With cold temperatures and accumulating snow of this time of year, only the hardiest of birds remain. Even if December temperatures are mild, cold winter winds generally drive lingering birds south by the first of the year. The remaining birds are hearty, tolerant of cold, and able to find seeds or dormant insects despite the cold and snow. Winter residents not found during summer are eagerly sought by birders this time of year, including Rough-legged Hawk and Snow Buntings in the open fields. The best place to find birds this time of year is around bird feeders, along patches of open water or low stream-sides, and in brushy fields.
Bird life varies markedly across the state, responding to the conditions typical of the region.
The northwestern corner, with its notorious snowfall, is almost devoid of bird life except at Lake Erie. 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.