Go Birding at New Philadelphia

A place to dream about freedom – and flight. Imagine the flash of a feather. Symphonies of bird song. And small bursts of air as wings push upward into the sky. According to his daughter Helen McWorter Simpson, John E. McWorter (Free Frank’s grandson) spent hours of his childhood watching birds at New Philadelphia. Despite economic and educational setbacks, his dream of flying never faded. John, a natural innovator, worked late into his nights on “new and useful improvements on aero planes.” In 1914, John received the first of three U.S. patents for his flying machines. Each was designed to take off vertically and hover like a modern helicopter. Perhaps it all goes back to the years of his youth, watching birds and dreaming in New Philadelphia. Today, you can experience the same birds that serenaded and inspired John! Located on major migration routes, New Philadelphia is home to many bird species. The augmented reality trail is a prime location for spotting sparrows, meadowlarks, and raptors like hawks and kestrels. The Burdick House grounds provide sudden changes between field and forest. That makes it ideal for finding woodpeckers and songbirds. Bald Eagles are also a common sight at New Philadelphia! So, bring your binoculars and your ears! Look, listen, and wonder. What will you dream? Learn more about birding in National Parks!