Understanding White-throated Sparrow Breeding Codes
This one-hour virtual course explores one of North America’s most fascinating songbirds: the White-throated Sparrow.
Photo: White-throated Sparrow, Dawn Phillips/Audubon Photography Awards
Original program date: March 20, 2026
This one-hour virtual course explores one of North America’s most fascinating songbirds: the White-throated Sparrow. While it may look like an ordinary backyard bird, this species has a truly unusual breeding system. Want to learn more? Join this class, taught by Professor Kiersten Newtoff, to explore their evolution, behavior, and more.
This course is not intended to teach sparrow identification; instead, it focuses on the science behind one of the many birds you can observe in this region.
About the professor:
Kiersten Newtoff (MS, Marine Biology) is an associate professor of biology at Montgomery College, a community college in Maryland. Her master's thesis examined mercury distributions in pelican colonies in North Carolina and she worked at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center using satellite imagery to answer ecological problems. Over the past several years, she has been teaching her students about the local avifauna, which led to the development of the campus nestbox trail where 300 + fledglings have called Montgomery College their home. Kiersten is working on her PhD in Biology at UMBC to better understand the impacts of urbanization on Eastern Bluebird reproductive success. She also holds a Master Banding Permit to assist with her research. When she’s not working on teaching or research, she can be found doing yard work, playing boardgames (like Wingspan!), or crafting up a fun cocktail.
2026 Bird of the Year Webinar: Woodpeckers with Matt Felperin
Join NVBA and special guest Matt Felperin for a virtual event on National Bird Day (January 5th) to celebrate our 2026 Bird of the Year, the Pileated Woodpecker. Matt’s presentation also includes lots of information on our other native woodpeckers.
Photo: Pileated Woodpeckers, Anne Bielamowicz/NVBA Photo Contest
Original program date: January 5, 2026
Join NVBA and special guest Matt Felperin for a virtual event on National Bird Day (January 5th) to celebrate our 2026 Bird of the Year. After a brief discussion on why NVBA chose the Pileated Woodpecker as our inaugural Bird of the Year, Matt will expand the conversation to woodpeckers as a whole. His presentation will include fun woodpecker facts, identification tips, where to find woodpeckers in Northern Virginia, and conclude with time for questions!
Italy's Birds and Conservation Efforts
Join us for a discussion with Marco Valtriani, an Italian biologist who has over twenty-five years of experience guiding birders and nature lovers through Italy.
Photo: Eurasian Collared Dove, Beverly Hallberg/Audubon Photography Awards
Original program date: November 24, 2025
Join us in welcoming Marco to northern Virginia where he will share how Italy’s passion for birds, nature, and conservation has shaped the country’s landscapes through history. You’ll also get an opportunity to learn more about Marco’s ongoing ecotourism initiatives with S-Cape Travel, which offers unique opportunities for birding adventures across famous Italian “boot.”
Birdability Webinar with Cat Fribley
Join us and our local partner, DC Bird Alliance, as we work to promote Birdability’s mission through this free educational webinar on inclusive birding practices!
Photo: Boardwalk, SmellyPumpy via Pixabay
Original program date: October 2, 2025
Birding is for everybody and there are many practices that can make this amazing hobby truly accessible for all. Join Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (NVBA) as we learn about these practices from the Executive Director of Birdability, Cat Fribley (she/her). Cat began birding to support her own mental health journey and has since worked to find more ways to make birding accessible to others.
Birdability is a nonprofit dedicated to sharing birding with people who have disabilities while ensuring that the hobby is accessible for everybody. As such, Birdability Week, held during the third week of each October (20-26th), is a celebration of birders with disabilities or health concerns.
Join us and our local partner, DC Bird Alliance, as we work to promote Birdability’s mission through this educational webinar on inclusive birding practices!
Author Talk: Birds of the Tropical Andes with Michael Parr
Michael Parr, president of American Bird Conservancy and author of several bird guides and articles, discusses his newest book, Birds of the Tropical Andes.
Photo: Birds of the Tropical Andes, courtesy of Princeton University Press
Original program date: September 24, 2025
Michael Parr, president of American Bird Conservancy and author of several bird guides and articles, discusses his newest book, Birds of the Tropical Andes. This gorgeous photographic guide is dedicated to the birds of the tropical Andes that contribute to the abundance of biodiversity in the region.
This event is part of NVBA's Hispanic Heritage Month programming. While free to attend, any donations will go directly to supporting supporting new and diverse birding programmin in Northern Virginia!
