Bird watchers will think they’ve found an avian heaven in Fairfax County. More than
190 species of birds have been seen in or from
Riverbend Park.
More than 130 have been documented in
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.
Lake Accotink has secret marshes that draw waterfowl. Riverbend and
Lake Fairfax attract migrating waterfowl.
Burke Lake is large enough for loons to take flight. More than 200 bird species have been identified in the wetlands of
Huntley Meadows Park.
Each species of bird is attracted to particular habitat, and Fairfax County park habitats include woods, wetland, river, and lake environments that attract a broad range of species. Lake parks, Riverbend and Huntley Meadows are routine stopping points for migrating birds.
Smaller lake parks, like Lake Mercer, appeal to large numbers of birds, especially in late winter if freezing temperatures play havoc with the water’s shad population. Even
Hidden Pond Nature Center, smack in the middle of Springfield, is an excellent birdwatching spot because of the feeder that hangs just outside a large viewing window in the nature center.
Multiple parks hold programs about birds, and scout birding badges can be earned through parks. The lakefront parks offer birding on boat tours, by kayak, and with naturalists. These birding trips are easily accessible. Huntley Meadows Park hosts free, casual groups of Monday morning birdwatchers who gather weekly. Call Huntley Meadows at 703-768-2525 for information about joining the group for a stroll.
