Canfield Island

Overview

From the parking area, the main path is along the farm field and takes you directly onto Canfield Island, but the numerous other paths going through the knotweed can also be good spots to find birds. To get onto Canfield Island you cross a land bridge over a small canal. This canal is sometimes nearly empty and sometimes floods over the path, depending on recent rains. Check the canal for waterthrushes, shorebirds, or waterfowl.

Canfield Island has a fine gravel path that makes a half-mile loop with some side loops. The outside of the path is woody areas and the inside has a large grassy area in the middle with some brushy areas and trees closer to the path. Bluebird boxes are set up in the middle as well. Taking the loop counter-clockwise you will go along a straight stretch then as the path curves left the first side loop goes off to the right. This path has a small path to that lets you look down on the canal as well as a path down to the river, allowing you to scan the river, opposite shore, and the same shore upriver. Continuing along the main path you have another straight stretch on the south side with an opening about half way where you can look down on the river. There is another side loop at the end of this straight-away that also has a path down to the river, though a little harder to get down. This area is often good for warblers during migration. Continuing on the main path again before getting back to the entrance there is another smaller side loop that goes to a bench along the canal.

Canfield Island is a great birding spot in the spring and fall, and is good for finding migrating warblers. It is often a poor winter birding spot because of the amount of knotweed, but it is one of the more reliable spots in Lycoming County to find Yellow-rumped Warblers in the winter.

Questionable activity sometimes takes place here at night, but it is mostly fine during the day, and birders shouldn't really expect problems. Many bikers, joggers, and dog walkers will use the paths, so it can get a little busy sometimes.

There are restrooms at the pavilion near the parking area but they are usually kept locked. The restrooms at the boat launch further down Greevy Road are open in the summer.

Directions

Coming from Montoursville, cross the green bridge across Loyalsock Creek changing the road from Broad St. to E 3rd Street. Continue straight at the first red light. At the second red light turn left just before the Motel 6 (formerly Super 8). The road winds South crossing two groups of railroad tracks then making an immediate right and becoming Greevy Road. After passing the farm field on the left, the parking lot of Riverfront Park can be seen down to the left. Follow the trail onto Canfield Island.

From Williamsport, take E 3rd (or exit the highway onto E 3rd) and make the right turn at the Motel 6, and then follow the rest of the instructions above.

Species of Note

Warblers

Warblers can be found in the trees around the outside of the island. On a good day during migration, this can be one of the best spots in the county for songbirds. At least 29 warbler species have been reported at the hotspot.

Magnolia Warbler - 5/16/2020, Canfield Island | © Bobby Brown

Waterfowl

Various species of ducks can be seen on the river.