Update: 11:30 am, Saturday, January 26
Due to inclement weather, the following changes have been made:
Transportation to Saturday excursions will not be provided. Trips will still occur, but you should provide your own transportation if interested in attending. Written directions will be available at the Princess Anne Recreation Center for those who are interested.
Back Bay/ False Cape Birding will meet at the refuge parking lot at 1:00 pm. You must have been pre-registered to attend. If you are registered and choose not to attend, you will be refunded. | 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Pleasure House Point will meet on Marlin Bay Drive off of Shore Drive at 1:30 pm. Look for the birding festival sign. Anyone interested can attend.
Urban Birding has been changed to birding at First Landing. Participants should meet at the Bay side parking lot off Shore Drive at 1:30 pm. Look for the birding sign festival. Anyone interested can attend.
Owl Prowls at First Landing and West Neck Creek will continue has scheduled. Wear boots and warm clothing!
The Exhibit Hall and Walk-Up Workshops are in progress – come visit us!!
At this point all trips for Sunday are a-go as scheduled.
The keynote presentation by Julie Zickefoose has been rescheduled to 5 pm on Sunday, January 27 at Kempsville Recreation Center due to inclement weather.
January 25-27, 2013 | Princess Anne Recreation Center
presented with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
This is your chance to witness winter wildlife all around Virginia Beach; whether it’s following fascinating bird activity, exploring the natural areas of our community or the musings of harbor seals near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Learn what it takes to properly observe and identify wildlife in their natural settings.
Schedule of Events
Registration for excursions ended January 18 but there are still opportunities for you to participate. Stop by Princess Anne Recreation Center on Saturday, January 26 for free walk-up workshops as well as the Exhibit Hall.
Exhibit Hall
Saturday, January 26 | 10 am-4 pm | Free & Open to the Public
All ages | Be sure to stop by the Exhibit Hall at Princess Anne Recreation Center and speak with our Winter Wildlife Festival partners, including the Virginia Aquarium, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, False Cape State Park, First Landing State Park, Lynnhaven River NOW, and the Virginia Beach Audubon Society. You’ll learn ways to get involved with local efforts and find out what environmental groups and businesses are up to. Also, check out the decoy carvers from the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, and walk next door for children's activities at Princess Anne Library!
Walk-Up Workshops
All workshops are free, last approximately one hour, and are held at Princess Anne Recreation Center. Pre-registration is preferred. Recommended for all skill levels.
The Story of the Canebrake Rattlesnake in Virginia
All Skill Levels Welcome | Age 12 & up | Join DGIF Biologist, JD Kleopfer as he shares information on the feeding, reproduction, shedding, hibernation, predation and movement of canebrake rattlesnakes that has been gathered by following radio-tracked
individuals. Learn the implications the data have for managing populations of endangered canebrakes across our region. | Free
Saturday, January 26 | 10:30 am
The Turtle with a Smile: Diamond Terrapins in Virginia
All Skill Levels Welcome | Age 12 & up | Join Diane Tulipani from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, as she presents an overview on the biology, ecology, and current conservation of diamondback terrapins - Virginia’s resident coastal marine turtle. | Free
Saturday, January 26 | 12 pm
Wildfowling: A Local Tradition
All Skill Levels Welcome | Age 12 & up | Join Al Henley, a member of the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, as he discusses the history of local gunning clubs from Back Bay and the Currituck Sound. Al has a unique perspective on this subject, as his family were caretakers of the Horn Point Club and were instrumental in starting the Cedar Island Club. | Free
Saturday, January 26 | 1:30 pm
Excursions & Pre-Register Workshops
Registration for excursions ended January 18
Sessions are color-coded by the recommended participant skill level:
Beginner | Intermediate | All Levels Welcome
Transportation IncludedWe require you to travel with us for these excursions. Transportation provided by Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries.
NEW! Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel & Fisherman's Island
Intermediate Skill Level | Age 18 & up | For this year’s day-long trip, we’ll spend the morning on the man-made islands of the CBBT looking for wintering birds and seals. We’ll stop for lunch at Stingray’s – an Eastern Shore local’s favorite
(lunch is not included in price). For the afternoon we’ll head to Fisherman’s Island National Wildlife Refuge. This Virginia barrier island is classified as “a wetland of international importance” and, due to the critical nature of its habitats for wildlife, it is only accessible during guided tours.
Additional registration form required by January 11. Meet at Bayville Park for transportation to locations. | $25, Lunch is on your own.
Friday, January 25 | 8 am - 5 pm FULL
Festival Kickoff: Keynote Speaker, Julie Zickefoose
All Skill Levels Welcome | All Ages | Bird Watcher’s Digest contributor and former NPR commentator, Julie Zickefoose discusses her newest book, The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Birds. Join us as Zickefoose shares her experiences fostering wild birds and explores their unexpected mental and emotional capacities. Book sale and signing to follow. Kempsville Recreation Center Theater | Free
Friday, January 25 | 7 - 8:30 pm Rescheduled to Sunday, January 27 at 5 p.m. due to inclement weatherBrought to you by the Back Bay Restoration Foundation. Learn more about Julie at JulieZickefoose.com
Spend some time with Keynote Speaker, Julie Zickefoose!
