Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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Shared by Matt Knight, Education Support Specialist, as Guest Blogger.

During the winter, while most creatures have taken cover and the vibrancy that nature displays has seemingly vanished, a small and feathery animal roams the bare landscape, carrying on as if it has taken a new lease on life. Birds unquestionably peak our curiosity, if not for their spectacular flying abilities and their beautiful songs, then for their ruggedness during one of the hardest times of year. 

Chippokes State Park is home to many overwintering bird species, and to celebrate our avian friends, the park will host “The Great Stakeout” as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count on Saturday February 13, 2016 in the Farm and Forestry Museum’s Quayle Classroom.

Chipping Sparrow at Chippokes State Park, Virginia

Chipping Sparrow rests on a wooden fence overlooking the park's pastoral landscape

Majestic Bald Eagle Chipping Sparrow at Chippokes State Park, Virginia

A majestic Bald Eagle is frequently spotted scanning its surroundings atop tall trees

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a world-wide event, sponsored by organizations such as the Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab and first held in 1998. The objective is simple: identify bird species and count individual birds in a certain place for a certain period of time. Much is already known about birds in general, but bird populations change frequently, which presents new mysteries to scientists. By participating in the bird count, you can help solve these mysteries.

As the name implies, “The Great Stakeout” will consist of visitors using the cover of the warm and cozy classroom to stealthily observe and track birds foraging in the museum courtyard. Binoculars, field guides, and data sheets will be provided, and kids can make a nature-friendly bird feeder to take home. The program will surely spark your interest in birds and will give you an up close look at the ways birds survive the winter.

Osprey nest on the James River Chipping Sparrow at Chippokes State Park, Virginia

Osprey seen at Chippokes nesting on the historic James River

So use your (bird) brain and join the flock at Chippokes’ Great Backyard Bird Count “Great Stakeout,” Saturday February 13, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Farm and Forestry Museum’s Quayle Classroom.

Click here for directions to Chippokes State Park...we'll see you there!  

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

COMMENTS

Virginia State Parks (February 05, 2016 06:40:08 PM): There was a link to more information in the article: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/park-event-info?id=CP160013-00. Pre-registration is not required and the only fee is the daily parking fee, $5 per car for weekends.

Marilyn & Paula (February 05, 2016 05:30:56 PM): We would like to attend this Bird Watch. Any cost or do we just show up?

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