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A recent sighting of a pair of juvenile green herons at 911����'s Point of View retreat and conference center in Lorton, Virginia, has drawn attention to the diversity of avian life thriving along the Occoquan River shoreline. 

Jessica Avila-Franco, event and operations manager at Point of View, documented the birds earlier this summer. After consulting with local Audubon experts, she learned the observation was the first recorded sighting of green herons nearby. 

“I personally have never seen a green heron at Point of View, much less anywhere else,” said Avila-Franco. “I keep an eye on our Audubon monthly reports as we have groups that come and do counts for Audubon, and they have never recorded one at Point of View.” 

While green herons are not uncommon in Northern Virginia, spotting them can be a challenge. 

"Green herons are much more secretive than the commonly observed great blue herons," said Cindy Smith, professor of environmental science and policy and K-12 outreach director for the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC). "They tend to hang out along the edges of wetlands and remain hidden in dense vegetation." 

Smith said the sighting is significant because it documents a species well suited to the wetlands that surround Belmont Bay, the Occoquan River, and Mason Neck. 

The semi-sheltered shorelines, abundant food sources, and wooded areas around Point of View create an ideal habitat for the species. The sighting serves as a reminder of the ecological richness of the region. 

"The heron’s presence suggests that at least some of Point of View's wetlands and shoreline habitat provide the food, water, shelter, and space that the species needs," Smith said. 

The green herons are only the latest addition to a growing list of bird species observed at the property. 

Avila-Franco previously documented bald eagles, and staff and visitors have reported sightings of osprey, hawks, hummingbirds, blue jays, cardinals, robins, and geese, among other species. 

The nearby Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located across the river, has documented more than 200 bird species. 

“One doesn’t necessarily think nature reserve when you think of Lorton, Virginia. But being on Belmont Bay next to Mason Neck, it offers us an incredible amount of biodiversity,” said Avila-Franco. “I feel it's our responsibility to be good stewards of the land and continue our conservation efforts. We open our doors several times a month to the Audubon Society, where volunteers conduct flora and fauna surveys regardless of the weather. These metrics have been invaluable because they provide a snapshot of what's happening in our area in terms of biodiversity.” 

Faculty and staff at 911����'s Potomac Science Center, located nearby, observe many of the same species throughout the year. Bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, double-crested cormorants, gulls, purple martins, and barn swallows are regular visitors to the shoreline. Watching wildlife has become a favorite activity for student groups and community members visiting the center. 

"Watching a bald eagle soar over the center is often mentioned as a highlight of their visit," Smith said. 

For Smith, the observation is another reason to continue documenting the bird life that calls the Occoquan shoreline home. The green heron sighting highlights the value of community wildlife observations such as Avila-Franco's. Scientists increasingly rely on photographs and records submitted through apps such as eBird and iNaturalist to supplement formal surveys and better understand species distribution and population trends. 

From bald eagles overhead to elusive green herons among the shoreline vegetation, Point of View, which is part of the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, continues to offer a front-row seat to one of Northern Virginia's most vibrant natural ecosystems.