Photo: Prairie Warbler, Dixie Sommers
Want to bird for science? Consider participating in the Northern Virginia Bird Survey, ASNV’s long-running survey of breeding birds in our region!
We are busy getting ready for the 2022 survey which will take place in June. We are contacting volunteers from prior surveys and recruiting additional volunteers.
Acadian Flycatcher, Dixie Sommers
The NVBS is a point-count survey. The survey team counts all birds heard and seen during a 5-minute period at each assigned point. Because this survey relies mostly on auditory observation, we need survey participants who can recognize our common birds by sound and can hear a range of calls, including our sometimes difficult to hear species such as Cedar Waxwings. Surveyors should also be able to identify birds by sight with the use of binoculars. If you are an experienced birder and want to participate, please contact Elizabeth Krone at citizenscience@audubonva.org by May 23, 2022.
The NVBS started in 1994 and provides information on trends for breeding birds in our area. Many of these species have declined over the last 25 years, although some have fared well and others have recovered from population crashes, such as Bald Eagles and American Crows. Continuing to document these birds helps us understand the state of the birds in Northern Virginia and inform decisions about habitat protection.
Wood Thrush, Dixie Sommers