Birds of the Blue Ridge

CURRENT Birds of the Blue Ridge

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Birds of the Blue Ridge: Snowy Owl

While they are Arctic birds, recent years have shown an uptick in irruptions – irregular migrations outside the normal geographic range of a given species.
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Birds of the Blue Ridge: Dark-eyed Junco

Our little sharply dressed messengers of winter have arrived – the “snowbirds!" Or, as others call them, Dark-eyed Juncos.
3b647574-65f4-11ed-b230-12274efc5439-Barred-Owl---photo-by-Mike-Blevins

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Barred Owl

These brown-eyed beauties are highly vocal and will even call during the daytime.
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Birds of the Blue Ridge: Pileated Woodpecker

As one of our largest and most strikingly decorated forest birds, the Pileated Woodpecker is a delight to see and hear.
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Birds of the Blue Ridge: Red-winged Blackbird

This species is known for their bold demeanor, particularly when there’s a nest to defend.

Departments

At Coopers Rock State Forest, new Stargazer cabins invite guests to look up through skylights and telescopes.
Country Roads

Even Closer to Almost Heaven

New Stargazer cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest offer a skyward escape in the mountains of West Virginia.

©Duncan Seaman
Country Roads

A Mountain Tradition Turns 90 

Visitors flock to Galax, Virginia, each summer for the Old Fiddlers’ Convention, a days-long celebration of Appalachian music.

Synchronous Fireflies
Creature Feature

The Light Fantastic

Fireflies are struggling with the effects of artificial light.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS