Birds of the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
 Explore, Enjoy and Protect Prince William Natural Areas

For 20 years Northern Virginia birder Jim Waggener has led a citizen science project to document birds and other wildlife at the Occoquan Bay NWR. Jim and a team of Northern Virginia birders regularly survey the Refuge in all seasons, no matter the weather. The team collects information on species and the numbers of birds. This information is compiled in an annual report and serves as the basis for a provisional checklist developed for the Refuge.

According to the report done for the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia, volunteers collectively logged 1,661 survey hours in 2008 and added three new species to the list: Ash-throated Flycatcher, Clay-colored Sparrow and Pine Siskin. These additions brought the list total to an amazing 240 species.

For perspective, the Ding Darling NWR in South Carolina covers 6,390 acres with 238 bird species. Considering that the Occoquan Bay Refuge covers only one square mile and is surrounded by high density development, the huge number of birds observed at the site speaks volumes about the importance of this small site to both wildlife and wildlife watchers.

The 2008 survey results included both good news as well as some troubling observations. Great Egrets continued to be present in increasing numbers, although the numbers of Great Blue Herons were the 3rd lowest recorded. American Kestrals were also at an all time low, as were Bobwhites. This was the fourth year out of the past five that no Grasshopper Sparrows were seen. On the bright side, the survey team documented 15 active Osprey nest sites on/around the Refuge and observed a continued increase in the numbers of Bald Eagles and Northern Harrier. Surprisingly, Prairie Warblers bounced to an all time high after trending downward for several years.

Check out the Provisional Checklist, below, then grab your binoculars and visit the Refuge for a fun morning watching wildlife. The paths are flat and wide, it's an easy walk with no hills to climb and lots to discover along the way.