Reston is for the Birds

Overcast skies and light drizzle aren't the best conditions for a bird walk. Still, birding enthusiasts gather, like they did last Sunday, rain or shine for their monthly trek to look for Reston's birds.

For 10 years, Reston's birding community has gathered once a month to look and listen for Reston's feathered friends.  The bird walks are free and open to those ages 9 and above. 

The bird walks are co-sponsored by Reston Association (RA), the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and the Bird Feeder store in Home Depot Shopping Plaza.

The September walk was led by  Jay and Carol Hadlock, who are well-known in the local birding community for their vast knowledge.

"They are master birders, and that's not a term we throw around lightly," said Carolyn Badila, member of the Reston Association's Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) and Bird Walk Volunteer Coordinator. 

Walking down the path, the Hadlocks look and listen, rattling off birds soaring overhead:  "Magnolia Warbler... Carolina Wren ... Downey Woodpecker."

Abby Stocking, naturalist at the  Walker Nature Education Center,  says Reston is a healthy home for birds because of  the variety of habitats: wooded areas, meadows, lakes, wetlands.

Reston is so bird friendly that RA has a Birds of Reston checklist and a map of Birding Hot Spots.

At the Walker Nature Education Center, visitors can sit at the Wildlife Observation window to  bird watch.  A running tally of animals seen from the window has 35 birds, mammals, and reptiles and amphibians.  Anyone is welcome to observe during Nature Center hours. 

 "We love hosting new folks to birding.  We're out here to have fun and enjoy Reston's nature," said Badila.

The October Bird Walk is Sunday, Oct. 10 from 7:30pm-10:30am on Bright Pond.  Meet at Bright Pond Lane, park at the end of the cul-de-sac.  For information on all nature programs, check out the Walker Nature Education Center's Branching Out guide.