Occoquan Bay NWR – March 7, 2026 – Northern Virginia Bird Club

Occoquan Bay NWR covered in fog by Troy Barbour

Our large group of 27 birders gathered at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge in the morning, greeted by a dense fog that limited our visibility to a mere half-mile. With temperatures hovering in the brisk upper 40s and a light breeze moving through the trees, the overcast weather didn’t dampen spirits. The morning got off to a lucky start right in the parking lot, where we spotted a secretive Brown Thrasher and our only Cedar Waxwing of the day. A few colorful Eastern Bluebirds also made an appearance, their vibrant plumage providing a welcome contrast to the gray morning as we prepared to set off on our three-mile trek.

The mist over the water slowly gave way to some incredible sights. We were delighted to spot a graceful flock of 80 Tundra Swans resting on the bay, their white plumage standing out softly against the gray backdrop. Even more impressive was the massive raft of Lesser Scaup—we estimated a staggering 5,000 birds shifting in the gentle current. After we walked up to the observation blind, we noticed sudden movement in the water just off the nearby point. We were excited to watch three river otters climb out onto the bank, scampering around for a very short while before they dove back in and swam away. As we walked along the shore, we tallied an unusual abundance of Horned Grebes. Counting 15 of them was a distinct highlight, making it the best showing we’ve had on an outing in a long time, easily outnumbering the two Pied-billed Grebes we also managed to find.

As we headed back through the overgrown meadows, finalizing our impressive tally of 60 species, the trail saved a final surprise for the very end. An agile Cooper’s Hawk darted directly across our path, bringing the entire group to a sudden halt before it settled onto a low branch. It perched there with a calm presence, offering every participant a clear view of its sharp features and barred plumage. This close encounter provided a peaceful conclusion to a rewarding morning in the refuge.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S306867142