A flash of color across a meadow. A flute-like melody sung from a nearby branch. A raptor soaring high above a mountain ridge. These small moments of discovery are what make birding one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities today.

Few places can match our incredible diversity of birdlife. From the tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird to the majestic Tundra Swan, Virginia is home to hundreds of bird species across a remarkable range of habitats.

I’m joined by Virginia State Parks ranger and avid birder, Evan Spears. We talk about why birding is helping so many people slow down, look closer, and connect with the outdoors in a whole new way. We’ll explore some of the best birding destinations across Virginia State Parks, share tips for getting started, and learn why spotting even a tiny bird can become a lifelong passion.

So grab your binoculars or just your curiosity - there's an entire world of wildlife waiting to be discovered. Let’s Go!

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode.

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Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Ranger Evan Spears: Evan.Spears@dcr.virginia.gov

Find Birding Events in Virginia State Parks

Merlin Bird ID

eBird

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

A flash of color across a meadow. A flute-like melody sung from a nearby branch. A raptor soaring high above a mountain ridge. These small moments of discovery are what make birding one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities today.

Few places can match our incredible diversity of birdlife. From the tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird to the majestic Tundra Swan, Virginia is home to hundreds of bird species across a remarkable range of habitats.

I’m joined by Virginia State Parks ranger and avid birder, Evan Spears. We talk about why birding is helping so many people slow down, look closer, and connect with the outdoors in a whole new way. We’ll explore some of the best birding destinations across Virginia State Parks, share tips for getting started, and learn why spotting even a tiny bird can become a lifelong passion.

So grab your binoculars or just your curiosity - there's an entire world of wildlife waiting to be discovered. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Ranger Evan Spears: Evan.Spears@dcr.virginia.gov

Find Birding Events in Virginia State Parks

Merlin Bird ID

eBird

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

What if I told you that one of the most incredible outdoor experiences in Virginia doesn’t happen during the day, but after the sun goes down?

We’re heading into one of the most overlooked and truly magical parts of Virginia’s outdoors - the night sky. The kind where the Milky Way stretches overhead, planets come into view, and for a moment, everything feels a little bigger.

Virginia is home to several International Dark Sky Parks, places where the night is protected and preserved, not just for stargazers, but for wildlife, ecosystems, and even our own sense of wonder.

I’m joined by Ranger Patrick Mcnamara from Sky Meadows State Park, where programs like Astronomy for Everyone are opening up the universe to visitors of all ages. We’ll explore what makes these parks so special, what you can see through a telescope, and how you can experience it for yourself at a Virginia State Park near you.

So whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just someone who hasn’t looked up in a while, this episode might just change the way you see the night. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Zenbivy

Mentioned in this Episode:

Virginia State Parks' International Dark Sky Parks

Sky Meadows State Park

Friends of Sky Meadows

International Dark Skies Association

Episode 41. Stargazing in Virginia’s Dark Sky Parks

Episode 76. Primitive Camping and Backpacking in Virginia State Parks

Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (Sky Meadows State Park)

Chapel Hill Observational and Astronomical Society (Staunton River State Park)

Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society (Natural Bridge State Park)

Crewe Astronomy Club (James River State Park)

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com