Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy inspires, motivates, and engages people to protect, preserve, and restore wildlife habitat in Loudoun County, Virginia.
(6)
Barred Owl and Great Blue Heron were among the 49 species of birds seen on a recent walk at Goodstone Inn. The weather was beautiful and the group got to enjoy a variety of habitats while on the walk. The highlight was finding a barred owl harassing two wood thrushes. They also got to see Green Heron, several Woodpeckers, and various woodland birds.
Photos by Scott Harris
Attendees at our recent "Overview of Butterflies of Virginia" program got to hold Cecropia Moth caterpillars and learned that all butterflies are moths, but not all moths are butterflies. Read more here: https://loudounwildlife.org/2024/06/butterflies-of-virginia/
Photo by BJ Lecrone
🌟 Our Macro Marvel for June: The Damselfly Larva! 🌟
Did you know these fascinating naiads live on the stream bottom for an average of two years before emerging? Yet, as adults, they only grace our skies for a few short weeks. Now is the perfect time to spot these amazing insects near our local waterways.
On Saturday Dr. David Adamski presented the "Magic of Moths" Loudoun Wildlife program that explored the most common moth families found in the Capital Region. Afterwards the group observed and identified moths attracted to the outside light.
Photo by Jim McWalters
News and Nature Programs: July 2024 -
Dear , Today, July 1, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy officially welcomes Tom Kercheval as our new Executive Director. Tom has been a Loudoun County resident since 2001, and he comes to Loudoun Wildlife after more than two decades at SkillsUSA (a national student organization also based ...
Despite the heat, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Tree Swallows and 47 other species of birds were seen during our walk at Sweet Run State Park. See the complete list of sightings here: https://loudounwildlife.org/2024/06/49-species-sweet-run/
Bird photos by John Denice
Group photos by Scott Harris
What do you do when you show up to play in the creek but there's no water? You dig in the mud! Participants in our June Nature Playtime found worms, frogs, mussels, some unfortunate fish, and lots of animal tracks as we explored the creek bed. Then we went inside to talk about insects and make bug headbands. We hope to see you in July!
More info and registration for July Nature Playtime: https://loudounwildlife.org/event/nature-playtime-july/
Photos by Charlie Kabealo
Did you know Virginia bats are not pollinators? Bats in the Southwest United States do provide a pollinator function, while our Virginia bats do not . . . but . . . they do eat lots of insects. This is one little piece of trivia everyone learned during our Bat Program with the Lovettsville Community Park. Plus, participants observed 10 to 15 bats representing 4 to 5 species. Read about this enjoyable event here: https://loudounwildlife.org/2024/06/bats-at-lovettsville/
Want to get involved in helping to support our native pollinators?
Check out the Harrison Street Pollinator Meadow in Leesburg, a habitat restoration project started in 2018. To learn more and volunteer, visit https://loudounwildlife.org/2021/08/harrison-street-meadow/!
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy partners with the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia to bring the Audubon at Home program to Loudoun County residents to help create wildlife-friendly landscapes on their properties. To learn more, visit https://loudounwildlife.org/habitat-conservation/audubon-at-home/!
To make room for spring ephemerals, which early season pollinators depend on, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy's garlic mustard pulls take place in early spring. To learn more, visit ttps://loudounwildlife.org/2021/10/balls-bluff-volunteers-take-on-garlic-mustard/
A butterfly that needs no introduction, the Monarch butterfly feeds exclusively on milkw**d as a caterpillar. It acquires toxins that make it poisonous to predators even into its adult stage - their vibrant orange wings serve as a warning to predators. To attract mates, males also use scent glands to release chemicals that attract mates.
To learn more about this bold pollinator, you can visit https://www.nps.gov/articles/monarch-butterfly.htm
What can you do to help the Monarch Butterfly? You can plant these Monarch waystation plants in your garden! -https://loudounwildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Monarchs_Plants_for_Waystations.pdf
Photo Credits from iNaturalist: © mhalsted (left), © Lindsay D. Loyd (right)
Pesticides may get rid of all the little bugs you don't want in your garden, but they're also harmful to the pollinators you do want. To keep your garden safe from pests without harming pollinators, you can try some of these pest-control alternatives in your garden:
Hand-Picking: Reduce pest populations by removing them by hand.
