Migration Magic
April 30th, 6:00 p.m.
Have you ever noticed new birds during certain times of the year? Or wondered why birds migrate at all? More than 300 breeding species leave North America each year to winter in the Caribbean, Central and South America. Join us to learn more about the wonders of migration!
Moms of the Bird World
May 4th, 9:00 a.m.
Not all bird mothers are alike – some are doting and devoted parents, while others are missing in action! Join us in celebrating our Moms of the Bird World, and learn more about this side of our nesting pairs!
Be a Songbird Hero!
May 28th, 6:00 p.m.
Wild about nature? Get your yard certified and become a WBU Yorktown “Songbird Hero”! Join us and learn how to create a welcoming haven for local wildlife! Wildlife habitat gardens support twice as much wildlife as conventional lawns and non-native plant gardens! Turning your yard, balcony container garden or work landscape into a Certified Wildlife Habitat to attract birds, butterflies, and other neighborhood wildlife is fun, easy, and can make a lasting difference!
The Wonderful World of Woodpeckers
June 8th, 9:00 a.m.
Did you know…While excavating a cavity, a woodpecker’s head can strike a tree’s surface at speeds up to 13-15 mph and do it over 100 strokes per minute?!? This is equivalent to a person crashing head-first into a tree while running at top speed! Come in to learn this and MORE fun facts about woodpeckers! We’ll teach you about the species you can find here in Virginia and how you can attract more of these beautiful birds to your backyard!
Bird Friendly Families
June 25th, 6:00 p.m.
Is your family naturally interested in birds and nature? Do you enjoy learning about the different wildlife that you can see right in your own backyard? Come learn about various activities and gather information to help your entire family become more involved with birds and nature!
Red, White & Blue: Birds of America
July 13th, 9:00 a.m.
In honor of our Nation's Independence, join us as we celebrate our red, white and blue birds and learn more about some of the history and influence birds have had on America, and our military services.
Good as Gold Goldfinches
July 30th, 6:00 p.m.
Did you know the American Goldfinch is a strict vegetarian? We all love seeing these beauties on our feeders and flowers in the fall, but many don't realize they are in our yards year round! Come learn all the fun facts about these little golden gems!
Squirrels: Love'em or Leave'em
August 10th, 9:00 a.m.
Learning to co-exist with our furry friends does not need to be frustrating; it can be fun and entertaining, too! Join WBU Yorktown to learn interesting facts about squirrels, and ways to safely deter, or attract, them from your bird feeders!
Crows: A Misunderstood Species
August 27th, 6:00 p.m.
Crows are one of the most intelligent bird species, but they’re often misunderstood. Researchers have found that they use tools to assist with every day activities, and can recognize faces! Come learn more about these mysterious and fascinating birds!
Tidewater Butterflies
** Guest Speaker: Jonay Campbell **
September 7th, 1:30 p.m.
Understanding the butterfly lifecycle and how it functions in Tidewater can help you better understand how to garden to attract butterflies and perpetuate their lifecycle, why native plants are better, and why it’s increasingly important to think about our gardens this way. We will discuss some of the butterflies and moths that are common in the Tidewater area and how to look for and identify them. We’ll also touch on the recent addition of the monarch butterfly to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and what that means. Finally, since September is prime butterfly season in Tidewater, we'll also have a variety of caterpillars for you to see.
Prepping Your Yard for Fall
September 24th, 6:00 p.m.
Migrating birds are making their way south for the winter, and fall is an excellent time to prepare your yards for the migration season, and finding joy in some new species visiting your yard. Join us to learn more about how you can prepare your yard for fall!
Owls: Creatures of the Night!
October 12th, 9:00 a.m.
Owls are majestic creatures! Have you sometimes heard the "Who cooks for you" call of the Barred Owl, or wondered why the Screech Owl doesn't actually screech? Join us to learn more about our Virginia owl species!
Virginia Bats!
October 29th, 6:00 p.m.
Did you know there are 17 recorded species of Bats here in Virginia? Bats are great neighbors to have around the house. One little brown bat has been documented eating upwards of 600 mosquitoes in one hour! Imagine what several individuals flying around in your yard could do! Join us to learn more about these misunderstood creatures.
Winter Survival Tips
November 16th, 9:00 a.m.
Join us to learn how you can help your feathered friends battle touch winter weather! As temperatures drop and food sources become scarce, your backyard can be a true lifesaver!
Hawks, and other Raptors of Virginia
November 26th, 6:00 p.m.
Come discover what makes a bird a raptor, how raptors fit into their ecosystems, and how different types of raptors have different features depending on what, when, and where they hunt. Learn what species visit our area and hone your hawk and raptor ID skills!
Bird Friendly Coffee
December 7th, 9:00 a.m.
Did you know one of the BEST things you can do for our precious migratory birds is to drink shade-grown coffee?? Join us to learn more and discuss coffee, birds, and conservation efforts. We will be offering freshly made "Birds & Beans" coffee samples as well!