The Friends hope to see you on January 1 for First Day Hikes at Mason Neck State Park, beginning at 10:00 a.m. We will be at the Mason Neck State Park Visitor Center with hot drinks, trail snacks, and information for hikers. We also will have lots of information on the Tundra Swans wintering at the Park and nearby National Wildlife Refuge.
Want to see the Swans in person? Friends will direct and/or accompany visitors to most likely "sighting sites" several times on January 1. At 2:30 pm, we will join an expert birding guide at the Woodmarsh Trailhead in the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge for a hike through the woods (approx. 2 miles roundtrip) to the edge of the Great Marsh, where we should see a number of Swans, along with a variety of other waterfowl. The well-marked Woodmarsh Trailhead parking lot is on the left side of High Point Road as you head toward Mason Neck State Park, shortly before you reach the Park's Attendant Contact Station gate.
In addition, the Park will be providing three guided hikes: (1) The first hike will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Visitor Center. This long hike will be out to the Eagle Spur Trail Blind to see waterfowl on Kane's Creek. This will be a medium-paced hike on a moderately difficult trail. (2) The second hike will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Bay View Trailhead and will be a slow-paced walk along the Park's most popular trail (easy, but there are some stairs involved). (3) The final guided hike of the day will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Wilson Spring parking lot. Kick the New Year into high gear as we take a brisk hike out to the Meadowview Trail Blind, hoping to spot woodpeckers, squirrels, and maybe deer and bald eagles!
Dress warmly and ready for a walk in the woods - bring binoculars (or a scope) if you have them. We're looking forward to seeing you out there - what a great way to start the New Year!
