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Hungry Mother State Park

Man and woman with binoculars looking up in the trees for birds

The Great Backyard Bird Count 2024

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Man and woman with binoculars looking up in the trees for birdsThe Great Backyard Bird Count is a citizen-science based count held every year from February 16-19, 2024.  Spend time in your favorite places watching birds – in your own backyard or in public places – then report the birds you saw or heard! You only need to spend as little as 15 minutes (or longer if you choose), any of the days (or all the days!) to just watch and record the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit them to help scientists better understand and protect birds. Researchers all around the world use the data gathered each year from the Great Backyard Bird Count to study birds.

You don’t have to be a pro to participate — you’ll be helpful to the study if you record just one or two bird species that you are able to identify.  Here’s a link to a Guide to North American Birds in the Southeast Region to help you identify birds often found in Virginia.  It’s also very easy to use apps on your phone or tablet, such as Merlin or eBird.  You can even record a bird you hear, and BirdNET app will suggest which bird is making the sound.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a wonderful opportunity to visit a state park, botanical garden, and other beautiful places in Virginia to participate.  If you want to learn more before it kicks off, there’s a live webinar on February 13th to get more details about this year’s GBGC.

Below is a list of a few events to consider, but please consult their websites for registration, any fees involved, or age restrictions before you go:

  • Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach offers a Winter Waterfowl Walk on February 19, 2024. You’ll search for ducks, geese, and swans to observe, identify, and photograph on a one-mile walk.
  • Join rangers and Virginia Master Naturalists at Natural Tunnel State Park in Duffield on February 18, 2024 from 11:00 AM to noon to learn how to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count on your own at home and at the park.

          * Special notice:  Natural Tunnel State Park is proud to offer red/green colorblindness correcting outdoor glasses by EnChroma during all offered programming; three protan red sensitivity and three deutan.

  • Because of its wide range of habitats that support many bird species, Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland is the perfect place to come birding and participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. You can join them on February 16, 17, 18, and 19, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Hungry Mother State Park in Marion offers a unique experience on February 16 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. to journey out into the night to learn about how owls are specifically designed for night life. Or if you’re not a night owl, on February 17 from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. they’ll  offer guided hikes to see what kinds of birds can be found to record for the Great Backyard Bird Count.
  • Grab your binoculars and head over to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on February 17 from 9 a.m. to noon to be a part of this year’s GBBC community science project; children can assist, too, and are welcome to help with a parent.
  • Come flock together at Powhatan State Park in Powhatan to help your feathered friends!  On February 17 from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. They’ll assist you in identifying, counting, and submitting the birds you see using the eBird or Merlin apps.

For more information about the part you’ll play in this international event, view this on YouTube:  Great Backyard Bird Count – when the world comes together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds.  And for even more places to visit near you, here are links to the experts in bird watching:

Audubon:  About the Great Backyard Bird Count

DCR (Virginia Dept. of Conservation and Recreation): Count Birds for Science

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service:  The Great Backyard Bird Count

Programs and activities at Virginia State Parks: Events (virginia.gov)

Happy birding!

Maple syrup bucket on a Maple tree

Sappy Saturday, Naked Trees, and Other Winter Fun

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Maple syrup bucket on a Maple treeAs we say good-bye to January and usher in another month of winter, there are many ways to get out to see all the beauty around us in the Commonwealth.  One of the best places to look is Virginia State Parks.

Here’s a sweet idea:  have you ever wondered how maple syrup is made?  Or wanted to try making maple syrup at home?  Head to Claytor Lake State Park in Dublin, Virginia, on February 11, 2023 for a 2:00 p.m. start time and they’ll show you what you need to make and enjoy Virginia maple syrup.  No reservations required, just meet by the maple trees in the field in front of the Howe House/Park Office.  The presentation is for adults only.  Standard parking fees apply.  If you aren’t able to join them for “Sappy Saturday” or want a sneak peak about the process here’s a How to Make Maple Syrup guide.

Or you can take a walk on the wild side at  Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster, Virginia.   Each month, park volunteers and members of the Northern Neck Master Naturalists share a variety of natural history topics, point out aspects of the park’s many habitats (ideal for plant and animal life viewing), and provide participants with nature-photography tips should they need assistance.  On February 9, 2023 from 9-11:00 a.m. the topic will be “Naked Trees.” Winter is a good time to view trees that have shed their leaves, revealing their shape, identity, and beauty.  Children are welcome, and standard parking fees apply.  The walk will be conducted at a leisurely pace to allow stops along the way.  Group size is limited, pre-registration is requested. Please call the camp store at (804) 462-5030 for more information or to let them know you’re coming!

If you’re the brave, sturdy type, camping in the offseason, weather permitting, can be a nice reprieve from the summer crowds and offers a unique opportunity to explore the parks and see them in a new light. There are four parks that have full service, year-round availability: Pocahontas State Park, Shenandoah River State Park, Douthat State Park, and Hungry Mother State Park.

Or if you’d rather head to a milder part of the state, you and your family can enjoy a ride through the park at False Cape State Park, in Virginia Beach.  Winter Trams at False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer the unique opportunity to observe and experience the incredible migration of waterfowl. In addition, enjoy a 1-mile guided hike through nature to learn about the history of False Cape State Park. Save your spot by calling the park at (757) 426-7128. Reservations are required, the tour is $8 per person, and standard parking fees apply.  Children are welcome.

And lastly, here are some very important tips for visiting any Virginia State Park:

  • It’s a good idea to check with the state park you plan to visit, especially in winter, to learn about the weather conditions and any park closures. There is a Know Before You Go webpage with helpful guidelines.
  • Virginia State Parks participate in the 7 Principals of Leave No Trace, including disposing of waste properly.

Would you like to attend these fun programs, but skip the parking fee? We offer a one-day free parking pass for those who make a donation of any size to Keep Virginia Beautiful!  Help us help you enjoy a visit to a Virginia State Park, and know that your donation helps keep our Commonwealth clean, green, and beautiful!