Citizen Science — News — Northern Virginia Bird Alliance

Citizen Science

Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas Transitions to Next Stage

Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas Transitions to Next Stage

The second Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas, known as VABBA2, is one of the largest citizen science projects in Virginia’s history. Over the last five years, more than 1,400 volunteer birders have gathered data on breeding activity of over 200 species throughout the Commonwealth, resulting in over 6 million records.

Youth Education Mini-grant Winners 2020

Youth Education Mini-grant Winners 2020

Every year, the Youth Education Committee of ASNV sponsors a mini-grant program to support teachers, schools, and non-profit organizations in youth-oriented education about birds and the environment. The committee is proud to announce three recipients ($500 per grant) in 2020.

Manassas Bull Run Christmas Bird Count Results

Manassas Bull Run Christmas Bird Count Results

The 38th Annual Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count on December 15, 2019 had the highest total of participants yet at 137 and counted over 20,000 birds of 86 avian species. The conditions were favorable, so there were many more walking miles than during the saturated conditions on last year’s count.

New Year’s Resolutions for the Birds

New Year’s Resolutions for the Birds

The November Potomac Flier article “Three Billion Birds,” shared 7 Simple Steps to help birds published by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Conservation Biology Institute. The 7th step, “Watch Birds, Share What You See” encourages birdwatching and citizen science. Data collected through simple observation can have profound results.

Citizen Science at ASNV

Citizen Science at ASNV

On September 22, ASNV awarded James (Jim) Waggener National Audubon Society’s prestigious Great Egret Award in recognition of his outstanding citizen science contribution. Jim is only the second person from ASNV to receive this award. He is a naturalist, who began the Occoquan Monitoring Program 30 years ago after retiring from foreign service.

Save the Date for the Big Sit!

Save the Date for the Big Sit!

The Big Sit! is like a Big Day or a bird-a-thon—participants tally bird species seen or heard within a given time period. It’s called the Big Sit for a good reason—it’s like a tailgate party for birders. Bring a chair and your binoculars. Snacks will be provided.