Birding is a fun and challenging hobby, you can hear birds just about anywhere you go, but you can also be intentional about spotting them, which takes a little bit more skill. The best way to see them is to make a plan to go where they love to go, and fortunately for us, with most Virginia State Parks located on or near water, we have birds right in our own backyards.

If you're new to birding and don't own a high-powered zoom lens or binoculars, then you'll love our spring birding programs, they're great for the whole family. Because birding is similar to a treasure hunt, who knows, the experience might just spark something wild in the kids. 

Listening is a key part of birding, and the best way to locate them

Have your camera ready to capture the moment, it'll happen lightning fast

We have plenty of opportunities to get outside and learn more about birds with these spring birding adventures at Virginia State Parks.

1. | Citizen Science Mondays - Chippokes State Park

Dates: 04/01, 04/08, 04/15, 04/22 and 04/29/19 | Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location: Quayle Classroom at the Farm and Forestry Museum

Did you know that we all can be scientists? Join a ranger to perform different surveys, experiments, and discover the wonders around us. Then we'll report what we've found to the scientists, who are recording that information, helping them to find answers about the world around us. We'll go birding, identify plants and fungi, explore for insects, discover the reptiles and amphibians, and look at the waters of the James River.

Contact the Farm and Forestry Museum to see what the adventure will be for each day, and to register a spot. While there are no fees for the program, the $5 per vehicle entrance fee is still required.

2. | Birding 101 - Mason Neck State Park

Date: 04/13/2019 | Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Location: Visitor Center

Bird watching is a fun and relaxing way to spend time outdoors, but where is the best place to start? Positioned in view of Belmont Bay, we have two wonderful birdfeeders that attract a large variety of beautiful song birds. Join us as we take a look at some of these birds and learn the basics of backyard bird watching.

3. | Sunrise Hike - Natural Tunnel State Park

Date: 04/20/2019 | Time: 6:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.

Location: Blockhouse Parking Lot

Join an interpreter on a guided hike on a portion of the Wildlife and Birding Trail. When we reach the Gazebo, we'll enjoy the stunning views right as dawn breaks. This trail is a moderate 1.2 mile roundtrip. Bring plenty of water, a camera, and a flashlight.

Pre-register at the main office by April 19 by 4:30 p.m.

4. | Early Bird Paddlers - False Cape State Park

Date: 04/21/2019 | Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Meet at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for transport into False Cape

Description: Join us as we paddle the wildlife packed scenic Back Bay. Back Bay is a slow-moving scenic watershed that meanders along maritime-forests and wind-driven marshes. On this adventure we see plant and wildlife rarely seen in the city. We regularly see Bald Eagles, songbirds, White Egrets, Blue Heron, Night Heron, Cormorants, many types of Raptors, and more.

Reservations are required, space is limited 757-426-7128. No experience needed and all equipment is provided. Cost: $25/person. 

5. | Raven About Birds - Bear Creek Lake State Park

Date: 04/26/2019 | Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Location: Bear Creek Hall

A park ranger will conduct a 45-minute program to teach guests the basic of bird watching and why bird watching is important. The program will be concluded with a 30-minute stroll through the woods to put those newly learned skills to the test. This guided walk over moderate terrain will look at two different types of habitats and what types of birds are likely to live there. The ranger will have a limited number of binoculars available for use during the program.

6. | River Raptors Hike - York River State Park

Date: 04/20/2019 | Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  

Location: Visitor's Center

Hike and keep an eye out for the magnificent birds of prey that dwell along our rivers and marshes. Learn about the flight and hunting abilities of bald eagles, red tailed hawks, osprey and vultures. The hike will cover about 1-3/4 miles along the Visitor Center and Taskinas Creek Trail. Photographers are welcome to capture images of the birds that appear.

Kiptopeke State Park is popular for birding year-round on the Atlantic Flyway

7. | Full Moon Hike and Owl Prowl - Kiptopeke State Park

Date: 04/19/2019 | Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: Picnic Area Gazebo

Turn off your flashlights and let the moon be your guide. Join a ranger on a guided night hike using only the moon as your flashlight. As you continue down the trails, your senses will adjust and you'll find you have a heightened sense of hearing and smell. Look for fox rustling the leaves in the shadows, listen to the language of the night and engage nature in a very unique and personal way. As we negotiate the trails, we'll discuss the native owls and night birds of Virginia, engage them in conversation, and try to see them up close. Free

8. | Sunset Paddle - York River State Park

Date: 05/05/2019 | Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Location: Contact Station

As the colors of sunset fall on the marsh, a variety of sounds can be heard from birds and other creatures. Enjoy the beauty of this special time on the water with a guided paddling trip. Canoes are $9/person or $6/person (family of 4+), solo kayaks are $16/person, and tandem kayaks are $11/person. Please call for reservations. Prepayment required with reservation.

See a variety of birds from a guided paddling trip

9. | Twilight Canoe - Chippokes State Park

Date: 05/18/2019 | Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: Register at the Visitor Center

As the sun begins to set, and the temperatures cool just a bit, the world around Chippokes begins to settle for the night. Join us as we journey along a tidal creek through a beautiful salt marsh. During our trip we'll see various birds, animals, and the rising of the full moon. This tour is for ages 10 and up, and is recommended for guests who have canoeing experience. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Maximum of 12 guests. $11/person or $6/person in group of 4 or more. Register in advance by calling the Visitor Center at 757-294-3728. Bug spray, drinking water, and closed-toed shoes recommended. Canoes, paddles, and life vest provided.

10. | Birding for Beginners - Powhatan State Park

Date: 04/22/2019 and 04/27/19 | Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Location: Trailhead Parking Area

Take a hike with a park ranger and discover the types of birds at Powhatan State Park while learning the basics of birding. Bring a camera because you never know what you may see. Recommended to bring binoculars, a field guide, and proper footwear.

11. | Earth Week - Bird Survey and Site Cleanup - High Bridge Trail State Park

Date: 04/27/2019 | Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Location: Rochelle Tract

In a partnership program with High Bridge Trail, the Margaret Watson Bird Club will have volunteers available for a birding adventure on High Bridge Trail. Help our local bird club conduct an informal bird survey of wild birds on our park property. Dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, and carry water. Transportation to the site from Charlie's Parking Lot will be available at 8:15 a.m.

We recommend bringing binoculars, but the park has some that will be available. We welcome all visitors to this program which will be enjoyable and informative at all knowledge and experience levels. Following the bird survey, a cleanup will be held on the site, concentrating on brush removal from the Bad Luck Branch creek culvert built in the 1850s. For more information, contact the High Bridge Trail State Park office at 434-315-0457.

12. | Birding List Self-Guided Program - Westmoreland State Park

Date: 01/26/2019 to 12/31/2019 | Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: Visitor Center

Was that a bank or barn swallow? Was the bird that just caught a fish an eagle or an osprey? Westmoreland State Park has a wide variety of habitats that attract many different birds. How many can you check off your list?

13. | Eagle Watch - Mason Neck State Park

Date: 03/30, 04/06, and 04/15/19 | Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: Visitor Center

Eagles love Belmont Bay and may often be seen soaring over the open water. Learn to spot the differences between birds of prey and look for them as they soar across the bay using our long-range scope.

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