Blog

You might already know that pesticides cause harm to biodiversity, humans, and the overall health of the planet. Recent evidence shows that they have also been impairing the health of many different bird species. Neonicotinoids, or “neonics,” are insecticides that are...

This summer the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is specifically looking for data from more obscure and under-birded areas.  This data will help scientists understand better how birds are affected by forces like climate change and habitat loss.  The project runs until...

The VFAS Spring Bird Count (SBC) takes place this year on Saturday June 3, and unlike the Christmas Bird Count, which monitors the population of wintering birds in our area, the SBC is held during breeding season. The data generated from both surveys can be used to...

Check out these 5 new bird-related books for Spring 2023. Church of Birds: An Eco-History of Myth and Religion by Ben H Gagnon Dawn Songs: A Birdwatcher’s Field Guide to the Poetics of Migration Flight Paths: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Scientists Solved the...

VFAS intern London DiIorio, a licensed taxidermist, recently visited the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia to learn about their ornithology collection and participate in their work for Bird Safe Philly.  Here is her account of that experience: The Drexel...

Are you anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring migrants? You can track migration using Birdcast or Bird Migration Explorer. Birdcast models use the Global Forecasting System to predict suitable conditions for migration.  Bird migration forecasts show predicted...

The annual Cape May Bird Observatory binocular sale will be held on Saturday April 15 from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sunday April 16 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Center for Research and Education 600 Rt. 47 N., Cape May Court House, NJ 08210. Manufacturer’s representatives from...

The cold weather on our planned count day of December 24 resulted in the count being postponed to December 31.  While the higher temperatures were appreciated by our volunteers, the significantly warmer day brought in a fog that really put a damper on any soaring...

Audubon Mid Atlantic is continuing their spring Plants for Birds Program in Berks and Chester Counties! This program is a great opportunity for stream-side property owners to receive free native plants that require less maintenance than other ornamental plants, with...

Black-capped Chickadees and Carolina Chickadees are commonly spotted throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, but have you ever wondered how the Chickadee population is doing in northern Chester County? Watch this presentation by Brittany Coppinger, PhD, as she reports...