NVBA News Blog
American Robin. Photo: Mick Thompson/Audubon Photography Awards
Welcome to the blog for Northern Virginia Bird Alliance, a wealth of resources about northern Virginia birds, wildlife, habitat conservation and restoration, native plants, wildlife-friendly gardening, advocacy and more.
Grasshoppers: Masters of Disguise
Grasshoppers leap out of my way as I walk through a grassy area, and that inspired this month's column. There are about 10,000 short-horned grasshopper species worldwide, at least 60 of which are found in Virginia.
Designing for Fall Color
Have you ever admired some fall landscapes that just pop with color? Every property can be designed for autumn beauty. All it takes is thoughtfully adding just a few new native plants.
It’s October, Which is Spider Time!
October is spider time! These mysterious 8-legged creatures capture our imaginations this time of year, but they also provide great benefits to both humans and birds.
2027 Photo Calendar Contest is Open!
We’re bringing the NVBA photo calendar contest back for a second year! Find out how to submit your best bird photos, vote on your favorites and order your calendar.
Attractive Flies? Yes!
Some flies deserve a much closer look. Explore a few of our lesser-known but fascinating and - dare we say - beautiful fly species.
2026 Conservation Scorecard
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters has released their 2026 scorecard, which ranks legislators based on their environmental voting record.
Golfing with Purple Martins and Bluebirds
Our visit to Brambleton reminded us that conservation doesn't always happen where we expect it. Sometimes it's quietly taking place on a golf course.
From the Executive Director
There’s so much happening at NVBA in the coming months, and there’s so much more to do. See how joining our new local membership program will help us keep working for birds right here in northern Virginia.
Who is Missing from our Birding Community?
From September 12–20, communities across the country will celebrate Latino Conservation Week, a time to recognize the important contributions of Latino communities to conservation and to encourage greater participation in protecting and enjoying our natural world.
The Intriguing World of Carrion Beetles
Carrion and burying beetles help the environment by eating carcasses and breaking them down. As Wikipedia so succinctly puts it, this "prevents accumulation of deceased organisms," and they help suppress fly populations. Let's hear it for these charming creatures!
Butterflies Need Our Help
Butterflies are with us once again, moving softly and quietly across the landscape. They’ve been called flying flowers, floating poems, nature’s confetti, and many other appreciative metaphors. But words fall short every time.
Osprey Populations are Plummeting in the Chesapeake Bay
The population of Osprey in the saltier portions of the Chesapeake Bay is declining dramatically due to the overfishing of menhaden on which the Osprey rely as a principal food source.
Seeking an Editor for the Potomac Flier
NVBA is looking for the next editor of our newsletter, The Potomac Flier! If you love writing and have a passion for birds and conservation, this volunteer position could be a great fit for you.
Birds as Co-workers
We've been watching the birds of northern Virginia very closely. Maybe too closely.
Bad Feather Days: Molt in Backyard Birds
Why is that Northern Cardinal bald? We all have bad hair days. Birds have bad feather weeks every late summer as they go through molt. Some, like Northern Cardinals, take the process to the extreme.
Results of the 2026 Winter Waterfowl Count
The 2026 Winter Waterfowl Survey, sponsored by NVBA, was conducted on February 14 and 15. Nearly 70 participants monitored areas along the Potomac River from western Loudoun County to Quantico Marine Base in Prince William County.
Plant the Slant: Tips for Gardening on Slopes
Depending on its position and angle, planting a slope isn’t always easy. But the rewards can be considerable.
The Gray Catbird
One of my favorite sights (and sounds) of spring is my first Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) of the season. I’ve always found them elegant-looking, with a sleek, slaty body, jaunty black cap and rusty patch under the tail.
A Different Perspective on Weevils
Weevils have a bad reputation. But I've become fascinated with weevils as I see more of them through my macro lens. They are most unusual-looking creatures, and they aren't all pests.
Wildlife Sanctuary Almanac: Native Dogwoods are Better for Birds
There are both native and non-native dogwoods available in the nursery trade, as well as hybrid crosses. It is important to know that all dogwoods are not created equal when it comes to their value to wildlife.