The northern mountains may seem lifeless in mid-winter, except for the occasion chickadee's plaintive note or the tapping of a woodpecker. The greatest varieties of birds stay through the winter in our southwestern and southeastern corners. Here, white-throated sparrows may be numerous in brushy corners, the warmer climate may permit water to remain open longer, holding ducks through the season. Large flocks of Tundra Swan and Snow Geese sometimes congregate along the lower Susquehanna River or at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, in Lancaster County. These birds build to large numbers in late-February.
Bird feeding is the primary birding activity enjoyed in winter.
A variety of seeds assures that an interesting mix of birds may be seen. See the separate page on bird feeding for more tips on ' setting the table ' for birds. The noisy Blue Jay is a regular guest, and finches of various types may be found. The House Finch is probably the most common, followed by the American Goldfinch in drab winter garb. The native Purple Finch looks much like the introduced House Finch.