|
Wildlife in Winter, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
When: Tuesday, December 5, 2:00-3:00pm
Where: Brambleton Library, Loudoun VA
When it’s that time of year to pull on hats, a warm winter coat, mittens, and boots, have you ever wondered what our wild friends do when the temperatures start to dip and winter weather sets in? Learn how animals migrate, hibernate, and adapt to survive the harsh winter weather. The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center will have animal ambassadors that may include turtle, snake, opossum and raptor. This family-friendly program at Brambleton Library is co-sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Loudoun County Public Library. More info here.
Afternoon at the Smithsonian – Interpretive Tour of the Museum of Natural History
When: Tuesday, December 5, 3:00pm-5:00pm
Where: National Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C.
Fairfax Master Naturalist Dr. Kelmelis will guide an interpretive tour of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History relevant to Virginia Master Naturalists. This tour will identify the relationship of some exhibits to the natural environment of Virginia including the geologic history, mineralogy, entomology, osteology, evolution, mammalogy, and many other topics. Some of the take-aways will include an introduction of how the NMNH’s display collection can be used to enrich the naturalist’s understanding of science, the scientific method, and some techniques that are applicable to naturalists’ domain of interests; as well as some facts related to the natural condition and history of Virginia. Register here.
Writing in Nature, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
When: Thursday, December 7, 11:00am-12:30pm
Where: Gatehouse at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, Loudoun VA
Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this opportunity on the first Thursday of each month to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings. Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community building activity that encourages regular practice. More info and registration here.
Emerged, Emerging and Potential Infectious Diseases of Virginia Wildlife Webinar
When: Thursday, December 7, 12:00-1:00pm
Where: Virtual
As Virginians, we live in a unique, diverse but fragile ecosystem comparable to any area on earth. A realization of this is made obvious when one considers the havoc that an introduced infectious disease can have on a wildlife population. In this webinar, join Robert "Bob" Dunstan, a veterinary pathologist who has over 100 publications dealing with diseases of animals and humans in their many manifestations as he presents the biology and impact of three different infectious diseases and the roles Master Naturalists could play in recognizing and controlling these diseases. Register here.
Rock Pigeon History, Biology and Behavior with Rosemary Mosco
When: Thursday, December 7, 7:00-8:00pm
Where: Virtual
Cost: ASNV members ($10), Non-members ($15)
The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV) presents Rosemary Mosco, author of A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching, for an author talk on her book that takes a closer look at this common bird. Her travel-sized book details pigeons’ coloration, field marks, and anatomy. But it’s more than a field guide. It’s also an informative account of pigeon history, biology, and behavior, complete with Mosco’s delightful illustrations and a hefty dose of puns. Join this talk for a dive into the science, history, biology and behavior of the Rock Pigeon.
Register here.
Birding Banshee, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
When: Saturday, December 9, 8:00am
Where: Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, Leesburg VA
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, this bird walk at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve is sure to interest you. The preserve is a diverse 695-acre treasure in the heart of Loudoun County with streams, trees, shrubs and fields that attract lots of species, making it a birding hotspot. This is a regular outing that takes place the second Saturday of every month. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration required. Register here.
Family Nature Walk, The Clifton Institute
When: Saturday, December 9, 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: The Clifton Institute, Warrenton VA
Families with children in grades K-8 are invited to come along as the Clifton Institute explores the field station. This program is a wonderful opportunity for families to explore nature together. A different trail to explore is picked each month and usually move slowly as we stop often to look at and learn about the plants and animals that live in Northern Virginia. Register here.
Bird Walk, The Clifton Institute
When: Thursday, December 14, 8:00-10:00am
Where: The Clifton Institute, Warrenton VA
Join the Clifton Institute's bird walks every second Wednesdays and fourth Saturdays each month. Free and registration is required for this event. Learn more here.
Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count
When: Sunday, December 17, 8:00am-4:00pm
Where: Centreville, VA
The Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will be on Sunday, December 15. 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. lunch will be provided to participants. Signing up is easy! Just contact Phil Silas here with your phone, email, and birder level (B=Beginner, I=Intermediate, E=Expert), and any notes or comments. If you participated last year, your sector or route leader should be in touch soon.
The 24th Annual the Plains/Airlie Christmas Bird Count
When: Sunday, December 17, 8:00am-5:00pm
Where: The Clifton Institute, Warrenton VA
Join the Clifton Institute for the 24th Annual the Plains/Airlie Christmas Bird Count this December! the goal is to count as many birds as we can in our 15-mile-diameter count circle, which includes a variety of habitats–grasslands, forests, lakes, backyards, and even parking lots. There’s always a chance for Short-eared Owl and American Tree Sparrow, and counters get to explore parts of Fauquier County that they might not normally see. This event is contributing to an international community science project reaching back over 120 years which informs bird conservation in North America. Register here.
Central Loudoun Christmas Bird Count
When: Friday, December 28, 3:00-4:30pm
Where: Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, Loudoun VA
Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy as we participate in the National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count. Our count circle has a 15-mile diameter and covers 177 square miles of Loudoun’s countryside: north to Waterford, south to Aldie, east to Ashburn, and west to Purcellville. Everyone is welcome; amateurs are teamed with experienced birders, and every eye and ear help. Registration required by December 22. If you are interested in participating for just a couple of hours or the entire day, sign up here.
Photography Workshop: Nature Photography for Everyone
When: Thursday, January 18, 7:00-8:30pm
Where: Loudoun County Public Library
A panel of local photographers will provide tips on how to take amazing nature photographs for professionals or beginners. Learn about some of Loudoun’s great natural locations, recommended equipment, how to build your hobby without breaking the bank, ethical photography and more. Bring your own photographs of local nature to share at this event co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Learn more here.
| 
