Program and Event Descriptions:

TIPS ON HOW TO LEAD A NATURE WALK ― Saturday, December 5, 9:00 a.m. Registration Required. Join Naturalist, Phil Daley as he teaches a class on how to lead and/or co-lead a walk and then takes us out into the field for a demonstration walk. Phil will provide insights, ideas, and guidance for potential walk leaders. Phil will also discuss the “to do and not to do” aspects of leading a successful walk. We need more volunteers to help us lead our nature walks and this program will provide volunteers with the basics of how to help us in this important area. This class will be held at the Rust Sanctuary in Leesburg. Registration required. Please Sign Up online. Questions, contact Phil Daley at 540-338-6528 or pdaley@loudounwildlife.org.

BIRDING HOT SPOTS IN LOUDOUN COUNTY― Sunday, December 6, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Registration Required. Join Joe Coleman and Laura Weidner on a daylong search for sparrows, hawks, waterfowl, and other seasonal birds at some of Loudoun County's richest birding destinations. The group will meet at the Rust Nature Sanctuary in Leesburg, and then move onto Beaverdam Reservoir, Banshee Reeks, and the Dulles Wetlands, before ending the day at Lucketts. All levels of birders are welcome. This program is co-sponsored with the Audubon Naturalist Society. Pre-registration required: Members (ANS & LWC): $30; Nonmembers: $42. To register contact ANS at 301-652-9188 x16.

BIRDING BANSHEE ― Saturday, December 12, 8:00 a.m. Join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve for the monthly bird walk. Because of its rich and varied habitat, this part of the county is a birding hot spot. Please bring binoculars. Questions: contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.

SUNDAY IN THE PRESERVE ― Sunday, December 20, 1:00 p.m. Join a naturalist from the Friends of Banshee Reeks and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a free informal, family walk around Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. Search for the many natural wonders that make this such a special place. For information call the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve at 703-669-0316.

13TH ANNUAL CENTRAL LOUDOUN CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT ― Sunday, December 27. Join us as we participate for the thirteenth year in a row in the National Audubon Society’s Annual Christmas Bird Count. Started in 1899, these surveys are held all over the country, with the results used to better understand bird populations and dynamics. The count-circle has a 15-mile diameter and covers 177 square miles of Loudoun’s countryside: north to Waterford, south to Aldie, east to Ashburn, and west to Purcellville. This part of Loudoun County includes areas that not only have beautiful scenery but also are full of birds. Everyone is welcome, both beginners and expert birders (amateurs are teamed with experienced birders). If you are interested in participating for the whole day or just part of the day, Sign Up Online or contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.