Physical Barriers: Use row covers or copper tape to keep pests away from your plants.
Companion Planting: Plant herbs and flowers like marigolds, basil, and lavender to naturally repel pests in your vegetable garden.
Mulching: suppress w**ds and create a habitat for beneficial insects. As the desirable native plants grow, their shade will start to reduce w**d growth and will fill in to create Green Mulch.
Despite its attempts to look fierce, the Virginia Flower Fly is harmless. It mimics scarier insects to fend off predators like birds, dragonflies, and spiders. One of nature's pest controls, its larvae are true aphid-eating machines, gobbling up to 400 of them during development!
To learn more about this itsy-bitsy pollinator, you can visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/flower_flies.shtml
Photo Credits from iNaturalist (left to right): © Rose A. Payne, © Katja Schulz, © Louise Woodrich
Meet oligolectic bees, better known as pollen specialist bees. One example are Leafcutter bees (Megachile pugnata) who collect pollen from sunflowers and other plants in the composite family, including asters, goldenrod and thistle, to feed their offspring!
Many of these specialist bees have unique physical adaptations allowing them to easily collect pollen from only certain plants. They also play a vital role in agriculture - so thank specialist bees the next time you see a sunflower or eat a blueberry!
To learn more about pollen specialist bees, you can visit https://vnps.org/specialist-bees-need-special-plants/
Photo Credits from iNaturalist: © donmarsille
Congratulations to our Dulles Greenway Eagles volunteer cam team for being recognized for their contributions and the impact of their work! Thank you Loudoun Cares for nominating this dedicated group of volunteers to be placed of the Summer 2024 Serve Virginia Volunteer Honor Roll.
Please watch the video and read this fascinating information about the Yucca plant and Yucca moths that depend on them for survival.
Often mistaken for its avian namesake, the Hummingbird Clearwing is a diurnal moth, allowing it to feed on the nectar of flowers that bloom during the day. Closely resembling hummingbirds, this plump moth has a tail that opens out into a fan. It gets the second part of its name from its mostly clear wings, which lack the powdery scales found on other moth's wings.
Plant one of these host plants and you may have these beautiful creatures flying amongst the flowers in your yard.
To learn more about this unique pollinator, you can visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/hummingbirdmoth.shtml
Photo Credits from iNaturalist (left to right): © hwise01, © Mia Rodriguez, © pjmorgan1
Most Virginia native bees, including carpenter bees, are solitary creatures. 30% of native bees are cavity nesters. Many native bees construct their homes in rocks and within hollow or pithy plant stems and branches.
To learn more about supporting native bees nesting in stems, visit
https://www.xerces.org/sites/default/files/publications/22-005_01_web-screen.pdf!
Our recent dragonfly walk at Bles Park delighted several young and adult enthusiasts by seeing 17 species of dragonflies and damselflies! Sightings included:
Photos by Bryan Henson
- Common Whitetail
- Blue-fronted Dancer
- Blue-tipped Dancer
- Cobra Clubtail
Photos by Larry Meade:
- Eastern Pondhawk (male)
- Blue Dasher (young male)
- American Rubyspot (male)
https://loudounwildlife.org/2024/06/17-species-bles/
A dozen birders visited Bles Park on the morning of June 16 during the heart of bird breeding season. They got to see all three mimics plus 35 other bird species. https://loudounwildlife.org/2024/06/mimic-birds-bles-park/
With its built-in thermostat, the Common Eastern Bumblebee can regulate its body temperature, making it a key pollinator in the chilly days of early spring and fall. Gentle and non-aggressive bees, only the females can sting, and they do so only in self-defense. While males have thin and hairy legs, females have a special convex structure called a corbicula - where they collect pollen.
