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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 27, 2026
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov

Join the Great Backyard Bird Count at a Virginia State Park
Help science take flight and discover birds outside of your yard

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Winter field sparrow at Machicomoco State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Blue Heron in winter at York River State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Birdwatching at Westmoreland State Park)

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia State Parks are calling all nature lovers and bird enthusiasts to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), taking place February 13–16, 2026. This annual global event brings together millions of people to observe and record bird species, helping scientists track bird populations and migration patterns.

The GBBC is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to conservation science, and you don’t have to be a scientist to join in on the fun. Participants are asked to spend just 15 minutes on one or more days during the count observing birds in their backyard, local park or favorite outdoor space. Observations can be logged using the Merlin Bird ID app for identification or the eBird Mobile app for submitting sightings.

Virginia State Parks across the commonwealth will host programs and events to enhance your birding experience. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, this is a great opportunity to connect with nature and contribute to a worldwide citizen science project.

Those interested in participating in this year’s bird count can find an event or related program at one of several participating parks.

State parks that are having an event include:

Bear Creek Lake, Cumberland
Caledon, King George
Fairy Stone, Stuart
Hungry Mother, Marion
Lake Anna, Spotsylvania
New River Trail, Max Meadows
Powhatan, Powhatan
Staunton River Battlefield, Randolph

To learn more about Backyard Bird Count events at Virginia State Parks, visit http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/birdcount.

If your local park isn’t having an event that weekend, you are still encouraged to visit any location and count birds. Your participation matters and your bird count contributes to a global study that helps protect bird populations all over the world. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a great way to connect with nature, discover the birds in your area, and contribute to vital science—all from your own backyard. Every bird you identify helps researchers track populations and protect species for the future.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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