Celebrate Birds: Big Sit at Algonkian Park
2025-05-10 06:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is excited to be partnering with NOVA Parks for a Big Sit at Algonkian Regional Park.
What is a Big Sit?
Some people have compared it to a tailgate party for birders. We will set up in one stationary location and see how many species we can count from that spot. At our last spring Big Sit we saw 69 species of birds. This spring we are hoping to beat that number.
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in birding from beginner to advanced. If you’re new to birding, you can learn more about it and meet other birders. If you’re an experienced birder, bring your skills and help us ID some species. This is a stationary location, so it’s great for people who aren’t interested in a long bird walk. Plus, we’ll be there all day, so it’s great for those who prefer to sleep late.
Details
Smoke the Screech Owl
We will be set up just west of the boat ramp with views of the river, a wildflower meadow, a grassy field, a wooded tree line and wide open sky. It is also close to the parking lot. (View location.) We will be there from 6:00am – 8:00pm to count as many bird species as we can see or hear. You can stop by for a few minutes to say hi or bring a chair and stay as long as you like. No registration required.
NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, Matt Felperin, will join us at the Big Sit between 12:00 to 1:30 pm and 5:30 to 8:00 pm with some of his animal ambassador friends. During previous Big Sits, Matt has brought Smoke the Screech Owl and other raptors, along with amphibians and reptiles. All are happy to interact with visitors and pose for pictures.
In case of inclement weather cancellation information will be posted here and on the Loudoun Wildlife Facebook page.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Celebrate Birds: Birding Banshee
2025-05-10 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Friends of Banshee Reeks at this wonderful nature preserve that was established in 1999. In addition to a mile of Goose Creek frontage, Banshee has a great diversity of habitats on its 695 acres ranging from wetlands and ponds to mixed hardwood forests of oak and hickory to wonderful meadows laden with milkweed, goldenrod, and thistle, all supportive of a great deal of wildlife. Numerous trails wind their way through these various habitats and are great for birding. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Celebrate Birds: Beagle Club/Institute Farm
2025-05-14 08:00 | National Beagle Club at Institute Farm, Aldie, VA, 20105, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Emily Southgate and Linda Millington who, with special permission, will visit the Institute Farm in Aldie (see map below). The farm is home of the National Beagle Club of North America and on the National Register of Historic Places. The farm’s brushy, scrubby intermediate habitat, bordered by mature forests, is home to many thicket-loving bird species. This group will also visit a nearby large farm, which includes a large lake and extensive fields. Limit 12. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.

Celebrate Birds: Young Birders Walk at Algonkian
2025-05-17 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a bird walk for young birders at Algonkian Regional Park. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River in eastern Loudoun, the park’s rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands, and open grassy areas combine to make this a spectacular place to bird. During migration a it can yield well over 60 species, including over a dozen warblers. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp; bring binoculars if you have them (we’ll have a couple loaners if you don’t). Registration required.
Note: This walk is exclusively for young birders (ages 10-18); a parent/guardian is welcome.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org.

The Birdathon Ends
2025-05-18 | VA
The annual Birdathon is being held over a period of four weeks, from April 19 through May 19. Everyone is welcome ─ expert birders, backyard birdwatchers, and beginners! Like a walkathon, Birdathon participants collect pledges and donations from friends, family members, and co-workers for finding and counting bird species. You pick any single 24-hour or 48-hour time period you want and, with your team, count every species you observe.
Read all about the Birdathon and how you can participate or donate.
Questions: Email contact@loudounwildlife.org

Celebrate Birds: Birding at Izaak Walton League
2025-05-18 08:00 | Izaak Walton League Chapter House, 19237 Mountain Spring Lane, Leesburg, VA, 20175
The Loudoun County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League manages a rich natural property in western Loudoun which contains a wide variety of habitats and, as a result, supports a lot of birds especially during migration. In partnership with the Chapter, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Allison Gallo and Bryan Henson will lead a bird walk on the property. Bring binoculars if you have them. Limit 8. Registration required.
Questions: contact Allison Gallo at agallo@loudounwildlife.org.

