Voting Underway Now for Reston's Official Bird

The Bald Eagle represents the United States, Virginia has the Cardinal, and now, Friends of Reston is campaigning to designate an official Reston bird in honor of Reston’s 50th anniversary this year, according to a news release from Friends of Reston.

“In recognition of Reston’s 50th anniversary this year, it seems like a good time to honor one of the wonderful wild neighbors in our diverse community,” says Katie Shaw, Executive Director of Friends of Reston.

All are invited to vote for one of five bird candidates nominated by Reston naturalists. Write-in candidates will also be counted. Based on their year-round presence, ease of recognition and beauty, the five nominees are:

• American Goldfinch
• Barred Owl
• Eastern Bluebird
• Great Blue Heron
• Pileated Woodpecker

How to vote: Online, find Friends of Reston’s Facebook page, Like it, and vote in the survey, which will show results during the campaign. In person, vote by ballot at Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191, open six days a week (closed Tuesdays).  

Polling will end on Sept. 30, and the elected bird will be announced and celebrated at the Friends of Reston annual meeting in November. Pending sanction by Reston Association Board of Directors, this election will designate the Official Bird of Reston. For more information, call Walker Nature Center at 703-476-9689.

Official sightings confirm that 182 species of birds live in Reston with its abundance of trees and appropriate habitat. For the 20th consecutive year, Reston has received designation as a Tree City USA for 2014, and in 2000, Reston was the third community in the nation to be certified as a Community Wildlife Habitat by National Wildlife Foundation. 

Which do you think should be Reston's official bird?