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.
Community Associations and Environmental Leadership
Community associations are positioned to play a transformative role in ecosystem rejuvenation and health, acting on their common land and inspiring residents to do the same on theirs.
The Short-eared Owl, Another Winter Visitor
Some observant DC-area birders were fortunate to catch sight of Short-eared Owl in the DC-northern Virginia urban core late in December and early in January.
Butterflies are Important Pollinators
We usually think of bees as our key pollinators. But although they lack specialized structures for collecting pollen, butterflies and their moth cousins are also pollinators.
Wildlife Sanctuary Almanac: Winter Bird Feeders and Bird Baths
When it’s a snowy, icy and cold winter, there’s little gardening you can or want to do in the yard. But there are a few steps you can take to supplement the work you have already done by providing natural food sources and shelter.
Monday Mystery - January 27, 2025
Monday Nature Mystery continues! Read on to learn who correctly identified our last mystery.
President's Corner
On December 17, 2024 the NVBA board and staff were delighted to welcome Amanda Robinson as our new Executive Director!
It’s Official: The Bald Eagle Is Our National Bird
On December 24 President Joe Biden signed S. 4610, making it official that the Bald Eagle is the national bird of the United States.
Native Americans and Birds
U.S. laws to protect eagles and migratory birds include exceptions from bans on possessing bird feathers for Native Americans for cultural and religious activities. The exceptions strike a balance between protection of birds and protection of the cultural heritage of Native Americans.
Let Dead Plant Material Lie
Dead native plant material is integral to a healthy ecosystem. An essential support for the populations of pollinators and other animals upon which we all depend, nothing comes close to replacing its role in the health of a diverse ecosystem.
Snowy Owl, An Occasional Winter Visitor
Although the Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is no longer classified as in a separate genus (Nyctea) from typical owls, like the Great Horned Owl, there’s a lot about it that is unique.
Observations from Meadowood: January 2025
Judy Gallagher is an NVBA board member and a regular surveyor of local wildlife who also captures photos of what she sees, in particular the less common species.
Wildlife Sanctuary Almanac: Sanctuary for Chickadees
Chickadees need a yard full of native plants. How can that be? Chickadees eat seeds, so why do they need native plants?
Monday Mystery - December 30, 2024
Monday Nature Mystery continues! Read on to learn who correctly identified our last mystery.
Please DONATE TODAY to help northern Virginia's birds: A Note from Our President
Birds are under increasing threat from continued habitat loss and changing climate. Please help us protect them, other wildlife, and the natural habitat they need.
Board Notes
Meet Eileen Ellsworth, NVBA board member, secretary and chair of the fundraising committee.
Apply Now for the 2025 Educator Scholarship
Each year NVBA offers a full scholarship and transportation to “Sharing Nature: An Educator’s Week” at National Audubon Society's Hog Island Camp in Maine.
Mini-grants for Invasive Removal Completed
We selected applications with the most effective and reasonable plans to address threats from invasives and involving property containing habitat of value where invasive removal efforts would provide a visible demonstration of educational value to congregants, residents, and passersby.
Protect The Wildlife You Attract
Elements of the landscape may pose serious hazards to the very wildlife that we’ve attracted. Are we drawing them closer, only to have them harmed by an avoidable threat to their health and wellbeing?
A Bird’s Holiday Gift Guide
Although many people make charitable donations during the holidays instead of giving presents to adult friends and family, some of us still like to exchange physical presents. So, how about making some gift selections that will help the birds!