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The Weekly Bird Word

09/19/25

This week’s Bird Word is:
Wildlife Rehabilitator

A Wildlife Rehabilitator is a trained professional who provides medical care, housing, and support to injured, sick, or orphaned wild birds and other wildlife with the goal of releasing them back to their natural habitat. Wildlife rehabilitators must obtain proper permits and follow strict protocols to ensure the best outcomes for the wildlife in their care while minimizing human contact to preserve their wild instincts. You can read more about wildlife rescue in this article by a volunteer wildlife transporter.

Why “wildlife rehabilitator?” Because we have a wonderful upcoming event we hope to see you at on October 5th! Scroll down for more info.

A rescued Barred Owlet. Photo: Jill Spohn

Wildlife Rehab Bird Education Day with Animal Education and Rescue Organization (A.E.R.O.)

When: Saturday, October 5, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where: National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Suite 100, Reston, VA 20190
Fee: Free for active local rehabbers, apprentices and caregivers; $15 for others! Proceeds are split between AERO and NVBA.

Want to be prepared the next time you find an injured or lost bird? Join Northern Virginia Bird Alliance and our partners, A.E.R.O. (Animal Education and Rescue Organization) and Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, for an afternoon full of educational lessons on bird rehabilitation!

Program Highlights:

📖 Bird Identification Lecture (12:00 - 2:00 PM)
Led by Linda Tuttle – Learn how to recognize common songbirds in our area and their unique behaviors.

🩺 Common Injuries & Baby Bird Care (2:00 - 3:00 PM)
Presented by Olivia Lobalbo from A.E.R.O. – An overview of the most common reasons songbirds come into rehab and the basics of baby bird care.

🔬 Hands-On Songbird Lab (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Hosted by Blue Ridge Wildlife Center – Get hands-on practice in identifying injuries and breaks in songbirds, and learn what steps to take when you find an injured bird.

This program's proceeds will be split among the partners to support each of our causes. For event questions, contact [email protected].

INFO AND REGISTRATION

More Upcoming NVBA Events:

Alliance Afternoon: Amazing Insects
When: Sunday, September 21, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Where: National Wildlife Federation Building, Reston, VA
Fee: FREE

Join NVBA Board Member and insect expert Judy Gallagher to learn about the amazing beauty and fascinating lives of insects – the diverse creatures that form the foundation of food webs sustaining the birds around us!
More info and registration >

Author Talk: Michael Parr on Birds of the Tropical Andes
When: Wednesday, September 24, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Online
Fee: FREE

Hear from Michael Parr, president of American Bird Conservancy and author of the latest gorgeous photographic guide "Birds of the Tropical Andes." This event is part of NVBA's Hispanic Heritage Month programming. Donations welcome to support new and diverse birding programming in Northern Virginia!
More info and registration >

2025 Fall Field Trip to Cape May
When: Saturday-Sunday, October 4-5
Where: Cape May, New Jersey

Join three expert bird guides (Tom Wood, Herlitz Davis, and Judy Gallagher) for an overnight trip to Cape May, NJ – a world-renowned birding hotspot perfectly aligned with the Atlantic Flyway! Experience incredible fall migration viewing including shorebirds, hawks, songbirds, and more. Spots are limited and sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.
More info and registration >

Ongoing Survey Opportunities:

Occoquan Bay NWR Natural Resources Survey
When: Wednesday, September 24
Discover native birds, fauna, and flora in the company of dedicated citizen scientists at publicly-protected sites in eastern Fairfax and Prince William Counties. Weekly and monthly surveys contribute to up-to-date species inventories. Limited participation, please RSVP.

Occoquan Regional Park Butterfly and Dragonfly Survey
When: Friday, September 26
Friday morning survey as part of the North American Butterfly Association's Annual Count circle. Results contribute to annual reports shared with park authorities and federal agencies. Limited participation, please RSVP.

See you out there,
Northern Virginia Bird Alliance

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Northern Virginia Bird Alliance

11100 Wildlife Center Drive

Ste. 100

Reston, VA 20190

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