Pack your binoculars and grab a good pair of hiking shoes for these eight bird-watching events in Northern Virginia.
Guided Birding Walks at Riverbend Park
September 4 and 18, October 2 and 16, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Birders will love checking out Riverbend Park’s nearly 200 species of birds that live in and around the park’s woods, wetlands, and river and lake environments. Riverbend Park is often a stopping point for migrating birds. Attendees should plan to meet at the Nature Center. 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls, free but registration is required
Bird Outing at Daniel’s Run Park
September 20, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The City of Fairfax has partnered with the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance at Daniels Run Park. Downloading a bird app like Merlin or eBird is recommended before attending, and guests should wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothes. Bring your own binoculars if possible; a limited number of loaners will be available. 3723 Tedrich Blvd., Fairfax, free
Birding for Beginners
September 20, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Learn all about the hundreds of species at Huntley Meadows with this beginner birding class. The event starts with a bird identification discussion. More than 200 bird species have been identified in the wetlands of Huntley Meadows. Children ages 12 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria, $20
Chimney Swift Watch
September 27, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Head to Penrose Square in Arlington to watch chimney swifts as they fly through the evening sky before heading into their communal roosts for the night. The watch, hosted by the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance, is ideal for all ages and levels. 2597 Columbia Pike, Arlington, free for members, $10 for non-members
Loudoun’s Birds of Prey
September 30, 7 p.m.
The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is hosting a birds of prey walk at Rust Library where birders can learn how to spot different species and their habitats. Raptor expert and falconer Liam McGranaghan will be hosting, and the presentation is a joint event by the conservancy and Loudoun County Public Library. 380 Old Waterford Rd., Leesburg, free, registration requested
NextGen Monthly Bird Outing—Sky Meadows State Park + Brewery Visit
October 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Come prepared to hike through inclines, declines, and uneven terrain at this bird outing with NextGen. Given the date, guests can expect to see lots of changing foliage against migrating birds and year-round area bird residents. The venue, Sky Meadows State Park, does require a $10 fee to enter if you don’t have a state park pass. Cash is recommended as cell phone service is spotty and paying online at the park can be difficult. Post-walk, there are plans to meet at Bear Chase Brewery in Bluemont. Walk address is 11012 Edmunds Ln., Delaplane, brewery address is 33665 Bear Chase Ln., Bluemont, $10 to enter park
Fall Birding Series B: Dyke Marsh
October 17, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Nature Forward, formerly known as the Audubon Society of the District of Columbia, is hosting a fall birding series at the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. There are hopes to see southbound migrant birds like fall warblers, as well as sparrows, raptors, and waterfowl. This teaching walk is recommended for mid-level birders and will be on mostly level, natural trails, but there is a risk of uneven and muddy terrain depending on weather. Off the George Washington Memorial Pky., Alexandria, $33 for members, $46 for non-members
Manassas Battlefield Park—Brawner Farm
October 24, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Northern Virginia Bird Club is hosting a birding event at Brawner Farm in Gainesville, which is on the western edge of the Manassas National Battlefield. Brawner Farm is a haven for open-country wildlife and the region’s birding circuit, given its large continuous grasslands. Grasslands have become rare in the area as of late. Attendees should meet in the Brawner Farm parking lot. Beginning birders are welcome. 6501 Pageland Ln., Gainesville, free
Feature photo of Cedar Waxwing by Troy Barbour
