Alliance Afternoon: Searching for Lost Birds with John Mittermeier, January 25th

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Image: Imperial woodpecker This media file is in the public domain in the United States.

Sunday, January 25, 2026
2:30 PM 4:30 PM

Free

National Wildlife Federation
11100 Wildlife Center Drive Ste. 100
RestonUnited States (map)

For more presentation details and registration information please click here!

Join this presentation on Sunday, January 25th at 2:30pm for the first Alliance Afternoon of 2026! At this quarterly chapter meeting, guests will gather in the cafeteria of the National Wildlife Federation Building to mingle with other bird-lovers while enjoying snacks and drinks. Attendees are also welcome to bring additional food or beverages to share.

NVBA staff and the Board of Directors will kick off the meeting by conducting chapter business, followed by celebrations of the 2025 Christmas Bird Count and the 2026 Photo Contest Calendar. The agenda will then move into a discussion of upcoming advocacy opportunities and other chapter updates. The featured presentation will be given by guest speaker, John Mittermeier of the American Bird Conservancy, who will speak on the Search for Lost Birds. The presentation will conclude with time for audience questions before the wrap up of this quarter’s meeting around 4:30 p.m. Following the meeting, guests are welcome to stay for NVBA’s Volunteer Recruitment Fair, where NVBA staff and committee chairs will highlight upcoming volunteer opportunities for participants to explore and consider joining.

The quarterly chapter meetings are open to both NVBA members and the general public. Anyone interested in the birds of northern Virginia is welcome! This event is free, and registration is not required; however, those who RSVP will receive reminder messages.

Presentation on Searching for Lost Birds

Around the world, just over 100 species of birds are currently considered “lost” meaning that they are not considered extinct but that no one has been able to document them in the past decade or more. What are these lost birds and why can’t anyone find them? Do they matter for conservation? Join John C. Mittermeier, the Director of the Search for Lost Birds at American Bird Conservancy, to answer these questions and hear stories about the efforts to rediscover some of these mysterious species.

About John C. Mittermeier:

John C. Mittermeier, PhD, is the Director of the Search for Lost Birds at American Bird Conservancy where he helps support projects to look for lost bird species around the globe. Prior to joining American Bird Conservancy in 2020, he received a PhD in biodiversity conservation from the University of Oxford and has conducted ornithological research and fieldwork in Suriname, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, and the Solomon Islands, among other places. Click here to learn more about The Search for Lost Birds.

Raptor Rehabilitation and Rodenticide Awareness with Dr. Belinda Burwell, January 24th

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Photo: Stacey Remick-Simkins red-tailed hawk

 

Saturday, January 24, 2026
12:00 PM 3:00 PM

General Admission: $25       Wildlife Rehabber Admission: $15

National Wildlife Federation
11100 Wildlife Center Drive
Reston, VA, 20190United States

Registration and important presentation details please click here.

Join this presentation on January 24th for an afternoon of educational lectures covering the fundamentals of raptor rehabilitation. The course will be taught by certified wildlife rehabilitator and veterinarian Dr. Belinda Burwell and will cover essential raptor rehabilitation skills geared toward at-home rehabbers. Next, participants will learn how rodenticides impact raptors negatively. This event is hosted in partnership with A.E.R.O. (Animal Education and Rescue Organization) and is open to anyone interested in attending.

The training will provide wildlife caregivers and apprentices with guidance on:

  • How to identify which raptors need intervention and which do not

  • Best practices for stabilizing and housing injured adult raptors before transport

  • Understanding normal baby raptor development and when and how to intervene

  • Practical tips for rehabbers who may be offering guidance over the phone or providing initial stabilization prior to transfer

Because the majority of raptors admitted to rehabilitation are injured adults there will be a special emphasis on safe handling, transport, and triage for adults. During the training, cadaver birds will be available to demonstrate proper bandaging and handling techniques, providing participants with valuable hands-on experience.

About Dr. Belinda Burwell

With 40 years of veterinary experience treating domestic and exotic pets, and native wildlife. She is currently in practice at Plaza Pet Clinic in Winchester, and also runs a non-profit called Wildlife Veterinary Care, an organization offering free veterinary care to injured and sick wildlife.

Her goals as a veterinarian are assuring the availability of quality veterinary care for all the animals in our community and teaching the public to care about animals.
In 1998, she was a founder of the Valley Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Winchester, and in 2000 started the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization. When her children were young, she started the 4H Naturalist’s Club in Clarke County as an organization offering hands-on learning about nature and the environment to children.

