Description:  River Road, the fourth stop in the Cook Forest loop, is also the only road open in the forest besides PA 36 and SR 1015 that can be recommended in the winter. During the summer traffic can be heavy so early morning forays are advised. Year-round the River Road in Cook Forest is the most accessible birding route and probably the most interesting because of the combination of riverside, roadside, and forest habitats. Waterfowl, Osprey, and a few shorebirds are found here and not in other sections of the park. Migratory birds that use the river in spring and fall include Tundra Swan, Bufflehead. Red-breasted and Common mergansers, occasionally Long-tailed Duck, not to mention the waves of warblers and other songbirds in the tall trees and shrubby undergrowth. In the summer Great Blue Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, and several species of swallows are common. Cliff Swallow nest under the bridge at Cooksburg along with many Barn Swallow. A summer evening's drive anywhere along the river produces a sunset chorus of vireos, warblers, thrushes, perhaps a Pileated Woodpecker or Barred Owl, and even a Whip-poor-will or two. Red-tailed and Red-shouldered hawks nest in or near the park and can be seen over the ridges along the river. Belted Kingfisher patrol the river all year except when it is completely frozen over. Sometimes in cold weather, winter finches—Pine Grosbeak (rare), Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, and Evening Grosbeak dominate the spruces along the river near the picnic tables.