President's Corner
Glossy Ibis, Peter Brannon/Audubon Photography Awards
I have several times written how fortunate ASNV is to benefit from the dedication, knowledge, and generosity of our volunteers. The important and lasting impact of volunteer service was driven home when I learned of the recent death of Dr. William R. Stott, known to his friends as Bill.
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Weigh In On Our New Name
Tundra Swan, John James Audubon
After deciding to move forward with changing our organization’s name, we’re asking for your suggestions on a new name.
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Don't Miss Our New Monthly Feature
Pinxter Azelea, David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
We have added a new monthly feature to the Potomac Flier, the Wildlife Sanctuary Almanac.
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Red-headed Woodpecker: A Species at the Tipping Point
Red-headed Woodpecker, Matt Felperin
The State of the Birds report identified five species of birds that breed in northern Virginia as at a tipping point. One of them is the Red-headed Woodpecker, a year-round resident of northern Virginia that is considered uncommon during every season.
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Moon Gardens: A Quiet Oasis for Pollinators Working the Night Shift
Woodland Phlox, David J. Stan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
When planting, most people take into consideration how plants will look in the daytime, but have you ever heard of moon gardens?
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Running Bamboo: A Grass with Evil Superpowers
Running Bamboo, Margaret Fisher
Running bamboo may not be able to leap tall buildings, but it can run underground as much as 15 feet a year, including going under a road and emerging on the other side. Running bamboo can even be found as far away as 100 feet from its parent plant.
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ASNV and Partners Install a New Purple Martin Colony at Four Mile Run
Purple Martin colony volunteers, Tina Dudley
As part of Stretch Our Parks, volunteers worked with the Four Mile Run Conservancy Foundation to install a Purple Martin colony at the end of February in Alexandria’s Four Mile Run Park.
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Observations from Meadowood
Asian Tiger Mosquito, Judy Gallagher
Judy Gallagher is a long-time participant in the Meadowood Recreation Area survey. Here are some of her findings.
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Wildlife Sanctuary Almanac: Invasive Vines
Fallen Sycamore, Betsy Martin
Each month we'll feature timely tips and observations about engaging with nature through the seasons in your own personal wildlife sanctuary.
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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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Introduction to Birding with Andreas Seiter and Tina Dudley
Birding gear, Tina Dudley
Join us for an introduction to birding and learn the basics to get you started: Simple bird anatomy, tips for identifying unfamiliar birds, how birds benefit the environment, and how birdwatchers can help birds. Learn about the best places to bird, useful and affordable gear, cool apps, ways you can find others to bird with or find places to bird alone, and what birds you can expect to see during prime migration season.
When: Wednesday, March 13, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Where: Virtual
Member ticket: $10
Non-member ticket: $20
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Author Talk: "Flight Paths" with Rebecca Heisman
Book cover courtesy of Rebecca Heisman
Join Rebecca Heisman to learn how scientists solved some of the mysteries of bird migration. In her talk, she'll share some surprising stories from the history of bird migration research and discuss why understanding migration is so crucial for bird conservation.
When: Tuesday, March 26, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Virtual
Member ticket: $15
Non-member ticket: $25
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Beginning Birding with Larry Meade
Huntley Meadows boardwalk, Ser Amantio di Nicolao
April is prime time for birding! Birds of all kinds are moving into our region to start nesting. Others are stopping over as a respite before they continue their journey north. In this experiential workshop at Huntley Meadows Park, the pace will be leisurely as we learn how to spot and identify birds
When: Saturday, April 27, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where: Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria, VA
Members: $20
Non-members: $30
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Aquatic Ecosystems in Northern Virginia with Professor R. Chris Jones
Potomac River, Larry Meade
Learn about northern Virginia’s aquatic ecosystems—the stresses they are subject to, their current status and prospects for improvement.
When: Thursday, April 18, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Virtual
Member ticket: $15
Non-member ticket: $25
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Nature Journaling and Bird Sketching with Robin Carlson
Nature journals, Robin Carlson
Nature journaling is a terrific tool for understanding the world around you: species, habitats, and all of their rich interconnections. Join Robin Lee Carlson for a discussion of the ways that field sketching has been an integral part of her explorations of the natural world, from understanding the ways that species and habitats respond to wildfire, to piecing together the bigger picture of stream ecosystems.
When: Tuesday, April 2, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Virtual
Member ticket: $20
Non-member ticket: $30
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Finding and Identifying Spring Warblers with Matt Felperin
Yellow-throated Warbler, Matt Felperin
Spring warblers are some of the most exciting birds to see, but can be difficult to locate, observe and identify for newer (and even experienced) birders. Join us for a talk on the art of ‘warblering:' you will learn where and when to look, which warblers you are likely to see and their distinctive field marks and behavior to help you find these elusive birds.
When: Thursday, April 16, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Virtual
Member ticket: $25
Non-member ticket: $35
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Bird Walks
Birding, Camila Cerea
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Check this page for upcoming walks! Registration is no longer required for ASNV-sponsored walks.
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Monday Nature Mystery
Canada Goose egg, Bryant Olsen via Flickr
Monday Nature Mystery continues! Read on to learn who correctly identified our last mystery and see what this week's mystery holds.
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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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E-Activist Network: Volunteers Needed
The National Audubon Society invites all Auduboners to join its e-activist 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. https://www.audubon.org/
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