PA = Plenty of Animals

What West Virginia lacked in wildlife, we made up for in Pennsylvania in spades. Our first main stop was Parker Dam State Park in the heart of Elk country (seeing elk was one of our goals this trip). It did not disappoint. We saw this large bull on our first evening at the Elk Visitors Center just as the sun went down. He walked slowly across the field, giving us a nice long view. From the visitors center we went to another viewing spot and saw two more bulls and a doe.

The next morning we were out early and were lucky enough to spot one more large bull in one of the viewing fields. On our last night at the visitors center, we had the ultimate treat. A bull elk defending his harem and bugling his heart out! More photos in this weeks gallery.

Hiking around the park provided plenty of bird sightings, including three Bald Eagles, and some beautiful fall foliage. We also saw a beaver in the lake, twice, and plenty of deer.

American Goldfinch, Parker Dam State Park

From Parker Dam we moved on to Hills Creek State Park, a place we visited last year and loved. The wildlife show has continued. Another Bald Eagle, more deer, squirrels (red and gray), bull frogs (my friend from last night at right) and plenty of birds.

We will be here for a couple of more days, then it is on to the Jersey shore. For more photos from this week beyond the ‘hood, click here.