To learn more about this docile pollinator, you can visit https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1619555444643
Photo Credits from iNaturalist: © dougburnham (left), © Lisa Hill (right)
A picky insect, the Great Spangled Fritillary relies on violets as its primary host plant during its larval stage. As adults, the males are a bolder orange, while the females are a darker, tawny shade - they share the same white spots under their wings. Both have mastered mimicry, as they mirror the toxic Aphrodite Fritillary to avoid predators.
To learn more about this picky pollinator, you can visit https://insectic.com/great-spangled-fritillary/
What can you do to support this adorable butterfly? You can love the violets that pop up in your yard that you’ve likely thought of as just a w**d!
Photo Credits from iNaturalist (left to right): © Oscar Johnson, © Sydney Penner, © Guy Lemelin
One of the most common plants to spot in Virginia, Robin's Plantain is a host plant to over 20 moths and butterflies - including the Pearl Crescent butterfly. A low maintenance plant, Robin's Plantain provides food to native early season pollinators. In addition, it has a fibrous root system that can help control soil erosion and is also an attractive landscape groundcover.
To learn more about this fun plant, you can check out https://vnps.org/johnclayton/2015/07/09/robins-plantain-june-2015-wildflower-of-the-month/
Email [email protected] to oppose the designation of the Mid-Atlantic National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor proposed to cut through Western Loudoun!
There are just six days left in the NIETC phase two public comment period! Struggling to figure out what to say? Check out the infographic below! The DOE has also specifically asked for public comments on: transmission needs within the potential NIETCs and associated consumer harms, the geographic boundaries of the potential NIETCs, and potential impacts on the environment, community and other resources within the potential NIETCs.
Public comments can be sent to [email protected] until June 24th at 5pm ET. Please send in your comments to the DOE about the potential harm that this designation could bring to Rural Loudoun with transmission line construction. Every comment is helpful in the process!
Weighing roughly the same as a penny, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird's heart beats more than 1,200 times per minute while in flight. Their name comes from the distinct red throat of the male. A common sight flitting from flower to flower sipping nectar which also transfers pollen, it may come as a surprise that in reality, almost 80% of the little bird's diet consists of tiny insects and spiders - which they rely on to feed their young!
To learn more about this colorful pollinator, you can visit https://abcbirds.org/bird/Ruby-throated-Hummingbird/?msclkid=4e7635437bdb1f11f0bc53203058311e
Photo Credits from iNaturalist: © Kent Ross (left), © crazybirdy (right)
Plants bloom at different times of the year, and many pollinators are generalists who need food from early spring to early fall. By planting a variety of flowers that bloom throughout pollinator season, you provide a continuous food source for Virginia's native pollinators!
To plan what native plants to add to your pollinator garden, you can visit:
https://www.pollinator.org/find-your-roots-tool and https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/Plants
https://www.novawildlifegarden.net/ from our own Planting for Wildlife book
An easy to spot butterfly in Northern Virginia, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail boasts a wingspan of three to five and a half inches. As the state insect of Virginia, the males are easy on the eyes, but it's the female's who are the true fashionistas with two distinct morphs. The yellow morph mirrors the male, while the black morph protects females from predators by mimicking the unappetizing Pipevine Swallowtail.
To learn more about this pretty pollinator, you can visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/TigerSwallowtail.shtml
Photo Credits from iNaturalist (left to right): © aprilsee, © Richard Pockat, © David Alan Rogers
Welcome to Pollinator Week! 🐝
Did you know that pollinators are essential for the health of our ecosystems and the food we eat? In Virginia, native pollinators come in the form of birds, bees, butterflies, and other insects. Join us this week, as we celebrate and raise awareness about the incredible creatures that help our plants and environment thrive!
To learn more about National Pollinator Week, you can visit https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator-week/pollinator-week-resources
Did you know some butterfly caterpillars mimic snakes?
