Plan to attend the Winter Wildlife Festival on January 30, 2010 for the chance to observe seals at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, see whales in the ocean, discover owls at First Landing State Park and view other winter wildlife at various locations throughout Virginia Beach. Learn how to identify a variety of animal species, while getting energized to go green!
The festival will focus on environmental education and wildlife and will feature local excursions, educational sessions and outdoor vendors. Stop by the exhibit hall at Kempsville 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 Audubon Society. You’ll also learn ways to get involved with local efforts and see what conservation groups and businesses are doing.
The exhibit hall will be open from 9am to 3pm, with the educational sessions and excursions running at various times during the day. Membership cards are not required for this event.
In order to participate in the educational sessions and excursions, you must first register for the festival's main registration. There is no cost to attend the festival, but some sessions and excursions do have a fee. Once registered, you can choose which sessions to attend. Main Registration: #93636
Note: Online registration requires a client barcode and PIN. If you have a Virginia Beach Recreation Center membership, or if you have taken a class with us in the past, then you have a barcode and PIN. You can also visit any recreation center to obtain a barcode and PIN, or you can use the mail-in registration form available here. Registration forms and payment must be received by January 23, 2010.
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
Backyard Habitat
Age 14 & up • Would you like to see more birds and other wildlife in your yard? Learn how to create habitats that are attractive to you and wildlife. In an increasingly developed world our backyards can become a much needed oasis for nature. No additional cost.
#93649 | 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Birding Basics by the USa Fish & Wildlife ServiceAge 14 & up • Join USFWSa biologist Dorie Stolley for a fun-filled foray into the basics of Wild Bird Identification. You will learn and practice the six keys to identifying birds on your own. Using stories, images, quizzes, bird song and the flight pattern principles song, Dorie will introduce you to the factors you will need to observe and begin to recognize our various and beautiful avian neighbors. No additional cost.#93650 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Kayak Pool SessionAge 10 & up • Want to add a little adventure to your wildlife watching? Hop in a kayak and experience your viewing time from the water. Join our session for lessons in stroke technique and maneuvering a sit-on top solo or tandem kayak. You’ll also have a chance to practice and acquaint yourself with the sport as you paddle around the pool. No additional cost.#93652 | 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
#93653 | 2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
#93654 | 3:00 pm - 3:50 pm
Rain Barrel Making by Lynnhaven River NOWAge 16 & up • Excess nutrient run off is a serious water quality problem. It leads to algae which clouds the water and eventually leads to decreased levels of oxygen and possible toxins from algal blooms. A rain barrel is one way to reduce the amount of run off entering the river through storm water system. Rain barrels also provide homeowners with free non-chlorinated water to provide healthy irrigation to house plants and gardens. Attendees will leave with a completed rain barrel and simple installation instructions.
#93648 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm | $65
Snow Geese of TidewaterAge 10 & up • Snow Geese take part in one of the most impressive waterfowl migrations in North America. Over 1 million of these birds nest in the Eastern Arctic and many migrate south along the Atlantic Coast. Tens of thousands pass through Virginia, and up to 25,000 Snow Geese make their winter home here. For the past 10 years Reese Lukei, research associate with the Center for Conservation Biology at William & Mary, has been locating collared geese overwintering in Southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina. His presentation will discuss geese locating during last year’s season. No additional cost.#93651 | 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
EXCURSIONS
Back Bay/ False Cape Terra-Gator & Tram TourAll ages • Ride along the remote beach observing shorebirds and perhaps whales while riding in our unique beach transporter, the Terra-Gator. You’ll also take a scenic ride through False Cape & Back Bay on the “Blue Goose Express,” observing wintering snow geese, swans, and other wildlife. Meet at Kempsville Recreation Center for transportation to the park. No additional cost.#93638 | 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Beginning Birding by the Virginia AquariumAge 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 to opportunity to see 55 species of birds native to Virginia. Meet at the Virginia Aquarium Marsh Pavilion.
#93641 | 8:00 am - 9:30 am | $5
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel ExcursionAge 12 & up • The man-made islands of the CBBTu 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 occasional harbor seals and wintering whales adds to the appeal of this unique site. Meet at Kempsville Recreation Center for transportation to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.
#93639 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am | $10
Fort Story & First Landing Bird WalkAge 10 & up • Both of these sites offer views over the Chesapeake Bay where wintering seabirds and waterfowl can be plentiful. The extensive shoreline at both locations offers the opportunity to view shorebirds. This trip will begin at historic Fort Story and then shuttle a short way down the road to First Landing State Park. Meet at Kempsville Recreation Center for transportation to Fort Story. Those age 16 & up must have a government issued ID to gain access to Fort Story. No additional cost.#93637 | 8:30 am - 11:30 am
Owl ProwlAge 10 & up • Explore the night time woods of First Landing State Park looking and listening for their nocturnal hunters. Great-horned, barred and screech owls and other creatures of the night are all possibilities for this trip. Meet at the Trail Center off Shore Drive. No additional cost.
#93646 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
West Neck Creek Natural Area ExcursionAge 10 & up • This area includes mixed woodland and freshwater marshes as well as upper reaches of West Neck Creek. This woodland provides excellent winter habitat for a number of bird species. Open lawn areas associated with a historical homestead add another habitat dimension. Transportation provided from Kempsville Recreation Center. No additional cost.
#93647 | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Whale Watching by the Virginia AquariumAge 10 & up • Here’s a chance to see some of most magnificent creatures on earth in their natural habitat! 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 trip. Meet at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center.
#93642 | 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm | $23
Whitehurst Tract ExcursionAge 10 & 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. Transportation provided from Kempsville Recreation Center. No additional cost.#93640 | 7:30 am - 10:30 am