2025 Backyard Bird ID Workshop - Get Ready for Birdathon at Home!
Join us for an exciting backyard bird identification workshop, where we’ll dive into the fascinating world of local birds and seasonal visitors!
Photo: Eastern Towhee, Calli Cook/Audubon Photography Awards
Original program date: March 20, 2025
Join us for an exciting backyard bird identification workshop, where we’ll dive into the fascinating world of local birds and seasonal visitors! Whether you’re watching from your window, patio, or garden, you’ll gain the confidence to identify and appreciate the birds around you.
During this workshop, we’ll cover:
Common backyard bird species you’re likely to see year-round
Migratory warblers that might pass through your yard this Spring
Essential birding tools—from field guides to apps and binoculars
How to use Merlin to identify unfamiliar birds
How to use eBird to report birds you observe
Tips for creating a team and participating in Birdathon
This event is perfect for those looking to compete in the Backyard Birdathon category of Birdathon, our Spring Fundraiser, where you create a team to count as many unique species as you can in one day!
This is also a great opportunity for Wildlife Sanctuary Program participants to brush up on how to identify the Sanctuary Species that visit their yards. You need to document 10 sanctuary species to get your certification! Board Member Betsy Martin will join us to speak about that program and how we can all make our yards friendlier to birds.
Ospreys in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed with Joanie Millward
Did you know that the osprey is one of the greatest environmental success stories? Learn more about this fish-eating bird of prey with Joanie Millward, founder and Executive Director of the Virginia Osprey Foundation.
Photo: Osprey, Doug German/Audubon Photography Awards
Original program date: March 11, 2025
Ospreys are a fish-eating bird of prey that can be found all over the world. Did you know that the osprey is one of the greatest environmental success stories? Osprey numbers crashed in the early 1950s to 1970s, when pesticides poisoned the birds and thinned their eggshells. Along the coast between New York City and Boston, for example, about 90% of breeding pairs disappeared. Osprey studies provided key support for wider legal arguments against the use of persistent pesticides. Learn more about their history, the challenges this species faces today in the Chesapeake Watershed and how you can help.
Joanie Millward is the founder and Executive Director of the Virginia Osprey Foundation. The Virginia Osprey Foundation based in Colonial Beach, VA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation, protection, and stewardship of the majestic Osprey species and their fragile habitats throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our mission is to foster a sustainable environment where Ospreys thrive, inspiring a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Audubon Afternoon: Glaciers to the Open Ocean, Using eBird to Study Rare Bird Behavior
Will Brooks describes how he used eBird data to study birds on glaciers, an enigmatic ecosystem, and birds lost offshore, a rarely observed event.
Photo: Antarctic Shag, Sunil Singh/Audubon Photography Awards
Original program date: January 12, 2025
Will Brooks describes how he used eBird data to study birds on glaciers, an enigmatic ecosystem, and birds lost offshore, a rarely observed event. The eBird app has transformed birding and promises to do the same for ornithological research. With 930,000 users and 1.6 billion bird observations, eBird captures rarely observed events that would have been missed by the few observers in a more traditional study. Ebird records, made possible by birders, give researchers the opportunity to tackle new scientific questions, producing new findings. Based on these studies and his perspective as a birder, Brooks provides tips on how you can make your eBirding more useful for science.
Will Brooks has been an avid birder for 18 years. His interest in scientific research emerged in college at the University of Puget Sound, when he discovered that birds were great for studying broader patterns in the natural world. He completed an undergraduate research project studying how song may drive speciation in sparrows before spending a few years gaining field research experience. He now studies bird responses to deforestation in Malaysian Borneo as part of his PhD at University of Puget Sound.
2025 Ducks and Waterfowl Identification with Greg Butcher
Join Greg Butcher, NVBA board member and retired migratory species coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service International Programs, for an introduction to waterfowl identification.
Photo: Green-winged Teal, James Fatemi/Audubon Photography Awards
Original program date: January 16, 2025
Join Greg Butcher, NVBA board member and retired migratory species coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service International Programs, for an introduction to waterfowl identification. Get to know many of the species that winter in the open waters of our region. You’ll learn how to tell a Bufflehead from a Hooded Merganser, and, you’ll learn the features (and hear the call) of the beautiful Tundra Swans that winter in Northern Virginia. Strategies will include identification by shape and color pattern.
