​Birdwatchers get excited when 'rare' migratory birds makes landfall having been blown beyond their normal range. But these are rare for a reason; most birds that have made the journey before are able to correct for large displacements and find their final destination. Now new research shows how birds displaced in this way are able to navigate back to their migratory route and gives us an insight into how they accomplish this feat.

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A new study aims to clarify the status of the non-native European House Sparrow, using 21 years of citizen science data.

The European House Sparrow has a story to tell about survival in the modern world. In parts of its native range in Europe, House Sparrow numbers are down by nearly 60%.Their fate in the U.S. and Canada is less well known. A new study by Cornell Lab of Ornithology scientists aims to clarify the status of this non-native species, using 21 years of citizen science data from the Cornell Lab's Project FeederWatch.

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October Greenfield of the Friends of the Rappahannock, has shared some terrific birding resources:  

Birding Virginia website

A guide to bird sounds and behavior - click here 

A fun visual and interactive guide to bird songs - this website is from Minnesota but almost all of these birds are also found in Virginia

Grassland Birds of Virginia - click here 

Field Management Guidelines for Grassland Birds - click here 

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