Nestled in Virginia’s Piedmont region, Louisa County offers bird enthusiasts a rich tapestry of habitats and species to explore. With over 200 recorded bird species, the county’s diverse landscapes—from open fields and woodlands to expansive water bodies—provide ample opportunities for both novice and seasoned birders.
Photo: Osprey, Pleasant’s Landing at Lake Anna, Credit – Christine Reisner
A historic landmark and historic birding destination.
One of Louisa County’s premier birding destinations, the Green Springs National Historical Landmark District is renowned for its wintering Short-eared Owls, which often put on spectacular aerial displays. Birders have also reported sightings of Rough-legged Hawks and a pair of Sandhill Cranes that have overwintered for multiple years.
During the breeding season, the district hosts species such as Grasshopper Sparrows, Summer and Scarlet Tanagers (photos below, credit Christine Reisner), Northern Bobwhites, Yellow-breasted Chats, and Blue Grosbeaks. East Green Springs and East Jack Jouett Roads are favored spots for observing these birds, with East Green Springs offering less traffic and easier roadside birding.
Where there’s water, there’s waterfowl.
Lake Anna in Louisa County attracts a variety of waterfowl, especially during migration periods. Visitors can observe large gull flocks in winter and early spring, including species like Laughing and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. On the eastern end of the lake, Dike 3 is particularly good for spotting Red-breasted Mergansers.
An urban birding oasis.
Around the Town of Louisa, Louisa Town Park encompasses six acres of open fields bordered by wooded creek beds. This mix of habitats makes it an ideal spot for birding. Visitors can expect to see Carolina Wrens, White-eyed Vireos, Northern Cardinals, American Robins, Northern Mockingbirds, and Chipping Sparrows. The treetops often host flocks of Cedar Waxwings and the occasional White-breasted Nuthatch. During migration seasons, the park’s diverse environments attract a wide range of warblers, vireos, tanagers, grosbeaks, and orioles.
Down on the farm.
Located in the Green Springs area of western Louisa County, Bracketts Farm offers birders the opportunity to explore its Heritage and Nature Trail adjacent to Nolting Pond. The farm’s mix of open fields, woodlands, and wetlands provides habitats for a wide variety of bird species, making it a worthwhile stop for those looking to combine birding with a splash of local history. You can find out more about Bracketts Farm here – https://bracketts.org/. And for a more in-depth look at the types of numbers of birds you can expect on your trip, visit the Braketts Farm section of Cornell University’s birding site – ebird.org.
Migrate to Louisa County for the bird adventure of a lifetime.
To make the most of your birding trip to Louisa County, plan ahead by consulting resources like the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail website – https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/. This trail features 65 trail loops across the state, each containing multiple birding and wildlife viewing sites. Selecting loops within the Piedmont region can help tailor your adventure to the habitats and species you’re most interested in observing.
Louisa County’s blend of historical sites, diverse habitats, and parks makes it a rewarding destination for bird watchers seeking a rich and varied experience.