Celebrate Birds: Rockland Farm
2025-05-18 08:00 | VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Mike Scott and Steve Makranczy on a special visit to this private 600-acre farm a little north of Leesburg. The farm, which has been in the same family since 1817, borders the Potomac River and is rich in wildlife because of the many kinds of habitats there. It includes a rich floodplain along the river, edge and meadow habitat, and on its northern border, Limestone Branch. The varied habitats should provide the group with a good variety of migrating birds as well as residents. Limit 12. meeting location and parking information will be emailed to registered participants. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Birding Sweet Run
2025-05-24 08:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Sweet Run State Park has 894 acres of diverse habitat consisting of vernal pools, meadows, ponds, streams, and a rich oak-hickory forest in northwestern Loudoun. Not only does it border the Appalachian Trail, it is only a couple of miles from the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. It is a wonderful sanctuary for wildlife with numerous bird species using the rich habitat. Meet at the main parking lot near the Interpretive Center. The park is located just north of Neersville at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road (Rte 671); see map below. Registration required.
Fee Notice: Sweet Run collects a parking fee via self-pay kiosks located at each parking area/entrance. The fee for a standard vehicle is $10. View fee information.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Banshee
2025-06-14 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Whether you want to learn about birds or just have never been to Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, this regular monthly outing is a treat. The preserve is a diverse 695-acre treasure in the heart of Loudoun County. Its streams, trees, shrubs and fields attracts lots of species, making it a birding hotspot. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks and see what we find. This walk takes place the second Saturday of every month. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Cancelled: Young Birders Walk at Banshee Reeks
2025-06-21 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Join our Young Birding Program at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, a diverse 695-acre natural area in the heart of Loudoun. This area of streams, trees, shrubs and fields attracts lots of species, making it a birding hotspot. Bring binoculars if you have them (we’ll have a couple loaners). Registration required.
Note: This walk is exclusively for young birders (ages 10-18); a parent/guardian is welcome to join you.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org

Bird Walk at Rockland Farm
2025-06-22 08:00 | VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy as we search for signs of breeding birds on a special visit to this private 600-acre farm a little north of Leesburg. The farm, which has been in the same family since 1817, borders the Potomac River and is rich in wildlife because of the many kinds of habitats there. It includes a rich floodplain along the river, edge and meadow habitat, and on its northern border, Limestone Branch. The varied habitats should provide the group with a good variety of birds. Limit 24. Meeting location and parking information will be emailed to registered participants. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Birding Sweet Run
2025-06-28 08:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Enjoy nature during this monthly walk at Sweet Run State Park. We will explore parts of this beautiful, large preserve and see what lives in and visits its diverse habitats. Meet at the main parking lot near the Interpretive Center. The Park is located just north of Neersville at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road (Route 671); see map below. Registration required.
Fee Notice: Sweet Run collects parking fees via self-pay kiosks located at each parking area/entrance. The fee for a standard vehicle is $10. View fee information.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Banshee
2025-07-12 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Join us for a morning walk at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, a diverse 695-acre treasure in the heart of Loudoun County. This birding hotspot with streams, trees, shrubs and fields attracts many species of birds. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks sponsor this regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org
Registration

Birding Broad Run Stream Valley Park
2025-07-19 08:00 | VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy in search of birds at this surprisingly rich park along Broad Run in Brambleton. The park combines several different habitat types including a rich flood plain on both sides of the stream, edge and meadow habitat and multiple ponds. The varying habitats combine to provide a good variety of birds. Parking and meeting location will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 15. Registration required.
Questions: Contact jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Birding Sweet Run
2025-07-26 08:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Join us for this monthly walk at Sweet Run State Park. We will explore parts of this beautiful 900-acre preserve and see what lives here. With its diverse wildlife habitats, including meadows, streams and heavily forested slopes, the Park draws a wide variety of birds and other creatures. This outing takes place every fourth Saturday of the month except in December. Meet at the main parking lot near the Interpretive Center. Sweet Run State Park is located just north of Neersville at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road (Route 671); see map below. Registration required.
Fee Notice: Sweet Run collects parking fees via self-pay kiosks located at each parking area/entrance. The fee for a standard vehicle is $10. View fee information.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Banshee
2025-08-09 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
This walk at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, a diverse 695-acre treasure in the heart of Loudoun County, is always is one of discovery. This is a birding hotspot because the preserve’s streams, trees, shrubs and fields attracts lots of species. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks and see what birds we find. This is a regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Banshee
2025-09-13 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Join us for a bird walk at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, a diverse 695-acre treasure in the heart of Loudoun County. This is a birding hotspot because the preserve’s streams, trees, shrubs and fields attract many species of birds. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks team up to help you see what birds are visiting. This is a regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration Required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding JK Black Oak
2025-09-14 08:00 - 10:00 | VA
Join Michael Sciortino and Bryan Henson to look for birds at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary, which was purchased by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy in 2020. This bird walk will take us through the forest, across the meadows and past several of the vernal pools (which will be dry this time of year) that make this such a unique place. Over 140 species of birds have been documented, and there is always a chance of discovering more during fall migration. Parking and meeting location will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 20. Registration required.
After the walk, stick around for the Open House to learn more about the property.
Questions: Contact Allison Gallo at agallo@loudounwildlife.org or Sheryl Weitzel at sweitzel@loudounwildlife.org.
When registration is full, do not attempt to register. You can be added to the waitlist by emailing info@loudounwildlife.org. Please include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available.
Registration

