Photo: Gray Catbird, Jess Michetti/NVBA Photo Contest
When: Saturday, March 28, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Where: Riverbend Park Visitor’s Center, 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066
Fee: FREE, but registration is requested
Join us for Birding by Ear with Colt Gregory at Riverbend Park where more than 190 species of birds have been recorded. This FREE bird outing will include a short introduction followed by a walk along a nearby trail to practice identifying birds by their vocalizations.
Want to prepare ahead of time? Consider joining Colt’s virtual course on March 24 to learn the basics of bird identification by sound. Plan to dress according to the weather and shoes you're comfortable walking in.
Meeting Location: Please meet at 8:00 AM outside the Visitor Center on the concrete patio next to the awning located at 8700 Potomac Hills St, Great Falls, VA 22066.
About the Guide
Your guide, Colt Gregory, is an avid birder and experienced instructor who specializes in helping birders learn to identify birds by their songs and calls. Because many songbirds remain hidden in foliage, learning to recognize them by ear is one of the most valuable skills for birders. He is a member of NVBA, the Northern Virginia Bird Club, and the Arlington Regional Master Naturalists, where he serves on the Training Committee. He enjoys hiking, camping, and birding, often combining all three during his outdoor adventures.
Parking Information
Parking is available just outside the visitor center, but space is limited so we recommend carpooling and arriving early when possible. According to the park’s website, Riverbend Park experiences high visitation weekends and holidays, typically between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Though NVBA has coordinated with the park, if the parking lot reaches capacity, entry will be paused until enough parking spaces open. During these delays, vehicles may not park near the entrance sign or along Jeffery Road to wait. Please respect the park’s neighbors and consider returning another time. Riverbend Park staff will be directing traffic and parking please be respectful and follow their instructions.
Additional Site Information
Tucked away along a remote stretch of river, Riverbend Park spans more than 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. Its trails include a 2.5-mile segment of the Potomac Heritage Trail, connecting national and regional parklands. The park’s visitor center is open Monday and Wednesday - Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Inside, guests will find snacks, gifts, and engaging exhibits, and a naturalist is on hand to answer questions during operating hours. Outside, a deck with chairs and tables offers lovely views of the Potomac River. This will be our meeting spot and is an ideal location to relax and enjoy a snack after a bird walk or hike. The park's restrooms are also located on the visitor center deck.
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. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility!
Pre-registration is not required for NVBA Bird Outings, but it helps us prepare and allows us to contact participants in case of last-minute cancellations (see cancellation policies below.) Otherwise, the walk will take place as scheduled.
Questions? Contact NVBA’s Community Engagement Coordinator, McKenzie, at mckenzie@nvbirdalliance.org.