The Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will be on Sunday, December 17. Birders of all skill levels are needed!
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Join us for a fun backyard bird identification class followed by a short bird walk on an accessible gravel trail nearby. All ages welcome!
Join us for a winter waterfowl watch at Riverbend Park! Beginner and long-time birders welcome.
Join our bird guides for a winter birding experience at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge! Beginner and long-time birders welcome.
Join us and local crow enthusiast to watch crows gather near Shirlington House apartments in Arlington, VA before roosting for the night!
Photo: Dark-eyed Junco, Lucy Franco/Audubon Photography Awards
When: Friday, December 5, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where: Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 14050 Dawson Beach Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191; meet at the Visitor Information Center.
Join us for a Winter Bird Walk at the beautiful Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, “an oasis for migratory birds and busy city residents seeking a quiet escape from development.” On this guided walk, you’ll explore the refuge’s diverse habitats with naturalist Andreas Seiter.
Please meet your guides at 9:00 AM outside the Visitor Information Center (VIC), located at 14050 Dawson Beach Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191.
After a brief introduction, participants will walk along the Painted Turtle Pond Loop Trail (0.43 miles) eventually viewing Painted Turtle Pond where species such as the Green Herons like to hunt. Once on the trail, the guide will determine the group’s stopping points and when to turn back to return to the VIC (within about 90 minutes).
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.
From Route 1 (Jefferson Davis Highway) in Woodbridge, proceed east on Dawson Beach Road for ¾ mile to reach the refuge entrance gate.
Several parking lots are available, but participants should plan to park in the first lot, where the Visitor Information Center is located. Parking is available for the duration of the event.
Andreas Seiter, Vice President of NVBA’s Board of Directors, brings extensive experience in marketing and corporate communications to our organization. He's completed the Fairfax Maser Naturalist training, which opened his eyes to the importance of seeing the connections between the easily visible elements of nature with those that are invisible or easily overlooked, but necessary to a healthy ecosystem. His work with NVBA spans educational programs, outreach, organizational development, recruitment, and fundraising. During his bird walks, Andreas encourages participants to observe their surroundings closely as a way to inspire greater appreciation and stewardship for the natural environments we all share.
As one of NVBA’s Stretch Our Parks sites, the refuge plays an important role in mitigating the region’s growing habitat challenges. The greatest cause of decline in bird populations is habitat loss, and an rapidly urbanizing area like Northern Virginia is a major contributor. NVBA’s Stretch Our Parks program focuses on taking concrete steps to help reverse that trend by supporting and enhancing critical natural spaces like Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Established in June 1998, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge provides vital habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. Its grassland, marsh, and forest ecosystems attract a wide variety of songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl that rely on the area for food, nesting, and rest. The Visitor Information Center is open Thursday–Saturday, 10 AM–4 PM. Visit their website [linked here] to learn more about the site.
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!
Questions? Contact NVBA’s Community Engagement Coordinator, McKenzie, at mckenzie@nvbirdalliance.org.
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Join us for a late autumn bird walk with NextGen Birders for Conservation at Algonkian Regional Park.
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Join us for a Fall Bird Walk at beautiful Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, a 650-acre bird oasis in western Fairfax County.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Photo: Downy Woodpecker, Nick Shearman/Audubon Photography Awards
When: Sunday, October 19, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Where: Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K Ludwig DriveWoodbridge, VA, 22191
Description: Join NVBA for a guided bird walk through Leesylvania State Park, located in Southern Prince William County. This is a free event however the park does have an entrance fee so please come prepared to pay for parking at the self-pay station with cash, a check, or a credit card.
Registration for this free event is not required; beginner and seasoned birders are welcome. If you have binoculars or a spotting scope, we encourage you to bring them along!
Your Guide: This event’s bird guide is Larry Meade: a devoted member of the NVBA Adult Education Committee and the president of the Northern Virginia Bird Club. He is an expert bird walk leader and has also been involved in numerous bird counts. He is also the compiler of the Alexandria Circle NABA Butterfly Count.
About the park: Situated along the Potomac River, Leesylvania State Park offers many recreational activities from hiking to boating. The park is also listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks and is located in the southeast area of Prince William County, about 25 miles from Washington, D.C., and Fredericksburg. The park contains a plethora of tidal shores making it ideal for birding year round. This walk is very likely to last longer than the scheduled two hours as the guides will stay out as long as the birds do!
Additional directions to get there: From I-95, take Rippon Landing Exit 156, then go east on Dale Blvd. to U.S. 1. Jefferson Davis Hwy. Turn right on Jefferson Davis Hwy., and then turn left onto Neabsco Rd. (Route 610) east for about two miles.
