Birding

Bear Creek Lake State Park

804-492-4410, BearCreek@dcr.virginia.gov

Bear Creek Lake is in the central Piedmont of Virginia. It has a wide variety of habitat.

Type of birds

Migrant species take advantage of the lake and surrounding shoreline habitat. Visit eBird for a list of bird observations at the park.

Best time of year to observe

The best time to view warblers, such as the black and white warbler, yellow-throated warbler, ovenbird, worm-eating warbler and northern parulas, is in April. The summer is great for osprey and, occasionally, bald eagles. Fall is a good time to view wild turkey.

Best places in the park to observe

Trails, such as Channel Cat Loop, Lost Barr Loop and Lakeside Trail, meander through several distinct habitats allowing birders to see a variety of species.

Special birding programs and events

The park also offers a birding basics program called Raven About Birds for those who want to get into the hobby. For evening programs, the park hosts an Owl Prowl program that covers owl adaptations as well as owl calling.

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