Lake Anna State Park

Tucked away on the upper north shore of Lake Anna, this 2,300-acre state park serves as the crown jewel of the Central Piedmont. The park property juts out into the lake with Pigeon Run trickling down its eastern border. Pigeon Run was named for the passenger pigeons that once filled the sky by the millions. Although they have now gone, many other species have survived and thrived in the park. Here, majestic bald eagles cruise the banks and hunt along inaccessible reaches of the lake. Massive tom turkeys strut the woodland edges with their mighty beards dragging the ground.

In the winter months waterfowl congregate offshore with flocks of ring-necked duck, redhead and greater and lesser scaups incessantly diving; all the while, the occasional flock of tundra swans floats past or a sleek common loon races them for their catch. On shore the woods ring in springtime with the hick-cough of summer tanagers and the strange growls of yellow-billed cuckoos. The open fields host indigo buntings and noisy flocks of chipping sparrows, joined by eastern kingbirds, eastern bluebirds and eastern phoebes perching on the area fence posts.

During migration, flocks of warblers can be found cavorting with the titmice and chickadees. In the fall, their breeding colors are muted by molt and immaturity to dull olives and a confusing array of bars, streaks, stripes and spots; a perfect time to test your identification skills. Watch for black-throated green, chestnut-sided, bay-breasted, palm, prairie and pine warblers. Those willing to take the time to explore will surely be pleasantly surprised.

Notes:

• This park is likely to reach capacity on weekends and holidays. Entry is not guaranteed. Plan an early arrival to ensure you have a parking space.