Alert:
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s land is home to countless birds. 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.