Project FeederWatch Workshop with Greg Butcher
Greg Butcher covers a bit of Project FeederWatch history, its purpose, tips for identifying birds, and the protocols to be followed while counting.
Photo: Yelllow-bellied Sapsucker, Pamela Brown/Audubon Photography Awards
Original program date: November 21, 2024
From the comfort of your home, you simply count the winter birds that visit your feeders and report your data to Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
This FREE workshop covers a bit of Project FeederWatch history, its purpose, tips for identifying birds, and the protocols to be followed while counting.
Greg Butcher, formerly on the Board of NVBA, served as the Migratory Species Coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service’s International Programs, and also worked at the National Audubon Society, American Birding Association, Partners in Flight, and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. He also served as editor of Birder’s World magazine. He now leads birding tours around the world and volunteers on the NVBA Conservation Committee.
Audubon Afternoon: Raptor Senses and Abilities
Secret Garden Birds and Bees will share some of the amazing things we’ve learned about raptor adaptations – from vision and hearing to beaks and talons.
Photo: Red-shouldered Hawk, Evelyn Garcia/Audubon Photography Awards
Original program date: June 2, 2024
Did you know that barn owls are the only raptors with a pectinate talon – like a tiny comb – to preen their feathers? You probably know that eagles have excellent eyesight, but do you know how their vision is tested? Why don’t hawks fall off their perch while they sleep? Is it because one side of their brain sleeps while the other is awake to hold on – or is it something else? Do you know why owl eyes are more forward facing than hawk eyes? It might not be what you think! Do you know why screech owls sometimes have smelly poop? Secret Garden Birds and Bees will share some of the amazing things we’ve learned about raptor adaptations – from vision and hearing to beaks and talons.
Lunch & Learn: Birds of South Africa with Andrew de Blocq
Join us for a virtual trip to South Africa, where you can immerse yourself into the splendor and beauty of birds of South Africa!
Photo: Carmine Bee-eater on a Kori Bustard, David Russell/Audubon Photography Awards
Original program date: January 31, 2024
Imagine waking up tomorrow in South Africa - you look outside your window and you see a completely foreign bird - mainly green plumage, with metallic, purple-blue back, upper wings and upper tail, and crimson primaries visible in flight. It has a prominent, white-tipped crest, white markings around the eyes, red eye rings, and a short, red bill. You would be seeing the Knysna Loerie!
Join us for a virtual trip to South Africa, where you can immerse yourself into the splendor and beauty of birds of South Africa! Our speaker, Andrew de Blocq, will be speaking to us from South Africa to cover some of the area’s species, taking special note of some of the more sought-after birds to get excited for! These include some spectacular and charismatic species like the Secretarybird, Knysna Turaco, Kori Bustard, Cape Vulture, Southern Ground-hornbill, Lilac-breasted Roller, African Jacana, and the national bird of South Africa, the Blue Crane. Andrew also will talk about BirdLife South Africa and its conservation work.
2024 Ducks and Waterfowl Identification with Greg Butcher
Join Greg Butcher for the 2024 edition of this wonderful introduction to waterfowl identification.
Photo: Green-winged Teals, James Fatemi/Audubon Photography Awards
Original program date: January 25, 2024
Join Greg Butcher, ASNV board member and retired migratory species coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service International Programs, for an introduction to waterfowl identification. Get to know many of the species that winter in the open waters of our region. You’ll learn how to tell a Bufflehead from a Hooded Merganser, and, you’ll learn the features (and hear the call) of the beautiful Tundra Swans that winter in Northern Virginia. Strategies will include identification by shape and color pattern.
Winter Bird Feeding Workshop with Greg Butcher
Greg Butcher offers tips about increasing the number and variety of birds that visit your backyard this winter.
Photo: Northern Cardinal, Alexis Hayes
Original program date: November 29, 2023
Greg Butcher offers tips about increasing the number and variety of birds that visit your backyard this winter. In addition, he introduces you to Project FeederWatch, a program of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology that allows you and your family to contribute to science.
Greg Butcher is a Ph.D. ornithologist and former ASNV board member. Now retired, Greg worked for the U.S. Forest Service, the National Audubon Society, American Birding Association, Partners in Flight, Birder’s World magazine, and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Greg is a lively and informative public speaker and interpreter for bird conservation and ecology worldwide.
Audubon Afternoon: Raptor Rehab with Liz Dennison
Liz Dennison will join us to talk about what rehabbers actually do to help injured or sick birds recover, how they give orphaned raptors the best chance of survival in the wild, some of the more interesting cases they’ve seen, and the physical and emotional toll of being a rehabber.
