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.
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.
President's Corner
Our work is powered by our volunteers with direction from (and many hours of participation by) our NVBA committees. To encourage you to get involved, we would like to introduce you to those committees and the work they do.
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.
Wildlife Sanctuary Almanac: Wildlife-Friendly Spring Garden Cleanup
If you followed the advice to forgo an annual autumn garden cleanup and instead left fallen leaves and dead plant stems in place to provide winter habitat for wildlife, your yard helped lots of local bugs and birds survive the winter and prepare for spring.
Monday Mystery - February 24, 2025
Monday Nature Mystery continues! Read on to learn who correctly identified our last mystery.
Board Notes: Think Beyond Your Back Yard
While we’re hunkered down inside during the cold winter months, it’s also a good time to support habitat creation beyond the boundaries of our backyards.
The Birds Are Coming – Will the Lights Be Out?
Migration season is approaching fast. Between March 15 and May 31, 100 million birds will pass through northern Virginia, most of them flying at night.
Results of the 2024 Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count
The results of the 43rd annual Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count are in! Over seventy birders counted 17,591 birds of 79 species in this 15-mile diameter circle on December 15, 2024.
Calling All Photographers: 2025 Audubon Photography Awards
The National Audubon Society’s annual photography competition is now open for submissions.