The Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea), is one of only two North American warblers to nest in cavities. Prothonotaries nest in cavities already established by other woodpeckers and chickadees but they will also nest in boxes designed for their specific preferences.

What do we call these birds that are definitely not robins but are well known as robins? Are they thrushes, are they chats? Does all of this really even matter?

In downtown Richmond Peregrine Falcons have been nesting since 2003. Over the years the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and their partners have monitored them and beginning on March 1 you’ll be able to watch them too!

Jessica Bigger, who writes our Bird of the Month feature, is away, so we’re bringing you a recent story from the Washington Post about an infrequent visitor from the Arctic – a Snowy Owl.

Unlike most bird populations that are declining due to loss of habitat and climate change, waxwings seem to be doing quite well.

The Dark-eyed Junco is one of the most widespread species throughout North America, yet the variation in plumage and behavior between regional species is significant.

Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) are one of the many seabirds we get to see during the winter months here in Northern Virginia. They are easy to spot, especially the males, by their black and white patched heads and bright orange, white and black bills.

Seeing a Northern Harrier flying over the Reston Library during fall migration was quite a surprise, especially since there isn’t any spacious grasslands or wetlands nearby. But there is no doubt in my mind that what flew over the library, was a harrier. So, this harrier was likely just passing through.

Roseate Spoonbills (Platalea ajaja) with their brilliant pink plumage, are one of those resplendent birds that attract birders from all over the world.

With more than 1100 song variations – some believe that number can be closer to 3000 – the Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) has one of the largest song repertoires of all songbirds. It even beats out the Northern Mockingbird, which can sing up to 200 different songs.

One of most impressive songbirds to pass through Northern Virginia during migration is the Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus.

Because of Mike Bishop and many other bird advocates across the country, the Purple Martin’s population is stable and of low conservation concern.

When you start hearing Eastern Phoebes (Sayornis phoebe) singing, it’s a sure sign that spring is finally here in Northern Virginia.

A huge swath of Pine Siskins (Spinus pinus) has overtaken states across the U.S. this past fall through winter in search of food. This is by far the biggest irruption year ever recorded.

In the early weeks of January, a Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) was spotted in the brushy grasses and rocks off the Tow Road of the C & O Canal National Historic Park, between locks 18 and 19.

In December, local birders spotted a Clapper Rail (Rallus crepitans) sleuthing in the marsh at Huntley Meadows Park. Rarely does this bird end up in Virginia, especially inland.

Now that it’s starting to get cold here in Virginia, Ruddy Ducks have come back to winter in our freshwater wetlands, lakes and reservoirs.

The Brown Creeper gets its name from its foraging behavior. It generally feeds on the trunks of mature evergreen and deciduous trees, especially trees with deep furrowed bark.

One bird in particular, the male House Finch, can range in color from yellow to bright red based on the food he eats.

When you hear “ka-ka-ka-ka-ka-kow-kow-kowlp-kowlp-kowlp-kowlp” or a mellow “cu, cu, cu, cu” call in the distance it might be a sign of rain. Cuckoos are known for their weather forecasting abilities.