Bird Outings

Birding together. Photo: Luke Franke/Audubon

Join us for a Bird Outing!

A bird outing is simply time spent outside, often in a park setting and with others including an experienced guide, with the intention of observing birds. NVBA bird outings require no prior experience and all are welcome.

NVBA offers guided bird outings throughout the year, so be sure to visit this page often!

A Few Notes on Bird Outings

  • All NVBA bird outings are free for members and open to all ages, although children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • We welcome new birders as well as veterans: bring your binoculars if you have them; we often have loaners new birders can borrow.

  • Some outings are on flat, paved surfaces that are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. For more information about accessible bird outings, please contact us.

  • Many outings are on grass or dirt trails, so wear appropriate shoes and, in warmer weather, we recommend a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and water.

  • If you register for an outing, we will notify you by email if an outing is canceled or postponed because of weather, but registration is not required. 

Great Horned Owlets. Photo: Tom Muehleison/Audubon Photography Awards

Upcoming NVBA Bird Outings

All NVBA bird outings are beginner-friendly and open to all!

Consulting the field guide. Photo: Luke Franke/Audubon

Recurring Bird Outings

Here are some additional bird outings in the area that take place regularly, but please check with individual sponsors for cancellations, schedule changes or participation limits.

  • Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
    Second Saturdays monthly, 8:00 am. Various leaders.

  • Clifton Institute
    Second and third Saturdays monthly, 7:00-10:00 am but dates and times may vary. Register here.

  • Dyke Marsh
    Sundays, 8:00am. Meet at Belle Haven picnic area parking lot. Walk not held last two Sundays of December and usually not the first Sunday of January. Walk may be cancelled during events that close the George Washington Parkway. Check the schedule here.

  • Great Falls National Park
    Great Falls Park sponsors a weekly bird walk which meets in the main parking lot near the Visitors' Center at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings, year-round, rain or shine. All those with an interest in the natural world - beginning and experienced birders alike - are welcome including youth, although minors will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. No dogs, please.

  • The walk does not take place when the park itself is closed, during extreme weather conditions, or if the park opening is delayed. The park is closed December 25. Updates for weather closures are posted on the Great Falls Park Facebook page and via voice message at 703-757-3101. Great Falls Park charges an entrance fee, but there is no additional charge to attend the bird walk.

  • Huntley Meadows Park
    Mondays, 7:00 am March-October, 8:00 am November-February. Led by Harry Glasgow.

  • Reston Association
    RA leads bird walks on Sundays from 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM for birders of all experience levels. Registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome. Check their events schedule here.

  • Riverbend Park
    Join leaders Robin Duska and Kris Lansing for a guided birding walk at Riverbend Park. This exciting program is held during the first and third Fridays of each month starting on April 3 and ending on October 16, 2026. The program starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 11:00 AM. Meet at the Nature Center parking lot off Jeffery Road. No fee but call Riverbend Park at 703-759-9018 to register.

  • Northern Virginia Bird Club
    NVBC leads walks twice weekly, including most Saturdays. Check their schedule for locations and times.

  • Loudoun County Wildlife Conservancy
    LWC offers many nature programs throughout the year. Check their schedule for details.

  • Feminist Bird Club DMV
    Inclusive birding club for women, LGBTQIA+ folks, BIPOC, and allies in DC, MD, and Northern VA. Affiliated regional chapter of Feminist Bird Club.

  • Prince William Conservation Alliance
    Last Sunday of every month at the Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area and meet at 8 am at the Cedar Run Parking Lot. RSVP isn't required but encouraged, just in case we need to cancel do to weather conditions, etc. Email alliance@pwconserve.org.


Check our events page for a full list of bird outings, surveys, classes and events.

Our conservation work is only possible with YOU!

Northern Virginia Bird Alliance relies on our members and volunteers to power our conservation work. Consider joining us, making a contribution or becoming a volunteer to help protect northern Virginia’s birds and the habitat they need.

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