Bird Walks

NVBA offers bird walks throughout the year, so please visit this page often to ensure you have our full schedule. Join us for a walk soon. A few notes:

  • All NVBA bird walks are free and open to all ages, although children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • We welcome new birders as well as veterans: bring your binoculars, although we sometimes have loaners new birders can borrow.

  • Some walks are on flat, paved surfaces that are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. For more information about accessible bird outings, please email volunteer@nvbirdalliance.org.

  • Many walks are on grass or dirt trails, so wear appropriate shoes and, in warmer weather, we recommend a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and water.

  • If you register for a walk, we will notify you by email if a walk is canceled or postponed because of weather, but registration is not required.

All participants in NVBA bird walks should follow the current COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness, please wait until you are fully recovered before joining an NVBA bird walk.

Recurring Bird Walks

Please check with individual sponsors for cancellations, schedule changes or participation limits.

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
Second Saturdays monthly, 8:00 am. Various leaders.

Clifton Institute
Second and third Saturdays monthly, 7:00-10:00 am but dates and times may vary. Register here.

Dyke Marsh
Sundays, 8:00am. Meet at Belle Haven picnic area parking lot. Walk not held last two Sundays of December and usually not the first Sunday of January. Walk may be cancelled during events that close the George Washington Parkway. Check the schedule here.

Great Falls National Park
Great Falls Park sponsors a weekly bird walk which meets in the main parking lot near the Visitors' Center at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings, year-round, rain or shine. All those with an interest in the natural world - beginning and experienced birders alike - are welcome including youth, although minors will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. No dogs, please.

The walk does not take place when the park itself is closed, during extreme weather conditions, or if the park opening is delayed. The park is closed December 25. Updates for weather closures are posted on the Great Falls Park Facebook page and via voice message at 703-757-3101. Great Falls Park charges an entrance fee, but there is no additional charge to attend the bird walk.

Huntley Meadows Park
Mondays, 7:00 am March-October, 8:00 am November-February. Led by Harry Glasgow.

Reston Association
RA leads bird walks on Sundays from 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM for birders of all experience levels. Registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome. Check here for the current schedule.

Riverbend Park
In 2024, first and third Fridays from 08:00 AM to 11:00 AM beginning on April 5 and ending on October 18. Led by Robin Duska. Meet in the Nature Center parking lot off Jeffery Road. No fee, but call Riverbend Park at 703-759-9018 to register.

Northern Virginia Bird Club
NVBC leads walks twice weekly, including most Saturdays. Check their schedule for locations and times.

Loudoun County Wildlife Conservancy
LWC offers many nature programs throughout the year. Check their schedule for details.


Check our calendar for a full list of bird walks, surveys, classes and events.

View our full lineup of classes, events, bird walks and more on our calendar.