Hawk Watch at Snickers Gap
2025-09-20 10:00 - 13:00 | VA
Every autumn, thousands of hawks migrate south along the Blue Ridge. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Patrick Lewis and Larry Meade at the Snickers Gap Hawk Watch, one of the best hawk-watching sites in the region to view this phenomenon. If the weather cooperates, we should see several kinds of raptors. If we’re lucky, we might even see a major push of Broad-winged Hawks as they pass over from their summer homes in North America to South America. You’ll want to bring binoculars to get better looks. Bring a chair if you plan to stay a while. Optional Hike to Bear’s Den, 8:00 – 10:00am: Prior to the hawk watch, those interested can meet Patrick and Larry at 8:00am to hike up to Bear’s Den (1.2 miles round trip) along a fairly challenging section of the Appalachian Trail for a beautiful view of the Shenandoah Valley, finding bird migrants along the trail. Limit 15 for both. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org.

Birding Algonkian Park
2025-09-21 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at the Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun County. With extensive frontage along the Potomac River, its rich bottomland forests, extensive wetlands and grassy areas combine to make it Loudoun’s top birding hotspot. During migration it can yield well over 60 species, including over a dozen warblers. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot. (Boat ramp location.) Registration required.
Questions: Contact bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Goodstone Inn Bird Walk
2025-09-23 08:00 | goodstone Inn, 36205 Snake Hill Rd , Middleburg, VA, 20117
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a bird walk at this private country estate in southwestern Loudoun. Goodstone has trails along the Goose Creek and in surrounding fields and old woods just a couple miles north of Middleburg (see map below). These trails are mostly level but with a couple of short, fairly steep inclines. Meet at the lower parking lot of the Inn. Limit 14. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Birding Sweet Run
2025-09-27 08:00 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Join us at the Sweet Run State Park for this monthly walk. We will explore parts of this beautiful 900-acre park and see what lives in this diverse habitat including a great variety of birds. This outing takes place every fourth Saturday of the month except in December. Meet at the main parking lot near the Interpretive Center; bring binoculars if you have them. The Park is located just north of Neersville at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road (Route 671). Directions can be found on the Park’s website. Registration Required.
Fee Notice: Sweet Run collects parking fees via self-pay kiosks located at each parking area/entrance. The fee for a standard vehicle is $10. View fee information.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Bles Park
2025-09-27 08:00 | Bles Park, 44830 Riverside Pkwy, Ashburn, VA, 20147
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at the newly reopened Bles Park in eastern Loudoun County (see map below). Bles Park is a birding hotspot with a mix of water habitats that appeal to a diverse mix of species. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the parking lot near the playground. Registration required.
Questions: Contact Bryan Henson at bhenson@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Cancelled: Young Birders Walk at Sweet Run State Park
2025-09-27 08:00 - 09:30 | Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville, VA, 20132
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program at Sweet Run State Park in western Loudoun. The 894-acre park has a variety of habitats and is home to some uncommon species that prefer higher elevations. Migrating warblers and other birds should be abundant. Meet at the main parking lot near the Interpretive Center; bring binoculars if you have them. The park is located just north of Neersville at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road (Rte 671); see map below. Registration required.
Note: This walk is exclusively for young birders (ages 10–18); a parent/guardian is welcome to join you.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org
Fee Notice: Sweet Run collects a parking fee via self-pay kiosks located at each parking area/entrance. The fee for a standard vehicle is $10. View fee information.

