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.
Help Us Promote Stronger Conservation Policies in Fairfax County
We’re looking for volunteers to help ASNV contact members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from time to time. Depending on the issue, we may ask you to call, email, or request a meeting with your district’s supervisor. Can you help?
Bald Eagles are Thriving but Face Challenges
In an article published in the March 10, 2022 Mount Vernon Gazette Newspapers, Glenda Booth reported on a presentation about the state of Bald Eagles in our region.
Millions of Trees at Risk in Northern Virginia? Introducing Tree Rescuers!
Northern Virginia’s oldest and best-loved trees are in danger, and the threat is in plain sight – and yet there are few who can see it.
Calling all Birders: It’s time to get ready for Birdathon 2022!
Last year’s winning team saw 89 species in 24 hours! Wow! Can you beat it? Find out how to register your team here.
Monday Mystery - March 28
Monday Nature Mystery continues! Read on to learn who correctly identified our last mystery.
Monday Mystery - February 28
Monday Nature Mystery continues! Read on to learn who correctly identified our last mystery.
Avian Influenza in Ducks in and near Virginia
Several dead ducks have been found in and around Virginia to have avian influenza (AI). These birds include a Green-winged Teal in Virginia Beach, a Lesser Scaup in Kent County Maryland, and 17 ducks of several species in North Carolina.
ASNV’s Conservation Grants Blossom
Last year, 11 applicants received ASNV Conservation Grant funds. They are already reaping benefits.
Greg Butcher’s Tricks for a Successful Birdathon
Get ready for Birdathon: Here are the 4 main tricks to seeing the maximum number of species in a 24-hour period!
Common Ravens and their Mythic Duty Across the Pond
This winter I visited England for a month. The most memorable avian species in my opinion – and most symbolic to the country and its culture – was the Common Raven (Corvus corax).
A Year of Birding “Centuries”
As 2021 began, I was feeling listless – in a general sense and in the bird-list sense. So, I challenged myself to see 100 bird species each month, a “century” challenge, because I wanted to get out of the house and be more active, see more birding friends, and become more purposeful in my birding.
Easy Plant Combinations for your Yard
Are you ready to brighten up your yard but not spend hours researching plant choices? You may be a candidate for a native plant “package” that includes plants that thrive in similar landscape conditions.
No Car – No Problem!
You might think that none of the best birdwatching spots are accessible if you don’t have access to a car. Not so in Northern Virginia! Check out our new online list of birding hotspots accessible by public transit.
March 2022 Bird of the Month
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!
2021 Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count
The 40th Annual Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count on December 21, 2021 was conducted for the 2nd year following special Covid-19 protocols.
2022 Scholarship Application to Hog Island Educator’s Week Now Open
Each year Audubon Society of Northern Virginia offers a full scholarship to Sharing Nature: An Educator’s Week at Hog Island Audubon Camp in coastal Maine.
Celebrating the Work of American Scientist, George Washington Carver
While he is famous for his research in food science, in particular his bulletin for 105 recipes using peanuts, George Washington Carver’s true legacy is much greater.
Creative DIY Projects for Indoor Cats
If you or someone you know received a cat or kitten for the holidays or even earlier during the pandemic, and are trying to incorporate the outdoors into your little one’s life, I suggest purchasing or even building a screened outdoor area (catio) so that your pet can still get fresh air without threatening native wildlife.
Landscaping with Nature
In the winter, as you drive across the American Legion Bridge or across many of our creeks, you may be startled to see large numbers of trees with bright white trunks and branches.
Observations from Meadowood: February 2022
Judy Gallagher continues to survey Meadowood Recreation Area. Here are some findings from her most recent survey.