Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Zimmermans Farm

 

Directions:  See DWGNRA Map or Google Map

 

Description:  Continue north on PA 209. You will cross PA 739. 2.1 miles after PA 739 is a gate on the left with the letter Z on it. Park in the small lot to the left of the gate (do not block the gate). Zimmerman's Farm is an old farmstead and home of NYC crafts and outdoorswoman, Maria Zimmerman. The walk and house in itself is worth a visit, but combined with a bird walk it's the perfect way to spend a couple hours. Birding at Zimmerman's Farm is a leisurely stroll along a flat dirt road (beginning behind the previously mentioned gate). The road meanders through and along mature forest, open fields, open and steep slopes, scrub habitats, and gardens. It's the mix of habitat that makes the birding so good. Just after the gate, a side trail leads to the left taking you to an open steep slope. Look for Indigo Bunting singing from the top of the shrubs on the open slope. The area is also a good spot to find Olive-sided Flycatcher during migration sitting on the tops of the dead snags. After a quick check of the slope, head back to the road and continue towards the farm. Look for Field Sparrow, Yellow and Prairie warblers in the open fields and Wood, Hermit, and Gray-Cheeked (migration) thrushes, along with Scarlet Tanager in the mature woods on the left. These sloped mature woods are also the best place in the park to find Worm-eating Warbler. Once you reach the house, follow the Sugar Maple lined entrance drive, checking the tall trees along the drive as you go. The trees typically hold a nice mix of species including the usual chickadees and titmice, but many warbler species also seem fond of this area. Spend some time appreciating the beautiful house before you move on and read about Marie Zimmerman on the interpretive sign next to the house. Head back the driveway and continue on the road to the servants' quarters and barn area. Keep your eyes to the sky in this area as raptors unexpectedly always seem to be flying high in the sky along this stretch. Barn Swallow nest in the open buildings, providing an opportunity to study nest construction up close. Continue to a small stream to look for Louisiana Waterthrush and/or explore around the buildings before turning around and birding back to the car.