Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

Great Backyard Bird Count 2026

Location of James River State Park in Virginia

Where

James River State Park, 104 Green Hill Dr., Gladstone, VA 24553.
Visitor Center

When

Feb. 13, 2026 9:30 a.m. - Feb. 16, 2026 4:30 p.m.

Self-Guided Activity

James River State Park has a wide variety of bird species; you're sure to see waterfowl, songbirds, and the occasional Bald Eagle and Osprey. Help us research the birds calling James River home as we participate in this Great Backyard Bird Count (GBYBC) hosted by the Audubon Society, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Birds Canada.

Participating is easy, fun to do alone or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds. Stop by the visitor center for a free guide that will outline the following steps for participation in detail and can be brought along with you on your search!

Step 1: Decide where in James River you will watch birds. We have 3 lakes, 3 miles of riverfront along the James, and over 1,500 acres of mixed grassland and forest ecosystems!
Step 2: Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 13–16, 2026.
Step 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings.

If you are a beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification, try using the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing. We will also have a birding programs scheduled on Friday, 2/13 and Saturday, 2/14 as part of the GBYBC, so join us then!

If you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).

Please come to the Visitor Center for your free Great Backyard Bird Count Guide. All materials provided. Suitable for all ages. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather. Parks are for everyone, please let us know if you need special accommodation.

For more information, please call (434) 933-4355 or email Tess.Himelspach@dcr.virginia.gov.

Know Before You Go: Before your visit, find the most up to date health and safety information here.

Wood Duck

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 434-933-4355
Email Address: JamesRiver@dcr.virginia.gov