Sunrise & Swans at Elizabeth Hartwell Refuge Sunday Jan 4, 7 AM

Tundra Swans are at Elizabeth Hartwell Refuge just outside of Mason Neck Park.

A perfect match between sunrise and high-tide!

• Sunrise is at 7:26am
• Hide-Tide is expected 7:22am.
• DO NOT arrive before 7:00am! Gates are locked.

We will meet at the Woodmarsh Trail Parking lot.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/L3Z85Z9Apun6Lh696

From the parking lot, take the Woodmarsh trail to the overlook here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CZSkNwiMronspGTT6

I set the meetup for 7:00am since it takes about 20 minutes to walk out to the overlook. The trail is covered in leaves, so it may be hard to follow. When heading out, stay to the left at the fork and continue straight until you see the observation deck.

Sunrise is at 7:26 am. The view can be beautiful. Recommended lenses: 35mm or 24-70mm zoom. Check the hourly weather forecast on Friday night for clear or partly cloudy conditions for the best results. Otherwise, feel free to come at 7 am.

For the swans, you will need your longest lens! Ideally, you should bring 400mm to 600mm or longer!

There is another event on Jan 1st, 2026, at 11:30 AM with a park ranger at the refuge. There are some good details in the link below about the location.
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2025-12-09-14-46-46-613077-axo&redirected_alread=yes

Bring Water, a Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards

By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location. I also agree to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.