Upon arrival, participants will need to drive to the furthest parking lot. Start by passing through the park entrance gate, go 2.2 miles to the end of the paved road and park in the "Picnic Area" parking lot immediately before the turn-around circle at the fishing pier.
We hope to see you soon at Leesylvania State Park!
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Photo: White-breasted Nuthatch, Doug Dearinger/Audubon Photography Awards
When: Saturday, October 11, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Where: Frying Pan Park, 2739 West Ox RoadHerndon, VA, 20171
Description: Join NVBA and our partners at Fairfax County Libraries for a bird walk at Frying Pan Farm Park. This event is free for everyone to join and we hope new birders will join us to view all the fantastic fall migrants! Participants will gather with the group leader outside the Frying Pan Park Visitor Center. This event’s birding guide is John Colpoys, an avid birder and experienced bird walk leader.
About the park: Frying Pan Farm Park is a Fairfax County park focused on recreation, featuring a model farm and equestrian facilities, and hosting seasonal concerts and festivals. Nature trails take guests through a variety of habitats ideal for birds including open fields, wetlands, mixed woods, a stream, and more. The nature trail passes through mixed woods in the north and northwest sections of the park, and meanders by a stream (Frying Pan Branch of Horsepen Run); making it particularly ideal to view woodland birds. The wetland and ponds at the Northeast corner of the park, adjacent to Monroe Street, are good for waterfowl and marsh birds. In the southeast and central parts of the park, the farmland and open fields are good for raptors, as well as sparrows and other seed-loving birds.
Registration for this free event is not required; beginner and seasoned birders are welcome. If you have binoculars, please bring them, but we will have a few pairs available to borrow.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Photo: Osprey, Jean Hall/Audubon Photography Awards
When: Saturday, September 13, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 14050 Dawson Beach Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191; meet at the main parking lot.
Join Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (NVBA) in celebrating this year's Latino Conservation Week alongside our partners at the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District! Founded in 2014, Latino Conservation Week, is an initiative of Hispanic Access Foundation to support the Latino community through outdoor activities aimed to conserve natural resources through both enjoyment and preservation.
As such, NVBA is providing a guided bird walk of Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge where bird guides Jo Doumbia and McKenzie Ingram will provide bird identification and birdwatching tips in both Spanish and English.
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in June 1998 to provide habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. The refuge's diverse grassland, marsh and forest habitats attract a variety of songbirds, raptors and waterfowl that depend on the area for food, nesting sites, and a place to rest.
No registration is required. Walk will happen unless there is heavy rain or thunderstorms. We will have some extra binoculars available but please bring binoculars if you have them!
Help with butterfly conservation by serving as a citizen scientist on the fall NABA count. No prior experience is required!
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Photo: Osprey, Nick Palmieri/Audubon Photography Awards
When: Wednesday, September 10, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Where: Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, Alexandria, VA - meet in the parking lot by the picnic area
Join birdwalk leader and NVBA Vice President Andreas Seiter for an evening birdwalk at Dyke Marsh!
The group will meet in the parking lot by the picnic area.
No registration is required. Walk will happen unless there is heavy rain or storm. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape. Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history. If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of these continuing natural resource surveys.
Photo: Osprey, Jean Hall/Audubon Photography Awards
When: Sunday, September 7, 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Where: Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 14050 Dawson Beach Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191; meet at the main parking lot.
Join us for a bird walk at OBNWR! This walk is geared toward beginners, but more experienced birders are welcome.
Meet at the main parking lot. Walk leader is John Colpoys.
No registration is required. Walk will happen unless there is heavy rain or storm. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in June 1998 to provide habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. The refuge's diverse grassland, marsh and forest habitats attract a variety songbirds, raptors and waterfowl that depend on the area for food, nesting sites, and a place to rest.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
Photo: Osprey, Nick Palmieri/Audubon Photography Awards
When: Saturday, August 30, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Where: Four Mile Run Park, 3700 Commonwealth avenue, Alexandria, VA
Join an expert birders Colt Gregory and Carol Mullen on an afternoon bird walk at Four Mile Run in Alexandria.
Four Mile Run is the largest stream flowing through Arlington, draining approximately two-thirds of the County. It feeds into the Potomac River and then into the Chesapeake Bay.
Check out the hotspot info on ebird to see what we might be able to observe on this birdwalk. We will be collecting an ebird list. Set up your ebird account in advance if you'd like to get invited to our group ebird list, this will allow you to create a lifelist and automatically add all the birds we see on this walk to your list!
The group will meet at the far end of the parking area, near the trail bridge and between the ballfields, at 3700 Commonwealth Avenue, driveway entrance marked with the green pillar.
No registration is required. Walk will happen unless there is heavy rain or storm. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count.
