Manassas Battlefield Park – Brawner Farm – March 28, 2026

Kestrels and Cold Snaps: March Birding at Brawner Farm
On the morning of March 28, 2026, a hearty group of birders gathered to brave a chilly morning and stiff breeze at Manassas National Battlefield Park. The clear sky offered a beautiful backdrop for our walk, even though the wind kept many smaller birds hunkered down out of sight. The wind noise made it challenging to pinpoint the few brave songsters, but the peaceful energy of the historic landscape set an optimistic mood for the morning. We didn’t have to wait long for our first highlight, as a handsome Brown Thrasher greeted us right in the parking lot, singing proudly while bathed in the morning sunlight.

As we began our walk, the first Eastern Meadowlarks of the season greeted us in the grasslands. Exploring further, the recently burned fields proved to be a popular foraging spot. We spotted a massive flock of about a hundred American Robins hunting intently among the charred grass, joined in the treelined by several Northern Flickers. The habitat also offered up a few non-avian surprises along the way. Peering over the edge of a wooden walkway, we discovered the fascinating, greenish egg masses of Spotted Salamanders resting in a shallow vernal pool.

The true thrill of the walk, however, belonged to the raptors. We were treated to gorgeous views of a female American Kestrel as she hovered gracefully over the open fields, eventually making a close pass right above our group. Soon after, an adult Bald Eagle made a surprise flyover, its steady glide temporarily distracting us from the cold wind. Tallying a respectable forty species on such a blustery day was a wonderful reminder of nature’s resilience, proving that even the sharpest March mornings can yield an incredibly rewarding walk.

eBird Checklist – 28 Mar 2026 – Manassas National Battlefield Park–Brawner Farm