Birding Morven Park
2025-09-28 08:00 | Morven Park, 17195 Southern Planter Ln., Leesburg, VA, 20176
Join Carol Sottili and Molly Pinson Simoneau of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a bird walk to explore Morven Park, a 1,000-acre preserve that hosts a historic mansion, two museums a renowned equestrian center, and a mosaic of natural habitats rich in wildlife including a wide variety of birds. Meeting location and parking information will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 14. Registration required
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
When registration is full, do not attempt to register. You can be added to the waitlist by emailing info@loudounwildlife.org. Please include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available.
Registration

Birding at Izaak Walton League
2025-09-28 08:00 | Izaak Walton League Chapter House, 19237 Mountain Spring Lane, Leesburg, VA, 20175
The Loudoun County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League manages a rich natural property in western Loudoun that contains a wide variety of habitats and, as a result, supports a lot of birds especially during migration. In partnership with the Chapter, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Allison Gallo and Bryan Henson will lead a bird walk on the property. (See map below) Bring binoculars if you have them. Limit 8. Registration required.
Questions: contact Allison Gallo at agallo@loudounwildlife.org.
When registration is full, do not attempt to register. You can be added to the waitlist by emailing info@loudounwildlife.org. Please include the event name and date in your email. You’ll be notified if space becomes available.
Registration

Big Sit at Algonkian Park
2025-10-11 07:00 - 19:00 | VA
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is excited to be partnering with NOVA Parks for another Big Sit at Algonkian Regional Park. Join us for five minutes or all day as we compete with other birders around the world to see and hear as many bird species as we can from within a 17-foot circle. We’ll also have info about Loudoun Wildlife programs and a visit from live ambassador animals from NOVA Parks
What is a Big Sit?
Some people have compared it to a tailgate party for birders. It is a worldwide annual competition to see how many species of bird can be seen from one stationary location in 24 hours or less.
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in birding from beginner to advanced. If you’re new to birding, you can learn more about it and meet other birders. If you’re an experienced birder, bring your skills and help us ID some species. This is a stationary location, so it’s great for people who aren’t interested in a long bird walk. Plus, we’ll be there all day, so it’s great for those who prefer to sleep late.
Details
We will be set up close to the parking lot just west of the boat ramp (view location) with views of the river, a wildflower meadow, a grassy field, a wooded tree line and wide open sky. We will be there from 7:00am to 7:00pm to count as many bird species as we can see or hear. You can stop by for a few minutes to say hi or bring a chair and stay as long as you like. No registration required.
In case of inclement weather cancellation information will be posted here and on the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Facebook page.
Questions: Contact plewis@loudounwildlife.org.

Birding Banshee
2025-10-11 08:00 | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA, United States
Vireos, Cardinals, Kinglets and more might be among the species you’ll see at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, a 695-acre preserve that is considered a birding hotspot. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks for this monthly bird walk. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you will find the walk enjoyable. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration Required.
Questions: Contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration

Birding Broad Run Stream Valley Park
2025-10-18 08:00 | VA
Join Mike Sciortino and John Denice of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy in search of birds at this surprisingly rich park along Broad Run in Brambleton. The park combines several different habitat types including a rich flood plain on both sides of the stream, edge and meadow habitat and multiple ponds. The varying habitats combine to provide a good variety of migrating birds from shorebirds to warblers, as well as residents.. Parking and meeting location will be emailed to registered participants. Limit 15. Registration required.
Questions: Contact info@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration is closed.

Young Birders Walk at Algonkian
2025-10-19 08:00 | Algonkian Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA, 20165, United States
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Young Birding Program for a walk exclusively for young birders at Algonkian Regional Park in eastern Loudoun. The park has a wide diversity of habitats and should yield migrating warblers, sparrows and other birds. Birders often find over 60 species in a single morning. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the boat ramp. Registration required.
Note: This walk is exclusively for young birders (ages 10-18); a parent/guardian is welcome to join you.
Questions: Contact Patrick Lewis at plewis@loudounwildlife.org.
Registration
