A Letter to Our Members: Spring Renewal - A Call to Action for All of Us
Red-winged Blackbird. Photo: Lauren Puckett/Audubon Photography Awards
The equinox is a reminder that things begin again. Birds feel it before we do, returning, singing, coming back to the spaces they need. And that's exactly what I want us to think about this May during spring migration and the local nesting season: who gets to be in those spaces with them?
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Uncertainty Looms at National Refuges, While Other Protected Areas in VA Expand
Occoquan Bay NWR. Photo: Dixie Sommers
National Wildlife Refuges are entering a period of uncertainty that could undermine the vital protections they offer to around 800 bird species across the country. Northern Virginia’s refuges are not immune from the looming pressures, but area refuges outside the federal system are thriving.
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Birdathon is ON!
Red-winged Blackbirds. Photo: Richard Mitterman/Audubon Photography Awards
Migration season is in full swing, which means Birdathon is too. It's our favorite time of year — grab your binoculars, head outside, and turn your bird sightings into support for local conservation.
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Grasslands Birding Opportunity
Dickcissel. Photo: Justin Griggs/Audubon Photography Awards
Grasslands are one of the most threatened bird habitats in northern Virginia and across the country. In the last few years NVBA has been working both to conserve these areas and to facilitate access to these habitats for birdwatchers.
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Six Principles for Ethical Birding
Great Horned Owlets. Photo: Tom Muehleisen/Audubon Photography Awards
It’s the time of year when more of us are spending time outdoors, watching and photographing birds. It’s also a good time to review the principles of ethical birding.
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Citizen Scientists are Down to Earth
CBC participants in the morning fog. Photo: Deapesh Misra
National Geographic defines citizen science as “the practice of public participation and collaboration in scientific research to increase scientific knowledge.” Projects usually do not require specialized knowledge, and volunteers often train new ones.
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Your Yard Can Help Save Our Streams
Native plantings. Photo: Margaret Fisher
Although agriculture is the largest contributor by far of nutrient and sediment loads in Virginia’s streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay, urban and suburban stormwater runoff is the second largest and the fastest growing contributor of these pollutants.
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Victims of Window Collisions May Help Scientists
Study skins from "Lights Out - Recovering Our Night Sky." Photo: Robin Duska
Sadly, many of us have come across a dead bird, whether near a window or out on a trail, often a result of its collision with a window or other object. When birds do die, can they be of use to scientists?
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A Closer Look: Nature All Around Us
Small Milkweed Bug adult and nymphs with Common Milkweed seeds. Photo: Judy Gallagher
Judy Gallagher is an NVBA board member and a regular surveyor of local wildlife who also captures photos of what she sees, in particular the less common species.
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Wildlife Sanctuary Almanac: Your Neighbors' Trees
English Ivy choking several trees. Photo: Margaret Fisher
Once any of us becomes aware of the threat to our community’s trees from invasive vines, walking through our own neighborhoods can be a little frustrating. What if you could help those trees in a friendly, neighborly way?
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Upcoming Classes and Events
We have some exciting classes and events coming up, both virtually and in-person! Click any event to learn more and register. We are always adding events so be sure to check our calendar for the latest schedule.
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Service Opportunity: Flower Planting at Monticello Park
Monticello Park work day. Photo: Libby Lyons
Meet other nature-loving individuals and help us "stretch a park." We will spend the morning planting native flowers in a backyard adjoining bird haven Monticello Park in a layout partially designed by NVBA's Wildlife Sanctuary team.
When: Saturday, May 2, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where: Monticello Park, 2920 Richmond Ln, Alexandria, VA 22305
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NextGen Trivia Night
Barn Swallow. Photo: Luke High
Come prepared to test your knowledge and quick thinking at a bird-themed trivia night, hosted by NextGen Birders for Conservation at NVBA's headquarters in Reston! Even if you think you know a lot about birds, nature, and wildlife, we hope that you will learn something new and have fun doing it. There will also be small prizes for the top-scoring participants!
