Description:  About 36 species of loons, swans, geese, ducks, and grebes can be expected annually. The best time to see the most variety and numbers of waterfowl is when the lake begins to melt in late winter. The lake is one of the most dependable spots in the state to see one or more Greater White-fronted Geese in with the migrating and wintering flocks of Canada Geese. The new Cackling Goose is regular in small numbers. In addition, Barnacle and Ross's geese have all been reported several times. Even Pink-footed Goose has been reported. There is nothing to compare to the 13,000 to 18,000 Canada Geese that winter at the lake and often provide impressive shows as they fly in after feeding. Also, impressive in recent years has been the sometimes in excess of 1000 Common Merganser that stage here just before the lake freezes in December or January and again when it begins to melt in late February or March. Seven species of gulls can be expected annually with three others having been reported at least once. Thousands of gulls often stage on the lake as the ice retreats in late winter and usually are in the highest numbers just before dark. This is the best time of year to see Iceland Gull and rarely Glaucous Gull. Of course, the Lesser Black-backed Gull, considered rare or occasional in much of North America, can be seen easily most of the year here with some of the highest counts in North America reported at Peace Valley. They are usually totally absent only for a short time from May into July. Six species of terns have been reported but only two or three are annual and the only one you are likely to see is Caspian. Arctic Tern has been reported twice and should be looked for in May to early June or September. A species that has become common in season, as its population has recovered, is Double-crested Cormorant. Other recovery species have been the Osprey and Bald Eagle, which are now regular. A Great Cormorant has been seen here as well. Shorebirds are less likely to occur in numbers as the water level is managed for water supply and recreation, not shorebird migration. However, a few species can be expected each year and if the water level is lower at the proper time, better luck can be expected. Eleven species can be expected annually and another 12 have been reported one or more times. Not surprisingly, the species reported in the largest numbers are Least Sandpiper in May and Dunlin in November, however Spotted Sandpiper is most frequently seen and has nested here. Solitary Sandpiper is also frequently seen during migration. Finally, 12 species of bitterns, herons, egrets, and ibis have been reported. Only Great Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Great Blue and Green heron can be expected annually. Great Blue Heron can be common almost anytime of year. Post breeding dispersal in late July through September or later is normally the best time to see the other species, although brief spring stops occur as well. To view the lake and maximize the potential of finding water related species, a six-mile walk or bike ride around the lake on the Bike & Hike Trail offers the best opportunities. However, for those with less time, the car stops that provide good vantage points are listed below (see descriptions above) and are prioritized into groups based only on accessibility from a car, as all are good for birds. The route goes counterclockwise around the lake starting at the Chapman Road Bridge where the North Branch of the Neshaminy Creek enters the lake. It is a short walk to the bridge from the Nature Center parking lot. Chapman Road Bridge – Priority 2 North Lookout – Priority 1 Sailor's Point – Priority 1 Pavilion #3 & #4 Parking – Priority 3 Special Use Area Parking – Priority 1 New Galena Village (Pavilion #2) Parking– Priority 1 Angler's Pier (Pavilion #1) – Priority 2 Dog Training Area Parking – Priority 2