Virginia State Parks Invite Public to Join 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count | Williamsburg Yorktown Daily

RICHMOND — Virginia State Parks are calling nature lovers and bird enthusiasts to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 13–16.

The annual global event brings together millions of people to observe and record bird species, helping scientists track bird populations and migration patterns, according to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Participants are asked to spend 15 minutes on one or more days during the count observing birds in their backyard, local park or favorite outdoor space, DCR explains. 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 be hosting programs and events to enhance your birding experience, DCR added.

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

• 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 dcr.virginia.gov/birdcount.