Weekend in Fairfax County: Birds, Gardening, Tea Time + More

Looking to get out and have some fun this weekend in Fairfax County? The Fairfax County Weekender has all the scoop:

Saturday, Feb. 25: For the Birds

Winter Birds and Feeder Workshop: Learn about birds that call Huntley Meadows and your backyard home in winter. Make a pine cone bird feeder to take home. Learn to identify winter birds through calls, games and activities. From noon to 2 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. Ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Also on Saturday:

Starting from Scratch with Seeds: Grow flowers, vegetables and herbs from seed and expand your garden. Be inspired by propagator and horticulturalist Judy Zatsick as she discusses potting mixes, containers, seed treatments, lighting, fertilization and more. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Take some seeds home. Adults. $22/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Sketch Hike – Winter Trees and Landscapes: Join naturalist and artist Margaret Wohler for a hike and learn sketching techniques to enhance your observation skills. From 10 a.m. to noon at Huntley Meadows Park. Ages 12 and up. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Meet the Author – Larrie Ferreiro: Local author Larrie D. Ferreiro will speak about his new book, “Brothers at Arms: American Independence and the Men of France and Spain Who Saved It,” which recasts the American Revolution in a revealing new light. From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the City of Fairfax Regional Library. Free; register online. For information, call 703-293-6227.

Ice Station Nautilus: Rick Campbell, author of "Ice Station Nautilus" will discuss his new book, a submarine thriller. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Martha Washington Library. Adults, teens. Free; register online. For information, call 703-768-6700.

Evening Woodcock Walk: Take an evening stroll through the forest to one of Huntley Meadows’ largest meadows. Listen for the call of the male woodcock and hopefully see his amazing courtship dance and flight. Bring a flashlight. The approximately 1.5-mile walk is on uneven terrain; program canceled if it rains. From 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. Adults. $7/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Sunday, Feb. 26: Oh Deer!

Winter Lecture – Coping with Deer: Garden expert Ruth Clausen shares some beautiful shrubs, annuals and perennials that deer seldom browse. Get design tips and plant combinations for your deer-resistant garden. A book signing follows the lecture. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Adults. $10/person advance registration or $12/person at the door. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Also on Sunday:

Fairy-Tale Tea Time: Fairy tales come to life as you sip tea and enjoy treats surrounded by your favorite fairy-tale characters. Dress as your favorite character, learn how fairy tales have stood the test of time and find out why so many fairy tales include our animal friends. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $15/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Concerts at the Alden: This free classical music series, now in its 41st season, showcases the talents of local school-age musicians. From 3 to 4:30 p.m. at The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center. Free; no tickets required. For information, call 703-790-0123.

Jazz In and Around Burke: Learn about Northern Virginia and DC connections to and contributions to jazz – past and present. Presented by the Burke Centre Historical Society, this program covers local jazz festivals, instruction and radio. From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library. Adults. Free; register online. For information, call 703-644-7333.

PHOTO of chickadee at feeder courtesy of Fairfax County