Our event, An Overview of Butterflies in Virginia on June 20th, will tell you which caterpillar this is! Meet us in the Storytime room.
https://www.facebook.com/events/462147016189893
P. O. Box 1892
Leesburg, VA
20177
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy:
The Read!Plant!Grow! book club met outdoors at Birchtree Bookstore on Tuesday, May 28th where we enjoyed a rain shower and the chittering acrobatics of Chimney Swifts. Participants discussed The Humane Gardner: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife by Nancy Lawson. Overall, the group really enjoyed the book. Group members stated the book provided good advice, provided important information on the interactions between insects and people and about animals and their purposes. For some the book was confirmation of what they already knew. The pictures that were included in the book were also beautiful. The author shared real life stories and experiences about people’s experiences as they moved to have more native yards. Several of the attendees stated the book was a great “how to” on how to start, have, or maintain native yards. The group discussed how you can start small by just planting some native plants, possibly 4 natives for each session. Additionally, your whole yard does not have to be made of native plants. You can rewild parts or sections of your yard. One very interesting discussion point that was brought up was about the challenges or barriers that can arise growing native plants. The biggest one being the cost and the second one being the lack of knowledge people have about native plants. Group members discussed ways to cut costs when deciding to grow native plants as well as ways to spread knowledge. One way to do this is by joining HOA organizations, educating landscapers, hosting educational programs, and so much more. Our next Read!Plant!Grow! book club will be held on August 27 th at 7 p.m. at @Birchtree Bookstore. We will be discussing the book: The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan. Many thanks to @watermarkwoodsnativeplants for giving away a gift bag to the lucky winner!
Most of us picture an invasive plant pest when we think of stink bugs. Yet three of the seven stink bug species found in our area are native predators of other insects! They are a valuable part of the food web and natural pest control. Watch this spined soldier bug in action! You can learn more about Stink Bugs here - https://extension.umd.edu/resource/common-stink-bugs-mid-atlantic-hemiptera-pentatomidae/ Thanks to Board Member, Brian Magurn for sharing this video.
BIRDHOUSES AND BARRELS OF LOUDOUN COUNTY ART AUCTION FEBRUARY 15-22 https://auctria.events/2024LWCBirdhouses ARTIST: Sofia Rahnama Sophia is currently an art student at VCU. I’m passionate about cartoons for all ages and I would like to work on them or even create my own someday. As a kid, I started out drawing mostly animals, so I was very happy to be part of something that involves helping animals and wildlife. To make this, I decided to experiment with linocut printmaking for the first time in a few years. I chose to draw possums and foxes because those are my two favorite animals and they have their homes around our area. #fiaphobic
BIRDHOUSES AND BARRELS OF LOUDOUN COUNTY ART AUCTION FEBRUARY 15-22 https://auctria.events/2024LWCBirdhouses Pattie is the creative mind behind 'Let it Bee' Artists Collective opening soon in Purcellville. Thanks Pattie for this wonderful planter! https://www.facebook.com/LetItBeeArtistsCollective
BIRDHOUSES AND BARRELS OF LOUDOUN COUNTY ART AUCTION FEBRUARY 15-22 https://auctria.events/2024LWCBirdhouses ARTIST: Jason Karr Artist Statement: Hello I’m Jason Karr. I moved to Leesburg a few years ago from DC with my wife Alex and we have two children. I have worked in historic conservation and custom framing and I appreciate art, music, writing and reading.
BIRDHOUSES AND BARRELS OF LOUDOUN COUNTY ART AUCTION FEBRUARY 15-22 https://auctria.events/2024LWCBirdhouses Aside from being the proprietor of Fells Financials in Western Loudoun, Stephanie has a passion for painting! She actively supports and volunteers with the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, dedicated to advocating for the significance of native plants. Her commitment to conservation is evident as her yard has earned approval as a Wildlife Sanctuary through Audubon at Home! #Fellsfinancials #Whiskeybarrel #artworkdecor #loudounarts #loveloudoun #Wildlife
BIRDHOUSES AND BARRELS OF LOUDOUN COUNTY ART AUCTION FEBRUARY 15-22 https://auctria.events/2024LWCBirdhouses ARTIST: Ken Carson Hailing from Willows, Wisconsin, Kenneth Sean Carson is not just an individual with a fashion line of clothing and accessories; he is a man of diverse experiences, having undertaken over 60 occupations in his lifetime. His most recent venture involves embodying the spirit of the "beach," standing in the sand and surveying the waves. Ken's creativity extends beyond the shores as he draws inspiration for his unique planter from his long-time muse, Barbie, whom he first met in 1961. Through this artwork, Ken aims to reinforce his unwavering dedication to the legion of Barbie fans out there, framing himself as undeniably 'Kenough.' As a prominent figure in both screen and toy aisles, Ken wishes that the recipient of his planter will embrace a positive outlook on life and persevere through challenges, echoing his own philosophy of never giving up.
