Birding
Pocahontas State Park
804-796-4255, Pocahontas@dcr.virginia.gov
As part of the Appomattox Loop on the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail and encompassing nearly 8,000 acres, Pocahontas State Park is home to many bird species. Bald eagles can be found along Swift Creek Lake, herons are often spotted at the Beaver Lake spillway, and various warblers and other songbirds are found in the park's deciduous forests, grassy openings and pines.
Type of birds
Geese, mallards, doves, herons, woodpeckers, phoebes, blue jays and crows are commonly seen year-round.
Best time of year to observe
Geese, cardinals, songbirds and herons are common throughout the year. Turkeys are often seen in the fall, and bluebirds are abundant in spring and summer.
Best places in the park to observe
Beaver Lake, Big Poplar, Ground Pine and Co-op trails are excellent places to spot birds.
Special birding programs and events
Introductory bird watching programs are held throughout the year, with special programs on National American Eagle Day (June 20) and World Migratory Bird Day (Second Saturday in May).
Recent blogs about Birds
- A birder’s top 5 Virginia State Parks for birding
- 5 ways to experience High Bridge Trail State Park
- Birding festival 1st weekend in May at Hungry Mother to honor longtime volunteer Randy Smith
- Exploring the new additions to New River Trail State Park
- A "heronious" point of view: great blue herons are nesting
- More recent blogs about Birds.