Welcome to Prince Gallitzin State Park, one of the 121 state parks and conservation areas in the state of Pennsylvania!
Prince Gallitzin is home to a wide variety of bird species. The park’s lake, wetlands, streams, forests, and fields offer many different habitats which provide for each bird’s needs.
The lakeshore is perhaps one of the best places to watch for birds. During the summer, many small birds, such as Gray Catbirds and Yellow Warblers sing from the shrubby thickets. Flocks of nomadic Cedar Waxwings may pass through the area in search of berries. Great Blue Herons, as well as the smaller Green Heron, may hunt the shallows, while Osprey and Bald Eagles soar the skies overhead in search of a fish dinner. Cormorants (black, web-footed diving birds that somewhat resemble a cross between a goose and a loon) also visit in the summer. They are often seen sunning themselves, wings outstretched, as if welcoming the sun’s warm rays.
During the spring and fall migrations a variety of waterfowl stop by, taking advantage of the lake to find a snack and a safe resting place. Some of these visitors include Tundra Swans, Buffleheads, Lesser Scaup, Ringnecked Ducks, and various mergansers. If you’re lucky, you may hear the haunting call of the Common Loon as it echoes across the water.
At Prince Gallitzin State Park, the forested hills of the Allegheny Plateau cradle sprawling Glendale Lake. Vistas offer scenic views of the 1,635-acre lake with its 26 miles of shoreline, which is a favorite of anglers and boaters. Campers flock to the large campground and also enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities. The varied habitats of the park make it a home for many types of wildlife, and a rest stop in the spring and fall migrations.