This location is a suburban landscape surrounding an expansive golfing range with ponds placed throughout. Many residents place bird feeders in their yards that are good to check year-round. During winter months, puddle ducks are a common site near the ponds, and your usual wintery mix of sparrows and juncos litter the suburban sprawl. Fall and Spring migration often bring migrant passerines and good places to look for them include private feeders and slightly forested areas on the golf course and between houses. The breeding season presents ample opportunity for various species of swallows as well as limited woodland birding. The golf cart paths are best to follow to bird multiple habitats and see the majority of species present, though this should be avoided during seasons when people are actively golfing.
Note: All immediate areas fall within Prince William County.
Accessibility: This is a private gated community and has very limited access. Visitors check in at manned gates at the two entrances and must present identification and a reason for entering the community. You will be denied access if a resident has not put you on their guest list. It is possible to enter the community by walking or biking on the sidewalk and bypassing the gates, but you may be stopped. It is not advisable to skirt around the community on adjacent public roads and look onto properties with binoculars as the residents are likely to call security.
eBird Hotspot: Piedmont Community (gated community/restricted access)
—Erin Anthony