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.
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.
Recent blogs about Birds
- Inaugural birding festival to honor Randy Smith, longtime Hungry Mother volunteer
- 5 ways to spend more time in nature in 2024
- Widewater State Park Provides Access to the Potomac River and Aquia Creek
- Brush up on nature at Hungry Mother
- Hungry Mother welcomes back feathered friends
- More recent blogs about Birds.
