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
Westmoreland State Park
804-493-8821, westmoreland@dcr.virginia.gov
Westmoreland State Park, complete with campground and nature center, offers a rich mosaic of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors who walk on 200-foot bluffs overlooking the Potomac River will be rewarded with views of osprey and wintering waterfowl.
Type of birds
Westmoreland is a year-round birding hotspot. Various songbirds cover the park from spring through fall. Eagles are here year-round and osprey reside here spring through fall. See a list of birds here.
Best time of year to observe
Eagle sightings are common over the Potomac, which borders the park. Kayak beside the cliffs to glimpse birds including great blue herons. Bluebirds are likely to be seen in April through May due to a large amount of bird boxes and lesser amounts of foliage than summer months.
Best places in the park to observe
There’s an observation deck for waterfowl near fossil beach on the boardwalk.
Special birding programs and events
Westmoreland offers and is expanding its birding programs.
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.