Photo: Red-shouldered Hawk, Peter Brannon/Audubon Photography Awards
Original program date: June 4, 2023
This year’s topic is “Raptor Rehab,” presented by Secret Garden Birds and Bees. Liz Dennison will join us to talk about what rehabbers actually do to help injured or sick birds recover, how they give orphaned raptors the best chance of survival in the wild, some of the more interesting cases they’ve seen, and the physical and emotional toll of being a rehabber. Liz will also give practical information about what you can do if you find an injured wild animal. She will be bringing several live raptors for this program! A great opportunity to see birds of prey up-close.
Competitive Birding and Birdathon
Join us for a webinar with ornithologist Greg Butcher to learn some strategies of competitive birding right here in Northern Virginia.
Photo: Birding, Laura McDonald
Original program date: March 30, 2023
Competitive birding is using one’s birding skills to try to identify the most bird species possible in a set period, such as over a year. For example, Tiffany Kersten saw 726 different species of birds in 2022, beating a previous record. The 2011 movie Big Year, featuring Jack Black, is a great depiction of three competitive birdwatchers on a year-long birding adventure.
Join us for a webinar with ornithologist Greg Butcher to learn some strategies of competitive birding right here in Northern Virginia. You will learn the best places to go to see the most species, how to time your big day to hit peak migration numbers, what to consider when forming your team, and more!
Also, we are excited to have youth birder Maxwell Julius join us to tell us about his experience doing Birdathon last year and his tips to maximize your list.
Project FeederWatch with Greg Butcher
This workshop will cover a bit of Project FeederWatch history, its purpose, tips for identifying birds, and the protocols to be followed while counting.
Photo: Eastern Bluebirds, Herbert Fechter/Audubon Photography Awards
Original program date: November 22, 2022
This workshop will cover a bit of Project FeederWatch history, its purpose, tips for identifying birds, and the protocols to be followed while counting.
Greg Butcher is a Ph.D. ornithologist and ASNV board member. In addition to the U.S. Forest Service, Greg has worked for the National Audubon Society, American Birding Association, Partners in Flight, Birder’s World magazine, and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Greg is a lively and informative public speaker and interpreter for bird conservation and ecology worldwide.
Madagascar: Exploring a Biodiversity Hotspot Through Its Lemurs and Birds
This mother-daughter scientist team will immerse the audience in the fascinating biodiversity of Madagascar.
Photo: Collared Nightjar, Elizabeth Lyons
Original program date: May 17, 2022
This mother-daughter scientist team will immerse the audience in the fascinating biodiversity of Madagascar. In 2018 they were able to explore many regions of Madagascar, from its spiny forests in the southwest, to the high plateaus in the country’s center, to the lush mountainous forests of the northeast. Based on their first-hand experience with Madagascar as a biodiversity hotspot, they will focus on its famous lemurs, a group of primates found only in Madagascar, and its suite of endemic birds. They will discuss some of the recently extinct animals, the human impacts that continue to challenge the island nation, and conservation efforts being undertaken to protect Madagascar’s unique biological richness. They will also reflect on their scientific career paths in hopes of helping young women and girls pursue their own passions in environmentalism and science.
Great Backyard Bird Count Workshop
This workshop covers the history of GBBC, its purpose, tips for identifying birds, and the protocols to be followed while counting.
Photo: Tufted Titmouse and Carolina Chickadee, Gary Mueller/GBBC
Original program date: February 3, 2022
Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count was the first online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real-time.
Now, hundreds of thousands of people, all ages and walks of life worldwide, join the four-day count each February to create an annual snapshot of the distribution and abundance of birds.
This workshop covers the history of GBBC, its purpose, tips for identifying birds, and the protocols to be followed while counting.
2022 Winter Waterfowl Workshop
Join Greg Butcher, ASNV board member and migratory species coordinator for US Forest Service International Programs, for an introduction to waterfowl identification.
Photo: Green-winged Teals, James Fatemi/Audubon Photography Awards
Original program date: January 27, 2022
Join Greg Butcher, ASNV board member and migratory species coordinator for US Forest Service International Programs, for an introduction to waterfowl identification. Get to know many of the species that winter in the open waters of our region. You’ll learn how to tell a Bufflehead from a Hooded Merganser, and, with luck, you will see the beautiful Tundra Swans that winter in our area. Strategies will include identification by shape and color pattern.