She has been rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife since 1987 and became a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator through the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. As a wildlife rehabilitator, she has experience rehabilitating more than 200 different species of Virginia’s native wildlife.

She has served on the Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator Examination Board, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Rehabilitation Advisory Committee, and on the Advisory Board of the Animal Rescue Fund. In addition, she is a Virginia Master Naturalist and Course Instructor.

Registration for this event is required. This program’s proceeds will be split between AERO and NVBA. Any event questions should be sent via email and to addressed to Amanda at info@nvbirdalliance.org .

 

Become a FrogWatch Monitor in 2026, A Citizen Science Opportunity

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FrogWatch is a great citizen science program opportunity for Fairfax Master naturalists. The FrogWatch volunteers currently work with Huntley Meadows (and historically with Fairfax Co. Parks) to have participants track frog populations throughout the calling season.

FrogWatch USA 2026
Southern Maryland (and surrounding DMV) Chapter

FrogWatch is a citizen science program that tracks frog populations throughout the United States. Learn more about the FrogWatch chapter here. Participants will choose a monitoring site that is easily accessible and close to where they live or work to listen to frogs that are calling throughout the warmer months. There are four indoor trainings to help orient people with the frogs that are in Southern Maryland/DMV area and their calls. Content is the same, so chose one training that fits your schedule. You can either attend in person or through TEAMS; a video link will be provided in a reminder email a week before the training.

If you have any questions, please contact Matt Neff or Kim Curren.
To register please click here: https://forms.gle/1nn1dW4Sa3X3rsGb7


2026 Trainings:

When Where Partnering Organization
Sat., Feb. 7th from 11 – 12:30pm Virtual – Teams Calvert Marine Museum
Weds., Feb. 11th from 7 – 8:30pm Virtual – Zoom Natural History Society of MD
Sun., Feb. 15th from 2 – 2:30pm Kings Landing Park Calvert Co. Parks and Rec.
Weds., Feb. 18th from 6:30 – 8pm Flag Ponds Park Calvert Co. Parks and Rec.

If you have any questions, Matt Neff be happy to answer them!

Matt Neff | Curator of Estuarine Biology
Calvert Marine Museum
14200 Solomons Island Road S
P.O. Box 97
Solomons, MD 20688
410-326-2042, ext. 8074

AERO Opportunities: Want to Get More Involved with Wildlife? Learn About Getting Licensed in 2026

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Photo: Provided by A.E.R.O Animal Education and Rescue Organization

 

AERO Opportunities: Want to Get More Involved with Wildlife? Learn About Getting Licensed in 2026

Community Outreach – S213: DWR Stewardship Projects — Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR)

 AERO education events are eligible for Continuing Education hours as well.

Hello A.E.R.O. Volunteers & Friends,
If you’ve been thinking, “I’d love to help more” or “I wish I could work more directly with wildlife,” this is your chance. The 2026 licensing cycle with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is coming up soon, and it is time to reach out specifically to those of you who do not currently hold a wildlife rehabilitation license but might be interested in taking that next step.

Why Get Licensed?

Having a DWR wildlife permit allows you to:

  •   Help with hands-on wildlife care
  •   Transport/rescue injured or orphaned animals more independently
  •   Assist rehabbers in their homes or facilities
  •   Participate in hands-on trainings and free A.E.R.O. classes in 2026 at a deeper level

For many volunteer roles with A.E.R.O. – especially transport, caregiving, and in-depth training opportunities – it is strongly preferred that you hold at least a Category IV (Care Provider / Wildlife Hospital Aide) license.


Interested in Apprenticing or Getting a New License?

If you are interested in:

  •   Getting more involved
  •   Becoming permitted to work with wildlife, or
  •   Starting as an apprentice under a sponsor

  Please reply to this email and let me know. 

I’ll help you figure out which path and category makes the most sense for you.

To become an apprentice, you will need: 

  •   A formal agreement with a sponsor (Olivia)
  •   A room dedicated exclusively to wildlife care
  •   A setup that meets the state’s facility requirements (I can send you the DWR checklist)
  •   Completion of 6 hours of Continuing Education (CE)

Don’t worry if that sounds like a lot — A.E.R.O. Volunteers will walk you through each step, connect you to trainings, and help you meet the requirements.

