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** The Weekly Bird Word
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03/09/26

This week’s Bird Word:
Rectrices

Rectrices are the stiff feathers that make up a bird’s tail ([link removed]) . Most birds have 6 pairs of rectrices that are used primarily for precision steering, braking and balance in flight. The word rectrix comes from the Latin word for “helmsman,” ([link removed]) the person responsible for steering a ship. Some birds have specialized rectrices, like woodpeckers ([link removed]) , who use the tail feathers to brace themselves against trees.
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This Pileated Woodpecker uses his long, stiff tail feathers, or rectrices, to brace himself against a tree while tending to his young. Photo: Richard Pick/Audubon Photography Awards


** More in local bird and nature news:
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* Native plant sales are coming: Get ready to put those winter garden plans into action. Plant NoVA Natives has a great list of upcoming spring sales. ([link removed])
* Don’t clean up that garden just yet: Although it can be tempting to tidy up your garden on these early warm days, lots of life still depends on your garden debris to weather cold temperatures ([link removed]) .
* Help rescue Fairfax County Trees: Celebrate the end of winter by joining Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM’s Spring Tree Rescuer Extravaganza ([link removed]) !
* Let’s go birding: NextGen is hosting abird outing at Neabsco Creek in Prince William County on Saturday ([link removed]) - join us!
* Sick of winter? Get ready for spring migration! It’s never a bad time to brush up on your bird ID skills. Check out this free Warbler ID class with Bill Young ([link removed]) from our online programs page ([link removed]) .
* Help Stretch Our Parks: Join in ongoing invasive species management at one of these Stretch Our Parks sites: Dominion Hills ([link removed]) , Powhatan Springs ([link removed]) and Upton Hill Regional Park ([link removed]) .
* We need your help: Check out our volunteer page ([link removed]) for all the different ways you can lend a hand! From pulling invasives to helping with tabling events and counting birds and insects, there’s something for everyone.

See you out there,
The Northern Virginia Bird Alliance Team
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