Seasonal Nature Report: Week of October 5, 2026

This is the Seasonal Nature Report for the week of October 5, 2026. In the Lehigh Valley right now, the two big stories in nature are early fall color and the fall raptor migration along the Kittatinny Ridge. Here is what is happening this week and where to see it, based on the latest Pennsylvania DCNR foliage report and local hawk-watch counts.

Fall Foliage: Early Color Is Developing

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) first weekly Fall Foliage Report for the week of October 1-7, 2026, Lehigh and Northampton counties are still in the early, transition stage of color change. The report notes that peak color is still a few weeks out, with the best colors yet to come. DCNR's pre-season forecast predicted a colorful season for the region, and its weekly report is updated every Thursday through October.

Historically, peak foliage in the Lehigh Valley arrives in mid-to-late October, so this week is best for spotting the first strong patches of gold, orange, and red rather than full peak color. The color change advances from north to south, so higher ridgelines and northern areas typically show the most color first.

Where to See Early Fall Color This Week

• 🌳 Lehigh Parkway, Allentown. A scenic park along the Little Lehigh Creek with a mix of early-turning maples and oaks. Map link.
• 🌳 Trexler Nature Preserve, Schnecksville. More than 18 miles of trails and high viewpoints over the Jordan Creek valley, a good spot for early color on the ridgetops. Map link.
• 🌳 Jacobsburg State Park, Nazareth. Wooded trails along Bushkill Creek near the Easton area, with a mix of early color and streamside views. Map link.
• 🌳 Saucon Rail Trail, Bethlehem. A flat, paved rail trail that follows Saucon Creek, an easy walk or ride for early color along the water. Map link.
• 🌳 Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L Trail). The 165-mile trail corridor runs through the region and offers long views of the fall landscape along the Lehigh River. Map link.

Bird Migration: Fall Raptors Are Moving

October is the peak of the fall raptor migration along the Kittatinny Ridge, a globally significant flyway and Pennsylvania's largest Important Bird Area. Local hawk-watch sites are counting birds now, and this is the best time of year to see merlins, peregrine falcons, red-tailed hawks, and red-shouldered hawks moving south. Ospreys, bald eagles, American kestrels, and sharp-shinned and Cooper's hawks also pass through in early autumn.

Among songbirds, warbler migration is past its September peak, but yellow-rumped warblers move strongly through October, and white-throated sparrows and dark-eyed juncos are arriving. Waterfowl are beginning to gather on area lakes, and the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society runs October field trips for waterfowl and late passerines at places like Leaser Lake.

Where to Watch Migrating Birds This Week

• 🐦 Bake Oven Knob, Lehigh County. A ridgetop hawk watch on the Appalachian Trail run by Lehigh Gap Nature Center, counting from August through November and especially productive for peregrine falcons in October. Map link.
• 🐦 Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton. A short drive from the Lehigh Valley, with scenic ridgetop viewing and a fall raptor count running from August 15 through December 15. Map link.
• 🐦 Leaser Lake, Kempton. A lake in northwestern Lehigh County where waterfowl begin to gather in October, a regular site for Lehigh Valley Audubon Society field trips. Map link.

What to Expect Later This Month

DCNR updates its fall foliage report every Thursday through October, and peak color for the Lehigh Valley historically lands in mid-to-late October. Bird watchers can expect raptor counts to stay strong into early November, with red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks moving through October and into November. As nights cool, look for the first frost in the region, which typically arrives in October.

These are forecast dates and seasonal patterns, not guarantees. For the most current foliage status, check the Pennsylvania DCNR Fall Foliage Report, updated weekly. For up-to-date bird counts, check the hawk-watch reports from Lehigh Gap Nature Center and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.