License Categories (Quick Overview)

Here are the main volunteer-related categories:

  •   Category I – Apprentice: For beginners under sponsorship
  •   Category II – Rehabilitator: For experienced rehabbers handling most species
  •   Category IV – Care Provider / Wildlife Hospital Aide: For assisting at permitted facilities
  •   Category V – Student / Intern: For short-term training or school-related experience

If you’re not sure where you fit, just reach out — A.E.R.O. Volunteers can talk through your interests, time, and space at home.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re curious, even if you’re not 100% sure yet, please email me back and say you’re interested in learning more.
We’re happy to support you in moving from “helper” to permitted wildlife caregiver or apprentice in 2026. Our animals – and our rehab team – always need more good people.

Thank you for all you already do for A.E.R.O. and Virginia’s wildlife.

 — Olivia

EMAIL: olivia@aeroanimalrescue.org

President, A.E.R.O

Animal Education and Rescue Organization

Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation Is Offering Two FREE Herp-related Virtual Programs – January 28th and February 24th

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Photo: FMN Jerry Nissley – Red backed salamander

 

Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation is offering two FREE herp-related Virtual Programs:

Salamanders of Virginia

Wednesday Jan. 28, 2026
7:00-8:00pm
Activity #622940
Section letter (not number) ID: I

This online talk will cover the common species of salamanders in Northern Virginia as well as the diversity and biology of these elusive amphibians.

A Year in the Life of a Box Turtle

Tuesday Feb. 24, 2026
7:00-8:00pm
Activity #622940
Section letter (not number) ID: O

A naturalist will discuss life history through the seasons, the threats facing turtle populations, and what you can do to be a friend to box turtles!

Park Naturalist Aide and VHS member, Leeanna Pletcher, will be giving these talks. You do not need to live in Arlington County to register. In-county registration begins today, Dec. 4th. Out of county registration begins on Dec. 10th. To register for these free classes, you need an Arlington Parks and Recreation account. Go to registration.arlingtonva.us to login or establish an account. Once you are logged in, the easiest way to locate and enroll in the talk is to go to Quick Enroll and enter the Activity # and Section ID (listed in the program description above) to add it to your cart.

Confirmations are sent via email, the day they are processed. An email reminder with the Microsoft Teams link will be sent a few days before the program. If you already have an account but have forgotten your user ID and password, contact the main registration office (703.228.4747 option 1 or registration@arlingtonva.us).

Sincerely,
Kelly Geer
Chair, Community Outreach Committee
Virginia Herpetological Society

 

Virginia’s Amazing Vultures, March 8th

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Photo: Friends of Dyke Marsh – Virginia Vultures

Sunday, March 8, 2026
3:00PM

FREE and In-person
The Mount Vernon Government Center, 2511 Parkers Lane (between the GWM Parkway and U.S. 1)

On Sunday, March 8, wildlife rehabilitator Heather Shank Givens will give a presentation on Virginia’s fascinating vultures and bring her black vulture, Dusty, a non-releasable vulture wildlife ambassador for which she holds federal and state permits.

Vultures are a critical component of the ecosystem but are often misunderstood and maligned. The presentation will explore the natural history of vultures in Virginia, the unique biology and ecology of vultures, global conservation concerns and human–vulture conflicts and mitigation strategies. Every year, the Wildlife Center of Virginia treats from 50 to 60 injured black and turkey vultures.

Heather is a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator with the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center and a wildlife educator.

This free, in-person-only meeting will be at 3 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Government Center, 2511 Parkers Lane (between the GWM Parkway and U.S. 1).

Sponsors:  Friends of Dyke Marsh, Northern Virginia Bird Alliance, Friends of Huntley Meadows Park and the Northern Virginia Bird Club

 

 

Black-Footed Ferrets: The Road to Recovery, January 20th

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Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Paul Marinari releases a black-footed ferret into a preconditioning pen

 

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
7:00pm – 8:30pm

Sign up on Zoom to watch live stream or on demand

Free

Speaker: Paul Marinari, retired biologist of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Half a century ago, scientists believed the last black-footed ferrets—the only ferrets native to North America—had gone extinct. Today, their recovery marks one of the most hopeful conservation stories of the 20th and 21st centuries. In this kickoff lecture of 2026, discover how this endangered species rebounded with Paul Marinari, a retired biologist with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo who assisted in the ferret’s recovery for much of his career. Paul will discuss how black-footed ferrets are a unique part of the North America Great Plains and what led them to become endangered. He will also highlight the role the Smithsonian and its scientific research played in their reproduction, genetics and animal husbandry, and offer an update on recovery efforts to date.

This event is part of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC)’s free evening science talks, and it will be recorded. Closed captions will be available during the live stream and on the recording. By signing up on Zoom, you’ll be able to watch live and receive a link to the recording a few days after the live stream. SERC seeks to showcase a wide variety of topics and perspectives for its evening science talks. Views expressed during these talks belong to the individual speakers and not the Smithsonian.

