From the bright red flash of a cardinal to the rhythmic drumming of a woodpecker, Mercer County is home to an incredible variety of bird species. Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply curious about the sounds of nature, birdwatching offers a peaceful way to connect with the outdoors. Here are six birdwatching locations in Mercer County — along with the birds you can expect to see.
1. Pinnacle Rock State Park
Pinnacle Rock State Park is known for its towering 3,100-foot sandstone formation, hiking trails and a fishing lake. Climb the rock staircase to the observation deck for panoramic views — and prime birdwatching. The forest and rocky terrain attract:
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Eastern Towhee
- Carolina Chickadee
- Wood Thrush
- Scarlet Tanager
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Broad-winged Hawk
2. Camp Creek State Park
A popular area for hikers, campers and horseback riders, Camp Creek State Park also provides a haven for birds. The park’s 35 miles of trails wind through forests, open fields and streams, drawing in:
- Belted Kingfisher (near the creeks)
- Northern Parula
- Louisiana Waterthrush
- Barred Owl
- Eastern Phoebe
- Acadian Flycatcher
3. Brush Creek Preserve
A favorite among photographers and nature enthusiasts, Brush Creek Preserve is a sanctuary for wildlife. Open year-round, the highlight of the preserve is Brush Creek Falls — a stunning, 25-foot-wide waterfall. While visitors admire the scenic beauty, many bird species are drawn to the rushing water and lush creekside habitat, including:
- Great Blue Heron
- Louisiana Waterthrush
- Wood Thrush
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Yellow-throated Warbler
4. Bluefield City Park
With 14 miles of wooded trails winding through this 440-acre park, Bluefield City Park offers plenty of birdwatching opportunities. The mix of trees and open spaces attracts:
- Northern Cardinal
- American Goldfinch
- Blue Jay
- House Finch
- Chimney Swift (often seen near buildings)
- Eastern Bluebird
5. Princeton City Park
The scenic two-mile walking loop at Princeton City Park is perfect for spotting birds that thrive in urban green spaces, including:
- Mourning Dove
- European Starling
- House Sparrow
- Song Sparrow
- Northern Mockingbird
- American Robin
6. Pipestem Resort State Park
Spanning 4,050 acres, Pipestem Resort State Park is home to a wide variety of birds, thanks to its diverse landscapes. With 17 hiking trails, there are endless opportunities to spot feathered residents.
Forest Birds
The park’s deciduous and hemlock forests provide shelter for songbirds and elusive woodland species, including:
- Scarlet Tanager
- Wood Thrush
- Ovenbird
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Black-throated Green Warbler
- Hooded Warbler
- Barred Owl
River and Gorge Birds
The waterways and rocky cliffs of the Bluestone River Gorge create the perfect environment for birds, such as:
- Louisiana Waterthrush
- Acadian Flycatcher
- Belted Kingfisher
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Black-and-white Warbler
Open Fields and Meadow Birds
The park’s open spaces attract species that thrive in grasslands and sunny meadows, including:
- Eastern Meadowlark
- Indigo Bunting
- Tree Swallow
- Common Yellowthroat
- Field Sparrow
Raptors
Soaring high above Pipestem, these birds of prey scan the landscape for signs of movement:
- Red-shouldered Hawk (prefers wooded streams and river corridors)
- Broad-winged Hawk (seen in migration and dense forests)
- Bald Eagle (occasionally seen near Bluestone River)
- Peregrine Falcon (rare but possible along the cliffs of Pipestem Gorge)
Seasonal and Migratory Visitors
Some birds make Pipestem their seasonal retreat, arriving during migration or winter months, including:
- Dark-eyed Junco (common in the winter, especially in forests)
- Golden-crowned Kinglet (found in hemlock forests in the winter)
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet (migrates through West Virginia in the spring and fall)
- Yellow-rumped Warbler (one of the few warblers that spend winter in West Virginia)
Start Birdwatching
Grab your binoculars and explore the trails of Mercer County. Let us know what birds you spot by tagging us on social media! Request a free travel guide to learn more about Mercer County and start planning your trip.