Bird’s the Word: NVCT’s Involvement in Avian Conservation

Each summer, the forests of Northern Virginia come alive with a fleeting but familiar chorus—the songs of migratory birds returning to their breeding grounds. These birds, many of which have traveled thousands of miles from Central and South America, rely on Virginia’s rich forest habitats for nesting and rearing their young. The region's position along the Atlantic Flyway makes it a critical rest stop and breeding destination for over 400 bird species. Their seasonal return is not just a signal of summer—it’s essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting pollination, seed dispersal, and insect population control.

Yet, these natural symphonies are growing quieter. Since 1970, North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds—a decline of 29%, according to a 2019 study published in Science. Over a quarter of eastern forest bird species are now in decline, primarily due to habitat loss, climate change, and habitat fragmentation. At NVCT, part of our mission is to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of Northern Virginia. We have embraced a more active role in avian conservation, recognizing that participating in bird census is just one way we can help preserve broader biodiversity and strengthen regional ecosystems.

For the past four years, NVCT has conducted bird surveys on several of its protected properties. These surveys are more than routine counts—they are key tools in understanding avian population trends and informing conservation strategies. In the winter, NVCT participates in the Christmas Bird Count, one of the longest-running citizen science efforts in the world. In early spring, NVCT surveys the Potomac Heronry at Crow’s Nest to monitor Great Blue Heron nesting activity.

This summer, NVCT is once again contributing to the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), a science-based monitoring effort coordinated by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Between late May and early July, trained observers visit fixed points and record bird activity within a 10-minute window. Observers identify birds by both sight and sound, estimate distances, and note directions. A second visit to each site a few weeks later helps confirm nesting activity, offering critical insights into reproductive success and habitat use.

This data is vital for tracking bird population health, detecting shifts in migration timing, and understanding how environmental changes impact breeding behavior. The BBS has become a cornerstone of avian conservation policy across North America, shaping everything from habitat restoration to species recovery planning.

Virginia’s geography makes it a hotspot for bird conservation. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, the state serves as a critical corridor for migratory species traveling between breeding grounds in Canada and overwintering sites in South America. Forest preserves, wildlife refuges, and protected lands—like those managed by NVCT—are essential habitats where birds can rest, feed, and nest.

Migratory birds stop in these preserved areas to replenish energy, escape predators, and seek suitable nesting sites—an increasingly rare opportunity as urban development continues to encroach on natural spaces. During this year’s bird count, a Kentucky Warbler was recorded singing from the same location for three consecutive years—a strong indication of site fidelity and successful breeding. Another notable sighting was the Prothonotary Warbler, a vivid yellow species that depends on mature, swampy woodlands. Huntley Meadows, one of NVCT’s protected sites, remains a prime location for warbler sightings during peak migration, reinforcing the value of southeastern forests, often likened to temperate rainforests for their high biodiversity.

This year's surveys also revealed a rich tapestry of life beyond birds: juvenile Eastern American toads and southern leopard frogs, red and gold-plated millipedes, and a lush, rain-fed forest ecosystem teeming with life. But these vibrant scenes are increasingly rare. Many landscapes lack the protection afforded to places like Crow’s Nest, and as a result, species that depend on older, intact forests are seeing sharp declines.

The recently released 2025 State of the Birds report provides us with disheartening news. While targeted conservation efforts have led to population rebounds among waterbirds and ducks, grassland and aridland bird species have plummeted by over 40%. Eastern forest birds have declined by 27%. Birds that rely on mature forests with canopy gaps—like the Wood Thrush and Cerulean Warbler—are especially at risk. Modern forestry practices often prioritize short-rotation harvesting, which reduces habitat diversity and leaves few opportunities for these species to thrive.

Still, there is hope. Bird conservation efforts pay off—not only for wildlife but for people. Protecting bird habitats improves water quality, preserves forest cover, and enhances resilience to climate change. Economically, birding is a powerful driver: according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, wildlife watchers—including birders—generate $279 billion in annual economic output, support 1.4 million jobs, and contribute $38 billion in tax revenue.

As migratory birds face mounting pressures from habitat fragmentation, climate instability, and changing land use, the work of NVCT has never been more crucial. By safeguarding vital landscapes and contributing to long-term monitoring, NVCT helps ensure that future generations will continue to hear the summer songs of warblers, thrushes, and flycatchers echoing through the forests of Northern Virginia.