Due to the difficulty of gaining access to this lake, Lake Holiday had been little birded despite it's enormous potential until recently. Spanning 240 acres, it is easily the largest body of water in Frederick County and is one of the largest lakes in Virginia west of the Blue Ridge. As with most lakes in Virginia the prime time for birding this location is from fall through the spring, during the summer the lake is covered with boats and you probably won't find much. If you are fortunate enough to gain access there are several vantage points to scan the lake from. The two vantage points that are generally the most productive are the dam area at the east end of the Lake and the main beach near the clubhouse on the north side of the lake. Given the size of the lake a scope is a must. The largest numbers of waterfowl can usually be seen from the dam but the area near the main beach often allows for slightly closer views of some birds and allows you to see some parts of the lake not visible from the dam. A third vantage point, Beach #2, is located on the south end of the lake. It will occasionally provide closer views of some of the birds visible from the dam. This area is also a great spot to look for migrant passerines in the spring and fall. Most of the south side of the lake has yet to be developed so walking the roads in this area can be very productive. Less common migrants such as Gray-cheeked Thrush and Bay-breasted Warbler have been found in this area. Notable sightings include White-winged, Black and Surf Scoters, Red-throated Loon, American White Pelican, and Snow Bunting. With the exception of the Black Scoters, which were seen in 2013, all the other notable records from this location come from 2018, so with more coverage, more unusual records should continue to turn up.
Accessibility: Lake Holiday is completely surrounded by a private gated community, so access is only possible if you have an invite from a resident.
Owner/Manager: Lake Holiday POA
eBird Hotspot: Lake Holiday
—James Fox