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.
February is National Wild Bird Feeding Month
It’s February, which often has the most severe winter weather. For this reason, back in February 1994, Illinois Congressman John Porter read a resolution into the Congressional Record naming February National Wild Bird Feeding Month, now generally known as National Bird Feeding Month.
We Need Your Help to Engage Our Community!
Do you enjoy speaking to people about your passion for birds and the environment? We need your help!
It’s Not Too Late to Enter National Audubon Society’s 2023 Photography Awards Contest
You still have until Wednesday, March 1 at noon (Eastern Time) to enter your photographs or videos to Audubon’s 2023 Photography Awards Contest.
The Magic of 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.
Plant This, Not That: Replacing English Ivy
English ivy is one of America’s foremost invasives, taking over natural areas especially along both coasts.
Monday Mystery - January 30, 2023
Monday Nature Mystery continues! Read on to learn who correctly identified our last mystery.
State of the World’s Birds 2022
Birdlife International’s State of the World’s Birds 2022 (SOTWB 2022) concludes that the world’s birds are in a fragile condition: One out of 5 of the world’s 11,000 species is threatened or near threatened with extinction.
Solar Panels vs. Trees – How to Choose?
Residents who are interested in installing solar panels often face a dilemma. Which is better for the environment, solar panels or shade trees?
Get a Boost on Waterfowl Identification
Now that the ducks and geese are flooding into our area for winter, make sure your identification skills are at their peak.
Memories from the Wildlife Center of Virginia
On January 19th, ASNV is hosting a virtual event featuring Ed Clark of the Wildlife Center of Virginia. He will discuss the Center’s life-saving work and what plans the Center has for the future as it celebrates its 40th anniversary!
Observations from Meadowood: January 2023
Judy Gallagher is an ASNV board member and a regular surveyor of local wildlife who also captures photos of what she sees, in particular the less common species.
Plant This, Not That: Replacing Burning Bush
For years I thought Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) wasn’t a big problem, at least not around Northern Virginia. I wasn’t spotting it in wild areas like I was seeing other plants on Arlington’s invasive list. Then I learned.
Monday Mystery - January 1, 2023
Monday Nature Mystery continues! Read on to learn who correctly identified our last mystery.
State of the Birds 2022
The 2022 State of the Birds report gives us concern but also provides some basis for hope for the future.
Protecting Birds Improves the Lives of People
Bird conservation helps to slow the decline in bird populations, but it also contributes to human well-being in a variety of ways.
Managing larger properties for birds, butterflies, and people
The outdoor space on larger properties in Northern Virginia, whether residential or commercial, is typically divided into formal landscaping close to buildings and natural areas at the periphery.
Audubon Afternoon Live on January 22!
Join us on Sunday afternoon for our semi-annual live Audubon Afternoon at the National Wildlife Federation in Reston.
Christmas Bird Count
Would you like to help count birds and connect with other birders during the 123rd Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC)?
Observations from Meadowood: December 2022
Judy Gallagher is an ASNV board member and a regular surveyor of local wildlife who also captures photos of what she sees, in particular the less common species.
Plant This, Not That
This new series, “Plant This, Not That” by Alyssa Ford Morel offers suggestions on replacing invasive non-native plants with northern Virginia Natives.