Birds of the Blue Ridge Center

Open fields, fence rows, riparian areas, deciduous forests, wetlands, ponds and rock outcrops ensure a rich bird life. So far, 25 species of warblers have been identified, and our bird list stands at about 130 species. Wading birds, such as herons, are a common occurrence, but red-headed woodpeckers are not so common.  Open area species such as mourning doves and field sparrows, as well as birds of prey, benefit from the diverse habitats the Center offers.  Wood ducks and double-crested cormorants are regular visitors to Gordon Pond.  Eastern bluebirds, Carolina wrens and Tree swallows take full advantage of our 90+ bluebird boxes.

Since May of 2001, the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy has sponsored International Migratory Bird Day bird counts here at the Blue Ridge Center. Thanks to the many volunteers that take part, we have added new birds to our bird list every year. Some highlights include: summer tanager, northern harrier, cooper’s hawk, red-headed woodpecker, yellow-billed cuckoos, and incredible numbers of blue-winged warblers.

The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy also holds monthly bird walks here. They are held on the fourth Saturday of every month (except December). The group meets at the BRCES Resource Center at 8 am. Please contact us for more information. Read the report from October 27's bird walk (opens a new window).

If you are interested in birding in northern Virginia, we suggest you go to Kurt Gaskill's Northern Virginia Birding Page. If you're interested in North American birds, we suggest visiting the Web site of the Patuxent Bird Identification Info Center.

Bird Brochure

Birds of the Ridge Trail Map