“Being outside is really important for our mental and physical health. Birding is a great way to get out and see something new. I really love getting into the stories of how I find some of these crazy rare birds or unusual birds because it’s really about the adventure. And because birds fly, you never know what you’re going to get.” – Matt Felperin, Nova Parks Roving Naturalist
Today’s episode comes with a warning – you may get hooked. Birding has recently surged in popularity as people crave safe engagement with nature. Matt Felperin, Nova Park’s Roving Naturalist, describes the adventure in birding, including exploring habitats, discovering new species, chasing rarities, and simply finding joy and respite in birds. Matt also discusses an increasing diversity in the hobby, conservation, community science, and how to get started identifying the birds in your backyard. And yes, we also talk about Virginia’s very rare (and super adorable) avian celebrity from Greenland that has everyone in a frenzy. Let’s Go!
Links Mentioned:
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NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NOVAParksNaturalist
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Roving Naturalist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.roving.naturalist/
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Matt Felperin Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Matt_felperin_photography
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Matt Felperin Photography: https://mfelperinphoto.wixsite.com/home
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Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks): https://www.novaparks.com/
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Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows
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Friends of Huntley Meadows Park: http://friendsofhuntleymeadows.org/
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eBird: https://ebird.org/home
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American Birding Association: https://www.aba.org/
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Woodcock adult and chicks walking: https://shorturl.at/H3789
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Christmas Bird Count: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
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Gravely Point Park: https://www.nps.gov/places/000/gravelly-point.htm
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George Washington National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/gwj
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Monongahela National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mnf/home
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Reddish Knob: https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/reddish-knob/
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Audubon Bird Guide App: https://www.audubon.org/app
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Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/
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Merlin Bird App: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
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Nikon Pro Staff 3 Binoculars: https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/binoculars/index.page
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Plant Nova Natives: https://www.plantnovanatives.org/
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Audubon At Home: https://www.audubonva.org/audubon-at-home
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Audubon Chapters in Virginia: https://www.audubon.org/about/audubon-near-you
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Northern Virginia Bird Club: http://nvabc.org/
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Virginia Society of Ornithology: https://www.virginiabirds.org/
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IDEA Birders of MD and DC: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IDEABirdersMDDC
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Upton Hill Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/upton-hill-regional-park
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Lets Go Birding Together (LGBT): https://www.audubon.org/news/lets-go-birding-together
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Black Birders Week: https://www.audubon.org/news/black-birders-week-promotes-diversity-and-takes-racism-outdoors
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Black and Latinx Birders Scholarship Fund: www.marylandbirds.org
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Potomac Overlook Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/potomac-overlook-regional-park
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Algonkian Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/algonkian-regional-park
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Bull Run Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/bull-run-regional-park
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Pohick Bay Regional Park: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/pohick-bay-regional-park
Bird Species Mentioned:
Osprey, Prothonotary Warbler, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Sora, Clapper Rail, Wilson’s Snipe, American Woodcock, Barnacle Goose, Canada Goose, Snowy Owl, Pine Siskin, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Red Crossbill, House Finch, Blackburnian Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Golden Eagle, Carolina Chickadee, Mourning Dove, White-throated Sparrow, Orange-crowned Warbler, Hairy Woodpecker, Golden-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler Northern Bobwhite, Red-headed Woodpecker, Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, American Coot
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All About Birds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/