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.

Jess Michetti 10/26/26 Jess Michetti 10/26/26

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.

Jess Michetti 5/30/24 Jess Michetti 5/30/24

Insect Camouflage: Hiding from Jumping Spiders

Insects protect themselves from predation in a variety of ways, but one of the more unusual techniques is to resemble the predator they want to avoid.

Jess Michetti 3/30/24 Jess Michetti 3/30/24

The Amazing World of Fishing Spiders

I will never forget the first time I saw a large spider sprint across the surface of a pond. At the time I thought that I was seeing amazing yet aberrant behavior, but I later learned that this is normal for fishing spiders.

Jess Michetti 1/30/23 Jess Michetti 1/30/23

All About Spider Silk

Many of you have owned a silk garment and have marveled at the softness and strength of it. And you've all heard about how silk comes from silkworms, domesticated moth caterpillars. But spiders also produce silk.

Jess Michetti 10/29/22 Jess Michetti 10/29/22

Up-close and Personal with Jumping Spiders

Arachnophobes beware! This article is not for you. But if there ever were a spider that could charm its way into your heart, a jumping spider would be a likely candidate.