Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Birding

This osprey calls Belle Isle State Park home.

Few places can match Virginia's abundance and variety of birds. From the tiny ruby-throated hummingbird to the 50-inch long tundra swan, you're sure to find a favorite feathered friend in the commonwealth.

Coastal birds? We've got plenty. Mountain birds? Of course. And many raptors - eagles, falcons, hawks and owls - make livings here as well.

State parks in Virginia are part of the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail, a statewide network of 65 trail loops with a total of more than 600 viewing sites, so you're likely to see more than just cardinals. This sharp-dressed fellow is the state bird of Virginia - and six other states.

At coastal parks, expect to see raptors, shorebirds, migrating songbirds, rails, and wintering geese and ducks. In Piedmont parks, spot turkeys, warblers, meadowlarks and buntings. Mountain parks are home to hawks, owls, grouse and more than 20 species of warblers. Of course parks also host plenty of birding and wildlife programs and events.

Visit a Virginia State Park on an excellent birding adventure with your field guide, binoculars and camera. For more information about a particular park's birding features, click below.

Bear Creek Lake State Park
Caledon State Park
Chippokes State Park
Claytor Lake State Park
False Cape State Park
Holliday Lake State Park
First Landing State Park
Hungry Mother State Park
Kiptopeke State Park
James River State Park
Leesylvania State Park
Mason Neck State Park
Occoneechee State Park
Natural Tunnel State Park
New River Trail State Park
Pocahontas State Park
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
Sky Meadows State Park
Staunton River State Park
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
Twin Lakes State Park
Westmoreland State Park
Natural Bridge State Park
Seven Bends State Park