BIRDHOUSES AND BARRELS OF LOUDOUN COUNTY ART AUCTION FEBRUARY 15-22 https://auctria.events/2024LWCBirdhouses ARTIST: Pat Whittle Pat’s planter shows a scene you might see traveling around western Loudoun with views of the Blueridge Mountains, rolling hills and planted fields. Pat’s work includes both imaginary and realistic art, including her popular imaginary floral paintings. Her work can be seen on her website as well as on Instagram and Facebook. She regularly shows at the Waterford Fair, Art at the Mill and has been juried into several regional and national exhibits. https://www.pwhittleart.com/ @PWhittleArt
BIRDHOUSES AND BARRELS OF LOUDOUN COUNTY ART AUCTION FEBRUARY 15-22 https://auctria.events/2024LWCBirdhouses Christiane Meister, known for her expertise in oils, specializes in animal portraiture on canvas and wood panels. With over three decades of experience, she has garnered numerous commissions for her remarkable work. During the holiday season, her acrylic glass ornament portraits are highly sought after. Residing in Lovettsville, Virginia, Christiane draws inspiration from the picturesque landscapes that greet her after a day's work at Bethesda Game Studios. For twenty years, she has served as a 3D character artist in the dynamic realm of computer gaming. Fascinated by the narratives she conjures, Christiane finds particular delight in envisioning starlings engaging in playful antics, such as wagering on wrestling matches or engaging in spirited scream-offs. #RavenhawkImages #Whiskeybarrel #artworkdecor #loudounarts #loveloudoun #Wildlife
BIRDHOUSES AND BARRELS OF LOUDOUN COUNTY ART AUCTION FEBRUARY 15-22 https://auctria.events/2024LWCBirdhouses ARTIST: Stephanie Macleod Stephanie Macleod. I’m a retired special education teacher, having called Hamilton my home for 3O years. Since retiring, I have delved into art & creativity: facilitating an Artists way group as well as a mindful art online class for imagine wellbeing. I now believe my purpose is to provide opportunities for women to tap into their creativity. Women spend their lives giving to others yet, too often, do not give unto themselves. I also believe that circles of woman, tapping into the creative process is a powerful thing. I wanted to participate in this project because the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy works to preserve green spaces and also educates people about the value of keeping our yards natural habitats for local wildlife. I wanted to focus on natural spaces with a touch of whimsy. I enjoy opportunities like this to stretch beyond my comfort zone to improve my artistic skills. (As I am untrained and prefer intuitive exploration when painting & creating.) My thanks to another local artist, Amy Sarubin Olsen, for her aide in getting this project done on time. This piece is in memoriam to Susan M. Wojnarowski & Kae Sarubin who both passed in 2023. Both gone too soon.
