Lake Talquin State Forest: High Bluff

If you are in the area visiting Joe Budd WMA you should head to this small site which provides access to and views of Lake Talquin. Scan the lake from the fishing pier, looking for Anhingas, Great Blue Herons and Wood Storks along the shoreline and in offshore trees, as well as wintering Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup and Horned Grebe on the open water. In winter, there is a huge Double-crested Cormorant roost viewable from the pier and a small flock of American White Pelicans can be seen occasionally. Small numbers of Forster’s Terns are present from fall through spring and both Caspian and Common Tern have been recorded visiting the lake. Bald Eagles and Ospreys nest in the area. Wood Ducks can be seen year round and Broad-winged Hawks in summer. During fall migration check the oaks around the campground for Red-eyed Vireos, Prothonotary Warbler, Northern Parula, Summer Tanager and Orchard Orioles. Fall flowers attract numerous butterfly species including Long-tailed Skipper, Palamedes Swallowtail and Red-spotted Purple. Seasonal hunting takes place in this area; please click here for information on dates, regulations and more.