Volume 23 Issue 2, Summer 2018 by Kerry Bzdyk Usually when I encounter an insect I have never observed before, the naturalist in me is thrilled and excited to learn more about it. But there is one insect I am just hoping none of us see here in Loudoun County. By now you may have […]

Volume 23 Issue 2, Summer 2018 by Randy Bowman The Ringneck snake is one of the most common reptiles on the North American continent. The subspecies called the Northern Ringneck is found right here in Northern Virginia, but thanks to an astounding variability of diet and habitat, Ringnecks can also be seen all up and […]

Volume 23 Issue 2, July 1, 2018   by Sharon Plummer Loudoun Wildlife’s core mission is to preserve and protect wildlife, so that humans and wildlife can both thrive on our rich lands. To do this we use a multi-faceted approach by inspiring,  educating and engaging our citizens in interactive programs, citizen science, habitat restoration projects and conservation advocacy. As […]

Volume 23 Issue 1, Spring 2018 by Sharon Plummer Vernal Pools are ephemeral wetlands that dot our landscape in Loudoun County and support an immense amount of wildlife. That is why for the last 20 years Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy has been trying to increase awareness of these important resources and to help preserve and protect them. Loudoun County is endowed with so many types of riches in its lands and people […]

Volume 23 Issue 1, Spring 2018 by Erica Schwabach What do you think of when you think of spring? For some, those early warm spring rains bring to mind images of flowers and greener grass, of sunnier, longer days and blue skies. But many others look forward to salamanders and other amphibians (such as wood frogs and spring […]

Volume 23 Issue 1, Spring 2018 by Kelsey Gentry Walking through the woods on a warm spring day is a wonderful way to experience the wide array of wildflowers as they begin to wake from their winter slumber. Among these delicate beauties grows a diverse family of plants known as Phlox, or Polemoniaceaei. Phlox is a garden […]

Volume 23 Issue 1, Spring 2018 by Steve Allen Fans of The Big Year, Mark Obmascik’s account of three birders attempting the 1998 North American Big Year, know it is a highly competitive enterprise. Those who attempt it must crisscross the continent multiple times in an effort to see every bird that sets foot in North America. As we learn early […]