 

Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans, December 28th

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Photo: Tundra Swans, Randy Streufert, The Potomac Flier (The NVBA)

Sunday Dec. 28, 2026.
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Other details:

Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 703-339-2385
Email Address: MasonNeck@dcr.virginia.gov

Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, VA 22079.
Woodmarsh Trail Observation Deck at Elizabeth Hartwell Refuge

Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a favorite among birdwatchers. Each year, these incredible birds undertake a remarkable migration from their Arctic tundra breeding grounds to warmer winter habitats. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, including harsh weather and the need to find suitable feeding areas. During your visit, you’ll learn about their impressive strength and stamina as they fly thousands of miles to return to the tundra they call home.

Meet rangers stationed at the observation deck at the Woodmarsh Trail within the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge. The Woodmarsh Trail Observation platform is approximately 1 mile from the parking lot. The trail is unpaved with slight elevation changes. The trail offers a longer loop to the observation platform if you like.   Please stay tuned to the website for any weather-related changes to the program.

Additional dates

Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans – Jan. 3, 2026. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans – Jan. 11, 2026. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans – Jan. 17, 2026. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans – Jan. 25, 2026. 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Winter Fest 2026 – Mason Neck State Park, January 1, 2026

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Image: Mason Neck State Park – Winterfest 2026

Jan. 1, 2026
7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, VA 22079.
Various Locations throughout the Park

 

Other details:

Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 703-339-2385
Email Address: MasonNeck@dcr.virginia.gov

Bundle up and celebrate the wonder of the season! Join folks for a day of frosty fun, nature exploration, and cozy community cheer. Discover how wildlife adapts to winter, take a guided hike through the quiet woods, create nature-inspired crafts, and warm up by the campfire with a hot beverage. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the beauty and magic of winter outdoors! Festivities will take place near the picnic area. Look for specific information on the hikes. Please plan to be outdoors the entire time. If the weather becomes unfavorable, we will make alternative arrangements.

7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Sunrise Hike 3.6 miles moderate hike, meet at the trailhead for High Point Trail near the picnic area.
Folks will hike along the High Point Trail to Wilson Springs to Kanes Creek, then to Eagle Spur, and back. This hike will be a moderately paced hike to start the new year with a heart-healthy activity. You will then spend a short time at the observation point, then return to the picnic area. This trail is partially paved, mostly dirt, with some elevation changes. Not wheelchair nor stroller-friendly.

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Picnic Area

Crafts.

Snow Science.

Campfires and warm beverages.

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Winter animal adaptation story “hike”. This family-friendly “hike” will explore how different animals adapt to winter. Meet Interpreters at the picnic area at 10:30, or, if you prefer to learn and explore on your own, the story walk will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Winter Tree ID Hike on High Point Trail. This will be a slower-paced hike, with many stops along the way to identify trees. Interpreters will have some winter tree ID guides to share and will teach you to look for the subtle signs trees give us for identification. Interpreters will meet you at the trailhead to High Point near the group picnic area. This is wheelchair and stroller-friendly.

About First Day Hikes

Every year on Jan. 1, Virginia State Parks celebrates First Day Hikes. This nationwide initiative invites people to ring in the new year by connecting with nature and making lasting memories at a state park. Ranger-led and self-guided First Day Hikes are offered across the state, giving visitors of all ages and skill levels the chance to explore outdoors. January 1 is a Free Parking Day at all Virginia State Parks. (The admission fee at Natural Bridge still applies).

Italy’s Birds and Conservation Efforts with Marco Valtriani, November 24th

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Image Courtesy of the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (NVBA)

Free Event – Registration is required

Virtual AND In-person at National Wildlife Federation
11100 Wildlife Center Drive
Reston, VA, 20190United States (map)

Come for an evening with Marco Valtriani, an Italian biologist who has over twenty-five years of experience guiding birders and nature lovers through Italy. He’s a pioneer in Italian ecotourism and a certified nature guide (Guida Ambientale Escursionistica). You can learn more about Marco here.

Join 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.”

This is a hybrid event! You can join in one of two ways:

  • In Person: Meet Marco and connect with other guests at he National Wildlife Federation office. There will be Italian treats for those who come in person!

  • Online: You can also join the event via Zoom. Please note that online participants will only see Marco at the podium, not the full room view. Questions from virtual participants will be submitted through the Zoom chat. The link will be sent to registered participants one week before the event.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, looking to travel soon, or simply curious about Italy’s rich environmental heritage, this event offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a passionate expert.