Tag: wildlife
Unidentified creature spotted in Holmes Run Park
An alert reader spotted what looks like a large furry creature while walking through Holmes Run Park a few weeks ago. There were several large bones nearby. Yikes!! He took these photos, but when he tried got closer, the thing growled and started coming after him. Fortunately, he was able to run away. Anyone see anything like … Continued
Take your family on a nighttime nature hike with ‘wildlife’ at Hidden Oaks
Ever wonder what goes on in the woods when the sun goes down? Creatures of the night (actually naturalists in costume) will dispel some myths about themselves during “Fear-less Fest,” Hidden Oaks Nature Center’s biggest event of the year. Fear-less Fest takes place Oct. 23, 7-9 p.m. at Hidden Oaks, 7701 Royce St., Annandale. The … Continued
Annandale children say ‘adios,’ as monarchs begin long journey to Mexico
About half a dozen monarch butterflies got a fond farewell as they headed off to Mexico from Annandale’s Hidden Oaks Nature Center Sunday afternoon. Before they flew away, Assistant Manager Suzanne Holland attached tiny stickers to their wings to help biologists track their journey. Monarch butterflies eat milkweed leaves, and Hidden Oaks’ butterfly garden is … Continued
Long-range park planning document addresses park issues in Annandale
Among the Fairfax County Park Authority’s long-range plans for Annandale are recommendations for new trails and new connections between existing trails, upgraded facilities at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center and Audrey Moore RECenter, the preservation of historic sites, and much more. These proposals are included in the draft report, Great Parks, Great Communities. This project was initiated … Continued
High-pitched noise outside of Harris Teeter—Mystery pursued
By Marie Reinsdorf A few weeks ago, my 18-year old son mentioned “an awful noise” outside of Harris Teeter at Barcroft Plaza [6351 Columbia Pike, Falls Church]. “I still shop at Harris Teeter, he said, “but I run in fast. I can hear it as far outside as the Starbucks up hill in the parking … Continued
Weird wildlife siting
Hidden Oaks Nature Center offers summer camp programs for kids
Still looking for a summer program for your kids? The Hidden Oaks Nature Center (7701 Royce St., in Annandale) still has a few spots left in its nature camps. Earthkeepers Camp, July 7-9, is all about exploring woods and watersheds, learning about the environment, restoring habitats, and making crafts from recyclables. It’s for children ages … Continued
Yikes! Watch out for copperheads; increased sightings in Fairfax County
There have been a lot more copperhead sighting this spring than usual, reports Fairfax County wildlife biologist Vicky Monroe. At least three people have been bitten by the highly venomous snakes, including one man in Reston who was hospitalized for four days. Other people have been bitten by copperheads in Clifton and in Riverbend Park … Continued
Volunteers need to help Fairfax County control Canada Geese population
Fairfax County is seeking volunteer “goose addlers” to help control the growing population of Canada geese. Addling is a humane practice, in which the goose eggs are coated with oil to prevent them from hatching. Anyone interested in joining this volunteer effort is invited to attend a hands-on training session Monday, April 5, 1:30-3 p.m., … Continued
Seen any foxes or coyotes lately?
Several Annandale residents have reported seeing more foxes lately during daylight hours. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the fox population is growing, says Michael McDonnell, manager of the Hidden Oaks Nature Center off Hummer Road in Annandale. He thinks the foxes are changing their behavior in response to the growing number of coyotes in the area. … Continued