When: Friday, May 8, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA
Fee: FREE
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Annual Occoquan Bay Migratory Bird Count
Baltimore Oriole. Photo: Adrian Azar/Audubon Photography Awards
Over this count’s history, final tallies have averaged over 100 species. Altogether, this site’s range of habitats from open waters, wetlands and various fields and woodlands offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the richness of spring migration and beginnings of a new breeding season. Join us!
When: Saturday, May 9, 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Where: National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA
Fee: FREE, but please RSVP at the link below
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Bird Outing: Fairfax County I-95 Landfill
Eastern Meadowlark. Photo: Mary Ellen Cross/Audubon Photography Awards
NVBA has arranged a special visit to the landfill to allow our birdwatching community access to this unique restored habitat. This outing will provide the opportunity to see grassland bird species found in few places in northern Virginia.
When: Saturday, May 9, 7:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where: Meet at the Landfill Office, 9850 Hagel Road, Lorton
Fee: FREE, but space is limited to 18 participant; registration is required both on Eventbrite AND with Fairfax County Volunteer System
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Ornithology 101 with Kiersten Newtoff
Tree Swallows. Photo: Arielle Smith/NVBA Photo Contest
Are you fascinated by birds and eager to learn more? Join us for Ornithology 101, a beginner-friendly, 4-part virtual course designed for bird lovers of all backgrounds! Whether you’re a budding birder or simply curious about the avian world, this interactive series will introduce you to the fundamentals of bird biology, behavior, identification, and conservation - as well as ways you can get involved locally to help protect birds and their habitats!
When: Mondays from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, May 11 - June 8
Where: Virtual, with optional in-person field trips
Member ticket: $120 for all 4 sessions
Non-member ticket: $150 for all 4 sessions
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Wingspan Game Night with NOVA Parks: Asia Expansion
Playing Wingspan.
Join NVBA and NOVA Parks for a fun and engaging Wingspan Night at Potomac Overlook Regional Park! In partnership with naturalist Matt Felperin, we’ll play the popular bird-themed board game Wingspan. Learn to play the game, meet an Eastern Screech-Owl, and enjoy snacks and beverages! All are welcome.
When: Wednesday, May 13, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington, VA
Fee: $25
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Nature's Interconnections with Alonso Abugattas
Tiger Swallowtail butterfly on Ironweed. Photo: Betsy Martin
Learn about “Nature’s Puzzle” at this free online program cosponsored with Friends of Dyke Marsh. Environmental educator Alonso Abugattas will discuss the interdependence of natural resources, including humans.
When: Wednesday, May 13, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Online
Fee: FREE, but registration is required
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Birds in Watercolor: Downy Woodpecker with Ronna Fujisawa
Downy Woodpecker. Painting by Ronna Fujisawa
In this digital art class, students will paint a Downy Woodpecker, a familiar backyard species that frequents feeders. Your instructor Ronna Fujisawa will be your guide through the step-by-step process of painting. All levels of experience welcome!
When: Thursday, May 21, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Virtual
Members: $22
Non-members: $33
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Birding Tour of Del Ray
Eastern Bluebirds. Photo: Mark Boyd/Audubon Photography Awards
Identify local birds and their habitats with experienced birders who will lead a walking tour around Del Ray. Sharpen your skills before Black Birders Week! This program is presented in partnership with the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center, Arlington Regional Master Naturalists, and Northern Virginia Bird Alliance.
When: Saturday, May 23, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Meet at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301
Fee: FREE; registration is required
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Bird Outings
Birding, Camila Cerea
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Check our Bird Outings page for upcoming events! Registration is requested for NVBA-sponsored outings to help our leaders prepare and communicate with participants.
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Volunteer with Us!
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at NVBA, and we have many opportunities for you to get involved. Check our Volunteer page for a list of ongoing efforts and to fill out our general volunteer interest form. Watch our recorded Volunteer Orientation video to see the different kinds of volunteer activities we have available and learn how to get started. See you out there!
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National Audubon Society Action Network
The National Audubon Society invites all Auduboners to join its action network. When you subscribe to the Society’s newsletter, you'll receive alerts about important congressional actions and information about how you can affect legislation by contacting your members of Congress.
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Too many emails? Now you can update your profile to let us know how often you'd like to receive email communications from NVBA.
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