Turquoise Trail – Reston – May 2, 2026

On a slightly overcast morning, our eager group of birdwatchers gathered at the Walker Nature Center in Reston for a spring migration walk. With temperatures hovering around 50°F and a light breeze rustling the spring foliage, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The day started with plenty of avian action, though the birds kept high in the tree canopy. When we stepped into a clearing, our patience paid off; the treetops were alive with an array of spring warblers. While the crowd tracked a brilliant Scarlet Tanager, a stunning Blackburnian Warbler flashed into view, offering a thrilling moment for those lucky enough to catch its fiery throat against the gray sky.
The true magic of the morning unfolded as we ventured further along the trail and encountered our first standout highlight: a magnificent family of Barred Owls. We enjoyed fantastic views of two fuzzy, newly fledged owlets perched on a branch, while their watchful parents kept a careful eye on us from the surrounding trees. The excitement didn’t end there. During the second half of our walk, we visited a second owl nest, where yet another downy owlet was peeking curiously from a deep tree crevice. Interspersed with these unforgettable raptor encounters were fleeting glimpses of rare spring visitors, including a secretive Veery and a solitary Wilson’s Warbler calling repeatedly near the clearing. It was a spectacular, peaceful morning that reminded all of us just how rewarding a day on the trail can be.

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