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
Sky Meadows State Park
540-592-3556, SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov
On the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park provides opportunities to observe birds in various habitats, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,800 feet above sea level.
Type of birds
The agricultural history of the area has created a mixture of pasture and woodlands interspersed with streams and ponds that attract many bird species. In fact, The park has more than 200 documented species of birds. Visit www.skymeadows.info/birds for details about bird species at Sky Meadows.Best time of year to observe
Spring offers a great chance to see wood ducks, thrushes, orioles and more. In the autumn, raptors - hawks, eagles, harriers, etc. - migrating along the Blue Ridge are common. Throughout the year, birders may spot one of seven species of woodpeckers, including the popular redheaded woodpecker.Best places in the park to observe
While the park has no viewing platform per se, its expansive pastureland affords fine bird sightings throughout the park.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.
