A Letter to Our Members
Bald Eagle, Matt Felperin
As each November rolls around, I try to review the past year in order to acknowledge and honor the many things for which I am thankful.
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Birds, Beliefs and Balance: Native Wisdom for Modern Birders
Common Loon (Maang), Benjamin Olson/Audubon Photography Awards
Long before modern birding, native peoples across North America watched, listened, and learned from the birds that shared their homelands. For them, birds were not merely part of the scenery: they were kin, teachers and messengers between worlds.
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Virginia's Data Centers and Our Environment
Loudoun County Data Center, Hugh Kenny/Piedmont Environmental Council
The Commonwealth’s nearly 600 data centers make it one of the largest concentrations in the world. It is estimated that 70% of the world's internet traffic passes through Virginia.
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A Winter Resident Returns: The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Michael Fogleman/Audubon Photography Awards
The return of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in northern Virginia coincides with the re-appearance of Halloween decorations in mid-October, and, like the trick-or-treaters who arrive October 31, they seek sweets.
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"Junk Trees" and the Native Understory
Devil's Walking-stick flower, Public Domain via Wikipedia
Berries that grow on native trees and shrubs are wildlife powerhouses. Despite that, some of the best producers are labeled “junk trees” in today’s gardening and landscaping industries because they aren’t someone’s idea of what a yard tree should look like.
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Calling All NoVA Photographers!
Barn Swallow, Satonya Dews/Audubon Photography Awards
We're thrilled to announce the launch of NVBA’s first annual Calendar Photo Contest. Showcase your favorite shots while supporting conservation right here in northern Virginia.
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A Closer Look: Nature All Around Us
Forcepfly, Judy Gallagher
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.
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Wildlife Sanctuary Almanac: Grow a Winter Bird Feeder
American Goldfinch, Barb D'Arpino/Audubon Photography Awards
Now is the time to clean and fill the feeders to help birds make a living when other food sources are scarce. It’s also time to think about providing next year’s winter bird food by planting more native plants, including native grasses, wildflowers, and woody plants, such as shrubs, vines and trees, that provide sustenance all winter long.
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Upcoming Classes and Events
We have some exciting classes and events coming up, both virtually and in-person! Click any event to learn more and register. You can also check our calendar for our full schedule of events.
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Birds in Watercolor: Female Northern Cardinal with Ronna Fujisawa
Northern Cardinal, Darla J. Oathout/Audubon Photography Awards
In this online class, students will paint a beautiful female Northern Cardinal portrait, learning how to mix neutral colors and techniques for layering colors to create various feather patterns. The class is open to all levels of watercolor painters, and beginners are welcome.
When: Thursday, November 6, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Virtual
Members: $22
Non-members: $33
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2026 Hog Island Scholarship Virtual Event
Hog Island coastline, Kirk Treakle
Calling all public school teachers: Join NVBA and last year's Hog Island scholarship recipient Deborah Hammer to hear about her experiences at camp, ask questions, and learn how to apply.
When: Thursday, November 20, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Virtual
Fee: FREE
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Italy's Birds and Conservation Efforts
Eurasian Collared Dove, Beverly Hallberg/Audubon Photography Awards
Learn about Italy’s birding history and conservation projects with ecotourism pioneer Marco Valtriani. You can join us in person or on Zoom!
When: Monday, November 24, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Virtual AND In-person at 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston
Fee: FREE
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Wildlife Sanctuary Presentation Hosted by the Native Plant Circle
Certified Wildlife Sanctuary
Are you intrigued by observing wildlife in your own yard? Do you want to contribute to the environmental health of our planet? If so join us to learn about the Wildlife Sanctuary program and how you can transform your yard to create habitat, attract beneficial wildlife, and get your yard certified as a Wildlife Sanctuary. You’ll learn about habitat best practices and receive tips to help you select native trees and plants that suit the conditions in your yard.
When: Saturday, December 13, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Where: Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria, CA 22307
Fee: FREE
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Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count
Carolina Chickadee, Jeff Drake/Audubon Photography Awards
The Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will be on Sunday, December 14. The center of the 15-mile diameter count circle is near the intersection of Routes 28 & 29 in Centreville. Birders of all skill levels are needed.
When: Sunday, December 14,, 2025, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Centreville, VA
Fee: FREE
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Bird Walks
Birding, Camila Cerea
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Check our Bird Walks page for upcoming walks! Registration is requested for NVBA-sponsored walks to help our walk leaders prepare and communicate with participants.
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Conservation Counts
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Rusty Moran
Join Jim Waggener in his ongoing natural resource surveys at two of Northern Virginia's best birding spots. Surveys alternate between Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area on Mason Neck.
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National Audubon Society Action Network
The National Audubon Society invites all Auduboners to join its action network. When you subscribe to the Society’s newsletter, you'll receive alerts about important congressional actions and information about how you can affect legislation by contacting your members of Congress.
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Too many emails? Now you can update your profile to let us know how often you'd like to receive email communications from NVBA.
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