Julie will be attending the following sessions: Pleasure House Point Bird Walk (Saturday, January 26, 8-11:30 am, #111015), Back Bay/False Cape Birding (Saturday, January 26, 12:30-4:30 pm, #111039), and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Excursion (Sunday, January 27, 8 am-12 pm, #111014).
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Excursion
Intermediate Skill Level | Age 12 & up | The man-made islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel that support the bridge provide rest stops for migrating and wintering birds. The islands can offer unusual or locally rare sightings. Northern gannet, brant, king eider, harlequin duck, little gull, great cormorant, purple sandpiper and rarities such as black-tailed gull make this one of the best winter birding sites in Virginia. The presence of the occasional harbor seals and wintering whales adds to the appeal of this unique site. Additional registration form required by January 11. Meet at Princess Anne Recreation Center for transportation to CBBT. | $10
Saturday, January 26 | 8 am - 12 pm Registration ended Jan. 18
Sunday, January 27 | 8 am -12 pm Registration ended Jan. 18
First Landing Bird Walk
Beginner Skill Level | Age 12 & up | This location offers views of the Chesapeake Bay where wintering seabirds and waterfowl can be plentiful. The extensive shoreline also offers the opportunity to view shorebirds. The interior trails offer an opportunity to view the wildlife wintering in the maritime forest. Meet at Princess Anne Recreation Center for transportation to First Landing. | Free
Saturday, January 26 | 8:30 - 11:30 am Registration ended Jan. 18
NEW! Pleasure House Point Bird Walk
Intermediate Skill Level | Age 12 & up | This 118-acre site at Lynnhaven Inlet encompasses Maritime forest, beaches, marshes and mudflats. These varied habitats support a wide array of birds and wildlife like songbirds, raptors, shorebirds and is home to many breeding diamondback terrapins. At one time this site was targeted for intense development, but a partnership between the City of Virginia Beach, the 
Chesapeake Bay Foundation and The Trust for Public Land made the reservation of this space possible. In addition to preserving valuable wildlife habitat this site provides a valuable resource to the citizens and visitors of Virginia Beach. Meet at Princess Anne Recreation Center for transportation to location. | Free
Saturday, January 26 | 8 - 11:30 am Registration ended Jan. 18
Saturday, January 26 | 1 - 4:30 pm Registration ended Jan. 18
Beginning Birding by Virginia Aquarium
Beginner Skill Level | Age 10 & up | Learn the basics of bird identification in the aviary at the Virginia Aquarium. Let your instructor share tips and tricks in becoming a better wildlife viewer as you have the opportunity to see 55 species of birds native to Virginia. Meet at Virginia Aquarium’s Marsh Pavilion (801 General Booth Blvd.) | Free
Saturday, January 26 | 9 - 10:30 am Registration ended Jan. 18
Sunday, January 27 | 9 - 10:30 am Registration ended Jan. 18
Intro to Nature Photography
Beginner Skill Level | Age 16 & up | Award winning photographer, G. Michael Brown will inspire you with his superb nature images. Learn the basics of your digital camera and how to apply them in capturing the extraordinary natural subjects that inhabit our area. Basic concepts of image composition and proper lighting will be highlighted using bird, flower, and landscape digital images. This classroom session meets at Princess Anne Recreation Center. | Free
Saturday, January 26 | 10 - 11 am Registration ended Jan. 18
Winter Wildlife Boat Trip by Virginia Aquarium
All Skill Levels Welcome | All Ages | Here’s a chance to see some of the most magnificent creatures on earth in their natural habitat! Whale watchers will search for humpback and fin whales off the coast of Virginia Beach. You may also see brown pelicans, northern gannets, double-crested cormorants and other sea birds, all of which make a dramatic show while feeding on schools of fish. The excursion will be narrated by a trained Aquarium Educator while experienced volunteers show whale artifacts and answer questions. An experienced birder will also be on board for this special featured trip! Leaves from the Virginia Beach Fishing Center at Rudee Inlet, 200 Winston Salem Ave, Virginia Beach. Whale sightings are not guaranteed. We adhere to NOAA’s northeast whale watching guidelines. | $23/Adults (12 & up); $18/Youth (3-11); Youth under age 3 are free
Saturday, January 26 | 12 - 2 pm Registration ended Jan. 18NEW! Back Bay/False Cape Birding
Intermediate Skill Level | Age 12 & up | Take a scenic ride through Back Bay NWR on the “Blue Goose Express” observing wintering snow geese, swans and other wildlife. Journey to the heart of False Cape State Park for a chance to further observe and photograph the abundant wintering waterfowl. Scopes and cameras are allowed and encouraged. Due to refuge policy, no stops will be made while traveling through Back Bay NWR. Meet at Princess Anne Recreation Center for transportation to Back Bay/False Cape. | $10
