Tag: wildlife
Bowhunting to control deer population called ‘inefficient and inhumane’
People concerned about animal welfare are taking a dim view of Fairfax County’s “deer management” program, which includes bowhunting in 19 parks including the Accotink Stream Valley in Annandale. Camelot resident Christina Perez Bass, who does animal rescue, says, “My children and I walk everyday on the Cross County Trail, and I am terrified about … Continued
Park users unaware FXCO is using bowhunters to reduce deer population
Deer on the Cross County Trail in Annandale, Oct. 4 It’s deer hunting season in Fairfax County parks, but most park users don’t seem to know much about it. All but one person the Annandale blogger encountered while on a walk along the Accotink Stream Valley were unaware that the county has authorized a group … Continued
Venomous wildlife can be annoying but won’t kill you
Copperhead We’ve got some dangerous wildlife around Annandale, but not as much as you might think, says Suzanne Holland, director of the Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Holland always has local children enthralled when she teaches them about the natural world, and her presentation on venomous snakes and poisonous plants Saturday afternoon was no exception. The … Continued
Snapping turtle babies released to the wild
Janis Jeffers, naturalist and volunteer coordinator at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale, sent us some photos of the baby snapping turtles released at Lake Accotink:
Hidden Oaks naturalists release snapping turtle hatchlings
Naturalists from the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale released a group of snapping turtle hatchlings into Lake Accotink on Friday, Aug. 12. The baby turtles were the first to emerge from a clutch of 35 eggs rescued from a local resident’s flower garden. The next group of turtles will be released into the lake … Continued
Bowhunting in FXCO parks starts in September
If you’re planning an early morning or evening walk in county parks during the next few months, you might want to see if there’s a sign posted warning that bowhunting or another deer management operation is in progress. Bowhunters will be permitted in county parks from the first Saturday in September to the last Saturday in … Continued
Despite development, deer still call Annandale home
These deer were spotted just outside the Fred M. Packard Center close to Annandale Community Park. Have you spotted any wildlife in Annandale? Send us photos.
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