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Great Backyard Bird Count

Location of Claytor Lake State Park in Virginia

Where

Claytor Lake State Park, 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr., Dublin, VA 24084.
Throughout the Park

When

Feb. 13, 2026 5:30 p.m. - Feb. 15, 2026 11:00 a.m.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an international event held every year to help understand and protect our birds. Claytor Lake will be hosting various events from February 13th-15th to contribute to this citizen science project. What birds will we see or hear?

Friday, the 13th:

5:30 p.m. Owl Prowl @ the Fire Circle in Dogwood Campground

'Whooo' will hear 'whooo' first? Join us for a short walk in the woods as we discover the owls common to our park and attempt to call them in to join us. Comfortable walking shoes and a good flashlight are recommended.

Saturday, the 14th:

10 a.m. Birdwatching for Beginners @ the Howe House (Visitor's Center)

Have you ever wondered about the birds in your area? Join Master Naturalist Judy McCord to learn all the tricks and tips of bird watching and how to identify some of our common species. This event is geared towards beginners, but experienced birders are welcome as well. Don't forget to bring a pair of binoculars or borrow one of ours.

12 p.m. Love Birds Craft @ Water's Edge Meeting Facility

Did you know that about 90% of all bird species are monogamous? Join our rangers as we talk birds that only mate for a season, a few breeding seasons, or for life as we create our own heart-shaped bird feeder.

Sunday, the 15th:

10 a.m. Bird Bingo @ the Howe House (Visitor's Center)

Explore the great outdoors with our fun and interactive Bird Bingo! Try and spot as many birds as you can to complete your bingo card. Rangers will have copies of the bingo sheet or you can bring your own copy from the link below.

Self-Guided Opportunity:

Want to do the count in the park on your own? Do the self-guided Birding Bingo activity to log the birds you see or hear and help contribute to the Great Backyard Bird Count. Download the bingo sheet from the link below and complete this as you explore the park. For more information on this worldwide event, go to this link or visit https://www.birdcount.org/. Thank you for contributing to this citizen science project!

Accommodations:

If any accommodations are needed, the All Terrain Wheelchair is available for reservations here or by visiting this link: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/all-terrain-wheelchairs. Once on the webpage, click the Microsoft Form link to reserve the ATW for Claytor Lake State Park.

Hooded Mergansers

Documents

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-643-2500
Email Address: ClaytorLake@dcr.virginia.gov