Photo: Tufted Titmouse, Jocelyn Anderson/Audubon Photography Awards
When: Every fourth Saturday, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Where: Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA 22079
Fee: FREE
NVBA is partnering with Mason Neck State Park to host regular bird outings every fourth Saturday of the month from 8:00–10:00 AM. Your guide for these events will be John Colpoys, an avid birder and experienced bird guide for NVBA.
These events are free to attend and open to anyone! No registration is required. Please see our cancellation policy below, and check the website in case of adverse weather conditions.
February 28: Beginner Birding Kickoff Event
We’ll launch the program on February 28 with an introductory presentation and a casual bird outing designed especially for beginner birders. This kickoff event will begin near the Visitor Center. Afterwards, your guide will lead a leisurely walk along the Bay View Trail. Along the way, he will help participants identify birds and share helpful tips and tricks for recognizing some of the area’s most common species.
Parking & What to Bring
There is a $10 parking fee per vehicle, payable upon entry to the park. If no staff member is present at the contact station, please use the honor-system envelopes provided. Upon arrival, plan to meet your guide at the Bay View Trailhead.
While not required, we recommend bringing/preparing the following items:
Download a birding app such as Merlin or eBird. These apps help with bird identification, allow you to track your sightings, and contribute valuable data to scientific research.
Sturdy shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
Water
Sunscreen and/or bug repellent
A limited number of loaner binoculars will be available for guests to use during the event. If you have your own binoculars or birding gear, we encourage you to bring them.
Cancellation Policies for NVBA Bird Outings
Everyone’s safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Occasionally, we may need to postpone or cancel an outing to protect the well-being of participants or guides. Whenever possible, we will notify you at least 48 hours in advance; however, last-minute changes may be necessary. Outings may be canceled or postponed for reasons such as:
Unsafe air quality
Guide illness
Extreme weather, including: Lightning within 10 miles of the event location, temperatures above 90°, heavy thunderstorms, snow, or hail.
If an outing must be canceled on the day of the event, we will do our best to email all registered participants as soon as possible and/or post the cancellation on our website. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility!
Questions? Contact NVBA’s Community Engagement Coordinator, McKenzie, at mckenzie@nvbirdalliance.org.