Mill St.

Overview

Mill St. is located at the west end of Montoursville and starts near the green bridge on Broad St., running along the east bank of Loyalsock Creek and ending at a boat launch on the Susquehanna River. After passing the gas station, the road ascends and there is a parking pull in on the right. This is where to park if the gate is shut and you need to walk in.

At the top of the small hill, the gate is immediately before a set of railroad tracks. Bald Eagles commonly perch on the upper section of the railroad bridge here or on nearby poles. The road descends and there is a small patch of woods on the left which then opens to sports fields. On the right is a riparian tree line.

As the road curves right following the creek, the tree line on the right becomes a small wooded area with a trail running along the creek. On the left, there is again a wooded section with farm fields on the other side and the fence of the Williamsport Regional Airport coming closer to the road. On the right, you are elevated above the creek and have an open view of a rocky and sandy area that can be good for shorebirds. As the road curves left, the airport fence is alongside the road and there is again a treeline on the right. Find a path through this treeline and walk downstream along the creek as far as you can to find the best shorebird spot here.

The grassy area inside the airport fence is a good site for Eastern Meadowlarks and Grasshopper Sparrows, and American Woodcocks use that area when doing display flights. When the road straightens out, the airport fence moves away and a private road goes off to the left towards Kremser's Landing. Continuing on Mill St. you have wooded areas on both sides. There are two gated paths on your right. Take the second and larger of the two and you can explore a wooded area with mature trees and mostly open understory. This spot can be great for warblers.

At the end of Mill St., there is a boat ramp and space for parking. The only permanent bathrooms on the road are located here, though there are porta-potties near the sports fields spring through fall.

The gate for Mill St. is closed November through March and 10pm-5am other times of year. Dog-walkers and others often park and walk around the gate in winter. The Montoursville police often patrol Mill St. and are friendly to birders even with the proximity of the airport.

Directions

Mill Street heads south off of Broad Street in Montoursville on the east side of the green bridge across Loyalsock Creek.

Species of Note

Shorebirds

When water levels are low, shorebirds are often found on the sandbars along the creek. Rarities have included Willet, Red-necked Phalarope and Black-bellied Plover.

Waterfowl

Waterfowl are often found along the creek and river in the area of Mill St.

Anything and everything

This is one of the best all-around hotspots in the area. With the variety of different habitat types, just about anything can turn up during migration.