Andy” Dapkins, Bird Guy Tours

Bird Guy Tours completed a full October birding and photography circuit across Cumberland County with the client, covering open water, ridge‑top migration, spring‑fed creeks, village lakes, and township parks. Across six eBird checklists, the route produced 51 listed taxa, strong seasonal movement, and one memorable wildlife encounter.

This report summarizes the day’s locations, conditions, and notable observations.

Opossum Lake – Sunrise Session

eBird Checklist #1500 https://ebird.org/checklist/S1500

Calm water and warm, low‑angle light created ideal conditions for sunrise photography. Early movement was steady across the lake.

Highlights:

• Osprey making an early fishing pass

• Bald Eagles overhead

• Ruby‑crowned Kinglets & White‑throated Sparrows

• Wood Duck flyover

• Strong Red‑winged Blackbird & European Starling movement

• Mixed sparrows: Chipping, Song, Swamp, and Savannah (heard only)

Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch (IBA)

eBird Checklist #1495 https://ebird.org/checklist/S1495

Mid‑morning ridge conditions supported active migration, including a notable cormorant push.

Highlights:

• 30 Double‑crested Cormorants

• Sharp‑shinned Hawks & Red‑tailed Hawks

• American Kestrel

• Tree Swallows

• Migrating Blue Jays

LeTort Spring Run Nature Trail / Spring Garden Preserve

eBird Checklist #1496 https://ebird.org/checklist/S1496

Filtered late‑morning light along the creek provided excellent viewing and photography opportunities.

Highlights:

• Pileated Woodpecker

• Blue‑headed Vireos

• Ruby‑crowned & Golden‑crowned Kinglets

• Cape May Warbler

• White‑throated & Swamp Sparrows

• Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe

• Carolina Wren, White‑breasted Nuthatch

South Middleton Township Park

eBird Checklist #1497 https://ebird.org/checklist/S1497

A short early‑afternoon stop still produced several quality passerines.

Highlights:

• Palm Warblers

• Yellow‑rumped Warbler

• White‑throated Sparrow

• Carolina Wren

• Red‑bellied Woodpecker

• American Goldfinch

Children’s Lake, Boiling Springs

eBird Checklist #1498 https://ebird.org/checklist/S1498

Waterfowl and swallow activity remained high around the lake.

Highlights:

• Continuing adult Ross’s Goose

• 23 Northern Rough‑winged Swallows

• Mallards (wild + domestic)

• Red‑bellied Woodpecker

• Blue Jay, American Goldfinch

LeTort / Goodyear Parks

eBird Checklist #1499 https://ebird.org/checklist/S1499

The day concluded with relaxed creekside birding and steady woodland movement.

Highlights:

• Four Blue‑headed Vireos

• Tufted Titmouse, White‑breasted Nuthatch

• Carolina Wren

• Northern Cardinal

• European Starlings

• Mallards (wild + domestic)

Wildlife Highlight – Black Bear

A brief but memorable encounter occurred when a Black Bear crossed the road ahead, paused inside the woods, moved along the edge, stepped over a fallen tree, and disappeared. A rare and exciting moment for an October outing.

Additional Wildlife – Gray Squirrels

Gray Squirrels were active at multiple stops, especially along wooded edges and creek corridors, adding movement and sound between bird sightings.

Total Species Count: 51 Listed Taxa

Across six checklists, the day produced 51 taxa, using the highest recorded count for each species. “Heard only” indicates audio detection without visual confirmation.

Summary

This October field day showcased a wide range of habitats—open water, ridge‑top migration, creekside forest, village lake, and township parkland. Strong passerine activity, active raptor movement, cooperative waterfowl, and an unexpected Black Bear encounter made this a standout autumn outing for Bird Guy Tours.