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Spring Bird Counts Opportunity at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Saturdays in February – May

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Photo: Luke High 2022 Northern Mockingbird, Virginia

Saturdays, February 14th through May 9th, 2026

Times: February 14th through March 7th will be conducted from 8:00-9:15AM, March 14th through May 9th will be conducted from 9:00-10:15AM

Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale

 

Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale is looking for FMN volunteers to lead and participate in their Spring migratory bird counts. The Spring counts will be taking place weekly every Saturday morning at Hidden Oaks Nature Center from February 14th through May 9th. Due to daylight savings, all counts from February 14th through March 7th will be conducted from 8:00-9:15AM and all counts from March 14th through May 9th will be conducted an hour ‘later’ from 9:00-10:15AM. The goal is to get a sense of what migratory birds stop by Hidden Oaks in Spring and to help the Nature Center shape their interpretive plan. No prior birding experience is required to participate, but some knowledge of identification is recommended. In addition to finding participants eager to learn, Hidden Oaks would like to find some more experienced individuals to lead some of the surveys. Further details can be found in the description of the sign-up genius link below. The more eyes we have looking for birds, the better!

Hidden Oaks Nature Center: HONC Spring Migratory Bird Count 2026

Anyone who is interested in leading counts should contact Eren Edwards at (erenedwardsete@gmail.com) directly, so that she may speak with them and do a short in-person training so that they know what to expect.

FOR FMN’s:

Service hours can be recorded using:
C106: FCPA Citizen Science Programs — Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA)

 

Dates will be listed on the BI calendar, but please use SignUpGenius to register.

Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count, December14th

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Photo: Carolina Chickadee, Jeff Drake/Great Backyard Bird Count

Sunday, December 14, 2025
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Centreville, VA (map)
Fee: FREE – Registration required

The Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will be on Sunday, December 14 The center of the 15-mile diameter count circle is near the intersection of Routes 28 & 29 in Centreville. Birders of all skill levels are needed.

Signing up is easy! Just contact Phil Silas with your phone, email, and birder level (B=Beginner, N=Novice, I=Intermediate, E=Expert), and any notes or comments no later than December 6th.

If you participated last year, your sector or route leader should to be in touch soon. If you don’t hear from anyone by after the Thanksgiving weekend, contact Phil Silas.

Organizers will also be offering an opportunity for feeder watchers. If you or someone you know lives within the count circle and cannot go out in the field, he or she can observe from inside, counting the birds that come to a feeder or yard on December 14 as an alternate way to participate.