Saturday, January 26 | 12:30 - 4:30 pm FULL
Urban Birding Tour
All Skill Levels Welcome | Age 12 & up | You don’t have to go to a wildlife refuge or state park to see birds in Virginia Beach. There are many “birdie” places that are right in the heart of the city where you are able to see a surprising variety of birds. This trip will take you to a few of those places; some of them so easy to bird, we may not have to leave the bus! Meet at Princess Anne Recreation Center for transportation to locations. | Free
Saturday, January 26 | 1:30 - 4:30 pm Registration ended Jan. 18
NEW! Intermediate Nature Photography
Intermediate Skill Level | Age 16 & up | G. Michael Brown will discuss macro-photography and telephoto lens techniques in a lecture format. Lens selection, from 10mm to 500 mm, will be a topic. The use of filters in nature photography, multiple exposures, and abstracts in nature images will be included among the topics. This classroom session meets at Princess Anne Recreation Center. | Free
Saturday, January 26 | 1 - 2 pm Registration ended Jan. 18
Twilight Aviary Tour by Virginia Aquarium
All Skill Levels Welcome | Age 10 & up | Where's the best place to sleep if you are a duck? What do Night Herons actually do at night? Where do Turkey Vultures roost? Come find the answers to these questions and many more at the Twilight Tour of Owls Creek Salt Marsh Aviary at the Virginia Aquarium. Meet at Virginia Aquarium Marsh Pavilion. | Free
Saturday, January 26 | 6 - 7 pm FULL
Owl Prowl
All Skill Levels Welcome | Age 12 & up | Explore the night time woods of First Landing State Park or West Neck Natural Area looking and listening for their nocturnal hunters. 
Great horned, barred and screech owls and other creatures of the night are all possibilities for these trips.
Meet at location. | Free
Saturday, January 26 | 6 - 7:30 pm FULL
Back Bay/False Cape Terra-gator & Tram Tour
All Skill Levels Welcome | All Ages | Take a scenic tram ride through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park to the site of the historic Wash Woods community in what is now False Cape State Park. Hike the one mile, round-trip trail to the historical site, where a church steeple and cemetery remain. Ride back along the remote beach observing shorebirds and perhaps whales while riding in our unique beach transporter, the Terra-Gator. Meet at Princess Anne Recreation Center for transportation to the park. | $10
Sunday, January 27 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm FULL
Mackay Island Excursion
Intermediate Skill Level | Age 12 & up | Located in North Carolina, just one mile past the Virginia border, this National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of habitats including freshwater and brackish marshes to upland and lowland eastern pine hardwood forests. Its location on the edge of Back Bay and the Currituck Sound, make this peninsula a fascinating place to view winter wildlife including large numbers of snow geese. The Friends of Mackay Island will provide a guided tour of the main refuge. Meet at Princess Anne Recreation Center for transportation to refuge. | Free
Sunday, January 27 | 8 am - 12:30 pm FULL
Whitehurst Tract Excursion
Intermediate Skill Level | Age 12 & up | The Whitehurst Tract is a patchwork of marshes, weedy and cultivated fields, narrow freshwater impoundments and pine woodland. This area is known for plentiful winter waterfowl, including impressive numbers of snow geese. Raptors and wintering songbirds can also be found in the varied habitats here. Meet at Princess Anne Recreation Center for transportation to Whitehurst Tract. | Free
Sunday, January 27 | 8 - 11:30 am FULL NEW! Photography Field Session
All Skill Levels Welcome | Age 16 & up | Join G. Michael Brown at Red Wing Park for this hands-on field session. Participants should bring their digital cameras and will have the opportunity to practice various aspects of exposure, metering techniques, and composition. Meet onsite at Red Wing Park. | Free
Sunday, January 27 | 9 - 11 am Registration ended Jan. 18
Project WILD® & Project WILD Aquatic®
FOR TEACHERS & INFORMAL EDUCATORS ONLY
This 2-session workshop is a wildlife-focused, conservation education program for K-12 teachers and informal educators. These programs address the need for human beings to develop as responsible citizens of our planet. Through the use of balanced curriculum materials and interactive workshops, Project WILD® accomplishes its goal of developing awareness, knowledge, skills and commitment to the natural environment. Project WILD Aquatic® emphasizes aquatic wildlife and aquatic ecosystems. Attendance to both sessions is required for curriculum guide/ materials and professional development credit. Preapproval of credit may be required by a teacher’s administration.
Download the registration form | $10
Tuesday, January 22 & Wednesday, January 23 | 6 - 9 pm each night |
Princess Anne Recreation Center Registration ended Jan. 18