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.
Huntley Meadows Park Celebrates 50 Years!
Some history and background on a favorite birdwatching locale for many northern Virginians as Huntley Meadows celebrates its 50th year.
Five Great Reasons to Garden with Natives
As Margaret Atwood once said, “In the spring, at the end of the day, you SHOULD smell like dirt.” It’s very good for us on so many levels.
Birdwatching in Zimbabwe
I started birdwatching during my freshman year but was lucky enough to be living then in Zimbabwe, home to hundreds of species of birds, ranging from the tiniest sunbirds to the flightless guinea fowl and several species of elusive turacos.
Elusive Hairstreaks: Elfin Butterflies
I look forward to spring's arrival each year, and particularly to the start of butterfly season. Elfins are among the first butterflies to emerge each spring. They are small with about a 1-inch wingspan, are furry looking, and have brown, gray and black markings.
Wildlife Sanctuary Almanac: Backyard Birdathon!
Have you taken steps to create bird habitat in your yard? Now is your chance to see the fruits (or rather, birds) of your labor by observing how many species visit your yard in a single day.
Weekly Bird Word: April 28, 2025
Our new feature, the Weekly Bird Word, introduces a new bird-related vocabulary word each week.
Good News at the I-95 Landfill to Help Offset Some Bad News
First, the bad news: The U.S North American Bird Conservation Initiative just released its State of the Birds 2025 report, and the birds with the most dire losses continue to be grassland birds, a 43% decline since 1970.
Bird Flu: An Update for Birdwatchers
Avian influenza has been around for centuries in many strains, but the strain making the news as bird flu is a “highly pathogenic avian influenza,” caused by the H5N1 virus. It’s being found in both wild birds and domestic fowl and, less commonly, in mammals, even humans.
Don’t let Light Pollution Spoil Spring Migration—Turn out Those Lights!
The spring migration for birds is happening NOW - from March 15 through May 31 our feathered friends are making their long journeys north. It is estimated that over 100 million birds fly over northern Virginia in the spring. Migration usually occurs at night, and many birds use the stars to navigate.
The Prairie Warbler
There are more than 50 species to see and hear at this time of year. Most migrants pass through, but the Prairie Warbler, Setophaga discolor, breeds in northern Virginia.
Our Hog Island Scholarship Winner
NVBA is pleased to announce that Deborah Hammer is the 2025 winner of our scholarship to attend "Sharing Nature: An Educator's Week" at Hog Island Audubon Camp in Maine this coming August.
Early Spring Blooms for the Garden
Our woodlands and meadows are about to awaken and burst into a vibrant display of spring ephemerals, the transient native beauties we love to see, especially after the cold and snowy days of winter.
The Wonderful World of Wasps
While researching something recently, I read that bees were descended from Crabronid or Square-headed Wasps, and I thought that the wasps would be an interesting topic for this column.
Beyond the Spray: Creating Safer, Biodiverse Habitats Without Mosquito Pesticides
A recent presentation highlighted how conventional mosquito spraying is jeopardizing efforts to create thriving wildlife habitats and offered effective alternatives that protect both people and pollinators.
Weekly Bird Word: March 31, 2025
Our new feature, the Weekly Bird Word, introduces a new bird-related vocabulary word each week.
The Chimney Swift
Did you know that until the mid-19th century the Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) was called the American Swift?
The 2025 Virginia General Assembly Session So Far
The Virginia General Assembly adjourned sine die on February 22. It is scheduled to reconvene April 2 to address actions the governor may take on legislation sent to him.
Clean Water and Native Plants
If your property contains a stream, pond, or any sort of wetland, whether its flow is permanent or intermittent in nature, this article is especially for you!
Get Ready for Birdathon 2025
As spring arrives in northern Virginia, we’re looking forward to Birdathon 2025, our annual event where teams collect pledges from friends and family and then record how many species they can identify during any 24-hour period between April 19 and May 18.
All About Planthoppers
Have you ever seen a small insect with a fiber-optic-like tail? If so, you've probably seen a planthopper nymph.