Big Spring Creek
| Cumberland |
| DESCRIPTION: The Big Spring is a Limestone Creek that flows through mixed woodland, riparian vegetation, and farmland for approximately 6 miles until it empties into the Conodoguinet Creek. South of Newville it provides a scenic 3-mile stretch to walk or drive. In Newville it forms the Laughlin Mill Pond. North of Newville it is not accessible to the public. The Big Spring provides for a little bit of everything depending on the season. While it does not have an abundant amount of warblers during migration, over 20 species have been found there. Because the Big Spring doesn't freeze over, winter may be the best season to visit. American Widgeon, Gadwall, American Black Duck, and even Blue-winged Teal and Cackling Goose may be found mixed in with the Canada Geese and Mallards. The best locations for waterfowl is at the Laughlin Mill Pond in Newville and the section of the creek north of the intersection Big Spring, Oak Flat, and Nealy Roads. Most winters it is possible to find Eastern Phoebe, Rusty Blackbird and Ruby-crowned Kinglet along with the more regular Winter Wren, White-crowned Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, and American Pipit. In summer, Willow Flycatchers are common and both Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos can be found. Somewhere along the line you may also run into breeding Read-headed Woodpecker. Osprey and Great Egret are common migrants both spring and fall, with American Bald Eagles making occasional appearances. Great Blue Herons and Belted Kingfishers are common all year long. |
DIRECTIONS: Take Exit 37 off of I-81. Go north on PA 233 toward Newville for 1 mile. At the traffic light, turn left onto US 11. Go 3 miles and turn right on Big Spring Road. Go 1.2 miles to the parking area at the head of the Big Spring on the right. You can bird the Big Spring with one car, stopping at the Boat and Fish Commission parking lots and other dirt pull-offs looking around at each area. The other way is two use two cars, parking one at the Spring Head and the other at a parking lot either one, two, or three miles away depending on how far you would like to along this scenic road. Car traffic is usually light on Saturday and Sunday morning. |
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| Posted: 2009-10-26 00:00:00 Updated: |
