Manassas National Battlefield Park - Birds

Manassas National Battlefield Park by National Parks Service

Historically, the rolling fields in Manassas National Battlefield Park were used for agricultural purposes. Since many grassland birds in Virginia are on the decline, one of the Park's goals is to promote better quality habitat for grassland birds, while still maintaining the agricultural heritage of the Park. To this end we are maintaining grass and shrub lands using a combination of agricultural (hay) leases and mowing by our maintenance staff.

Declining grassland species known to occur in the park include the Eastern Meadowlark, Barn Owl, Northern Harrier, Savannah Sparrow, and the Grasshopper Sparrow. The Barn Owl is endangered in seven states and is listed as a species of "special concern" in two states. We currently have 10 species of special concern within the park (see species list in Natural Resource Management Documents section).

We have installed nest boxes throughout the park. Presently, the park has Barn Owl, Kestrel, and Bluebird boxes. To date, 168 species have been documented within the park.

MORE ABOUT BIRDS:

Birds belong to the Class Aves, with over 9,600 species. New species of birds are still being discovered. They are the only animals that have evolved feathers for flight. Fossils of early birds date back to the Mesozoic era more than 150 million years ago. Like reptiles, they lay eggs, but like mammals, they are warm-blooded. Most North American bird species spend their winter in the southern United States or tropics of Latin America. They return to the same breeding and wintering areas throughout their lifetime. Migrating songbirds fly south from July to December with winds coming from the northwesterly direction and fly north from March to June with winds coming from the southeasterly direction; all under the protective cover of night. The migration of ducks, geese, and raptors starts in September and continues until December during the daylight hours. During the breeding season, bird species have distinct songs that attract mates and sometimes claim a breeding territory. These songs are the most easily used tool in identification purposes. Another tool for the alert observer is to notice relative size and shape of the bird and to watch the bird's behavior when not flying. If the bird is flying, the pattern of flight can be used to narrow the options. Learning these traits and calls/songs can make your outdoor experience an exciting adventure.