Photo: Eastern Bluebirds, Mark Boyd/Audubon Photography Awards
Join us for a workshop or class! Here are a few of our upcoming offerings. Check our calendar often for updates.
Service Opportunity: Flower Planting at Monticello Park
Work day at Monticello Park. 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
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
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: Occoquan Bay NWR, 14050 Dawson Beach RoadWoodbridge, VA, 22191
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
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
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
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
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
Birding Tour of Del Ray, Alexandria
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
You can also join us for a Bird Outing, Natural Resource Survey or Butterfly and Dragonfly survey.
Online Programs
Many of our programs are offered online, and we will provide recordings of as many of these events as possible and make them available here. Check back often, as we will add videos and resources as we receive them. Please enjoy!