Just a few minutes south of the Capital Beltway (I-495),
Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria is one of the most popular birding areas in the greater Washington, D.C., region. Its 1,424 acres and more than 8 miles of trails make a fine respite from the traffic and bustle of the city. As you stroll here at dusk in early spring, you might hear an American Woodcock in display flight with its twittering call and rustling wings. In spring or summer you may flush up a Green Heron or see a family of Hooded Mergansers or King Rails, or in the evening hear the weird "pumping" call of the American Bittern. The park offers a half-mile boardwalk through a wetland area, which often provides excellent looks at marsh birds. In addition, viewing areas, including a two-story observation tower, make it easy to sit and watch in summer for Great Egret and Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or for a migrant Virginia Rail or Sora. Other common nesting birds include Wood Duck, Barred Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, and Song Sparrow.