BIRDHOUSES AND BARRELS OF LOUDOUN COUNTY ART AUCTION FEBRUARY 15-22 https://auctria.events/2024LWCBirdhouses ARTIST: Tyra Flynn The Global Local is a unique boutique in downtown historic Leesburg that showcases local artists and makers as well as fair trade global products. Our mission is to connect clients to the artists through storytelling, spreading positivity both at home and around the world. We chose to paint sunflowers because we are captivated by their ability to radiate warmth and happiness, almost as if they are nature's way of painting a smile across the landscape. Their vibrant colors feel like an open invitation to celebrate life's simple joys. The Global Local
AUCTION FEB 15TH-22 https://auctria.events/2024LWCBirdhouses ARTIST: Makersmiths This planter is a joint project of two Makersmiths Kidwind participants. Liam Jo (5th grade) and Nick Burros(6th grade). Liam's message is to save the enviroment with renewable energy like wind turbines so we can have a happier life with trees and wild animals. Nick's message is to keep the earth clean like it was given to us. What is Makersmiths? We are adults enthusiasts, kids learning, playing and making, entrepreneurs looking to prototype new concepts and products, and community organizations looking to take part in the maker movement. Our members share about 3,000 sf of workrooms with CNC mills, 3D printers, laser cutters, wood working and metal working tools, meeting space, storage space and more. We have 2 locations in Loudoun County: Downtown Leesburg. This location includes a Laser Cutter, a Wood Shop, a Tormach Multi Axis Metal CNC, Small and Large Format CNC's, 3D Printing Room, Classroom, Large Format Plotter, Vinyl Cutter, Craft Room, Heat Press, Electronics Room, Wood Turning Room, Cosplay Area and more in the works! Open House: Every Thursday 6-8pm The Purcellville location includes a large Wood Shop, Metal Shop, Welding Studio, Ceramic Studio, 3D Printers, Large Format Plotter, Enameling Equipment, Blacksmithing Forge and more! Open House: Every Tuesday 6-8pm https://www.facebook.com/makersmiths https://www.instagram.com/makersmiths/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClllI5tYA622WUsvaoyVpnA
BIRDHOUSES AND BARRELS OF LOUDOUN COUNTY ART AUCTION FEBRUARY 15-22 ARTIST: Judy Didoha Judy is a printmaker and painter. Currently retired art instructor at Marymount University. She has participated in many shows and has received numerous commissions of pen and ink, watercolor, oil, and acrylic paintings. Judy has studied drawing and printmaking in Italy. Currently she resides in Leesburg, VA returning frequently to St. Simons Island. “My art is ever-changing and evolving. In my work, I use different mediums (watercolors, wood cuts, etchings, oils, acrylic, gouache, wood engravings), different subjects, (portraits, seascapes, landscapes, historical buildings, animals), and different surfaces (stone, metal, wood, fabric, glass, furniture, buses). It is my intent to capture the time, the connection, the beauty in my art no matter the subject." Visit her site at didoha.com
BIRDHOUSES AND BARRELS OF LOUDOUN COUNTY ART AUCTION FEBRUARY 15-22 https://auctria.events/2024LWCBirdhouses ARTIST: Kayl Martin Kayl Martin is a member of Makersmiths. What is Makersmiths? We are adults enthusiasts, kids learning, playing and making, entrepreneurs looking to prototype new concepts and products, and community organizations looking to take part in the maker movement. Our members share about 3,000 sf of workrooms with CNC mills, 3D printers, laser cutters, wood working and metal working tools, meeting space, storage space and more. We have 2 locations in Loudoun County: Downtown Leesburg. This location includes a Laser Cutter, a Wood Shop, a Tormach Multi Axis Metal CNC, Small and Large Format CNC's, 3D Printing Room, Classroom, Large Format Plotter, Vinyl Cutter, Craft Room, Heat Press, Electronics Room, Wood Turning Room, Cosplay Area and more in the works! Open House: Every Thursday 6-8pm The Purcellville location includes a large Wood Shop, Metal Shop, Welding Studio, Ceramic Studio, 3D Printers, Large Format Plotter, Enameling Equipment, Blacksmithing Forge and more! Open House: Every Tuesday 6-8pm https://www.facebook.com/makersmiths https://www.instagram.com/makersmiths/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClllI5tYA622WUsvaoyVpnA
Happy Holidays from Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Over 150 people are volunteering for the Christmas Bird Count this Thursday. We are grateful for these citizen science volunteers!
Good morning Rosa and Martin
TGIF
What does your Loudoun Wildlife membership support? Helping Loudoun's youth thrive! Check out this short video on the impact our members' investments are having on creating the next generation of environmental stewards. And, you can become a member by clicking this link: https://loudounwildlife.org/donate/join-renew/
Rosa and Martin working on the weekend
Happy Friday Part 2
