Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival

The 2025 Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival is tentative. Visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

The Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival will have free guided bird walks in the refuge: Jericho Lane Trailhead, Washington Ditch Trailhead, Wildlife Drive (by bus), and Dismal Swamp Canal (7 am); family activities (10 am to 2 pm); interpretive nature walks and bus tours to Lake Drummond (10 am and 1 pm); guest speakers; live animals; and food trucks.

All events are free. Pre-registration required for guided walks, bus tours and talks. Registration will be available March 1. For a full list of events, visit our website. The refuge office can be contacted with questions, Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm, at 757-986-3705.  If the festival takes place, the tentative schedule follows.

Friday, April 26

Special Event, 6 AM

Nansemond NWR Bird Walk
​*Restricted Access: area only open for registered festival participants​.​

Saturday, April 27

Guided Bird Walks, 7 AM

Jericho Lane Trailhead
Washington Ditch Trailhead
Wildlife Drive (Birding by Bus)
Dismal Swamp Canal

Family Activities 10 AM to 2 PM

Great Dismal Swamp Headquarters
3100 Desert Road, Suffolk, VA 23434

Bus Tours of Wildlife Drive 10 AM and 1 PM

Railroad Ditch Trailhead
(Lake Drummond Wildlife Drive)

Guest Talks

The Great Dismal Swamp Christmas Bird Count is held in December each year. Contact the NWR for more information.