Bird Photo Gallery Highlights Reston's Feathered Residents

RESTON, VA — Recently, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources informed residents they could resume bird feeding again. To celebrate, Patch asked its readers to share photos of birds they've seen in the neighborhoods.

In late May, DWR asked residents in many parts of the state to cease bird feeding due to a mysterious illness that was killing birds. In Northern Virginia, this included Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, Manassas, and Prince William County.

On Aug. 23, reports of dying birds had declined to the point that DWR told residents in the affected areas they could resume bird feeding with precautionary guidelines

More information and updates on the illness are provided on the DWR 2021 Bird Mortality Event web page.

The following are photos submitted by Patch readers of the birds they've seen in their neighborhood:

There were many young fledgling birds in my yard this spring and summer. I did not see any dead birds. Here are juvenile Pileated woodpeckers that visited for awhile. — Liz Kirby, Arlington

A woodpecker pauses in a tree. — Amy Manship, Herndon

"I'm not much of a birder, but I know the red one is a cardinal (above)," said Ron Taylor, of Fairfax Station. "Not sure about the other one (below).

Ron Taylor of Fairfax Station submitted this photo. Can anyone identify this bird? If you can, put the answer in the comments below.

A great blue heron sits on a roof in central Arlington. — Jill Nusbaum, Arlington.

Michael Jawish of Fairfax City submitted this photo. Can anyone identify this bird? If you can, put the answer in the comments below.

"I live very near the Williamsburg/Discovery camplus. We have many bird species, as usual, this year and many babies," said Liz Kirby of Arlington. "I haven't had time to get out with my camera much."

"I've been monitoring the wildlife in my yard for over 20 years now and there has been and still is plenty around here, Kirby said. "I did not see any dead birds in my yard and am out there daily."

Amy Manship of Herndon submitted this photo. Can anyone identify this bird? If you can, put the answer in the comments below.

Want to share photos of birds in your area? Post them in the comments below.