Branching Out

A look inside• Calendar of Events 4• Kids’ Corner 6• Bluebird Box Monitoring 7

Nature NotesBy Sharon Gurtz

December• Waterfowl populations peak.

• Woodchucks hibernate.

• Foxes begin searching for mates.

• Juncos have arrived from

the north.

JaNuary• Great Horned Owls begin

breeding.

• Sparrows forage in flocks.

• Deer shed antlers.

• Raccoons breed.

February• Chipmunks emerge from their

winter dens and breed.

• Striped Skunks breed.

• Spring Peepers start to call.

Walker Nature center

Winter 13-14 Volume Sixteen

Thermoregulation is a big word. For animals in winter it can also be a big problem. As winter produces the lowest temperatures of the year, wildlife must find ways to cope with these extremes. Surprisingly, endothermic (“warm-blooded”) animals have more of a challenge during cold weather than their ectothermic (“cold-blooded”) counterparts. The challenge for a small bird or mammal in cold weather is to mitigate heat loss, either by finding ways to reduce it or by consuming more food. Carolina Chickadees are small birds. An adult weighs around one-third of an ounce (10.5 grams), or just less than two quarters. Their surface area to volume ratio is high, so they are more prone to heat loss. Imagine heating up two metal balls, one the size of a golf ball (a chickadee) and another the size of a bowling ball (a hawk). If, after heating, you had to choose which metal ball to touch first you would probably choose the smaller, golf ball-sized one, expecting it would cool off first. The same is true for animals. Smaller birds like chickadees are prone to greater heat loss than larger birds like hawks or turkeys.

Chickadee economicsBy Ken Rosenthal

Birds of a FeatherFeathers are terrific insulators, better even than the hair of mammals. Birds in winter can fluff up their outer feathers, trapping warm air in pockets against their skin. Most heat loss for a chickadee will occur around the eyes and beak. While sleeping they tuck their head under their scapular (shoulder) feathers to conserve heat.

The preferred shelter of Carolina Chickadees is a tree cavity. They

use them for nesting and for roosting during cold

winter nights. The cavity may be a small

one they hollow out themselves,

or a larger one that was made

by another bird, such as a woodpecker.

Carolina Chickadees flock together during

winter, often forming mixed flocks that can include Tufted

Titmouses, Downy Woodpeckers, kinglets, warblers, and Brown Creepers. These birds also compete with chickadees for roosting cavities. However, the additional eyes for spotting food and danger outweigh the negatives of roosting competition.

Walker Nature Center11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191

Enjoy year-round access to trails, free parking

and restroom facilities dawn to dusk.

FeAtures72 acres of forested land, a picnic pavilion,

demonstration gardens, educational signage, a campfire ring, two streams, a pond, the

entrance to 44-acre Lake Audubon and an interpretive green building,

known as Nature House.

nAture House Hours Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed on TuesdaysSaturday 10 a.m.–1 p.m.Sunday 1–4 p.m.Closed Dec. 24-26 for ChristmasClosed Jan. 1 New Years DayClosed Jan. 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. DayClosed Feb. 17 Presidents’ Day

For more inFormAtion703-476-9689 • www.reston.org naturecenter@reston.org www.facebook.com/walkernaturecenter

Groups: Please call ahead to arrange your visit.

Branching Out is a quarterly publication of the Walker Nature Center (WNC), owned and operated by Reston Association. The mission of the WNC is to foster an environmental stewardship ethic in the community. It is named after Reston’s first Open Space and NatureCenter Director, Vernon J. Walker.

Branching Out is printed on 100 percent recycled paper using soy ink. It is produced using

100 percent wind power. Please recycle.

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energy economicsAs temperatures decrease, the metabolic activity of chickadees increases

to offset heat loss. Much like turning the thermostat up in winter, cranking up one’s metabolism uses more energy. The obvious solution is to eat more

food, though food in winter is more difficult to find. The diet of Carolina Chickadees varies seasonally. They eat more animal content in summer (80-

90% of their diet) than in winter (50%). Animal content is mostly insects and spiders, while plant content includes seeds, fruits and berries. Chickadees

regularly feed from birdfeeders, particularly high fat content foods like sunflower seeds.

The deadliest time of winter is the long, cold night. That is when temperatures are coldest, and chickadees cannot forage for food. Shivering produces heat, but it also requires energy. Birds that use large amounts of energy over long periods of time, either for migrating long distances or for nocturnal shivering through cold winter nights, are able to store large amounts of fat. Foraging throughout the day provides fat reserves that chickadees can use to shiver overnight. As a result, chickadees may lose more than half of their fat reserves overnight from shivering when temperatures are at or below freezing.

Just like saving money by not spending it, chickadees save energy and conserve their fat reserves by not using them. Overnight chickadees can reduce their body temperature from a norm of 108º F (42º C) to a reduced range of 86-90º F (30-32º C). This temperature loss in humans would result in severe hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition. In birds this “mini-hibernation” is called torpor. Metabolic activity is reduced, and the bird is mostly unresponsive to its environment. Unlike humans, the birds can raise their body temperatures back to normal when environmental temperatures increase during the day.

Helping HandNumbers of Carolina Chickadees, as well as some other resident winter birds, have not declined as drastically as other songbirds in recent years. This is due, in part, to winter bird feeding from nature enthusiasts. Birdfeeders are an excellent way to encourage wild birds to visit your yard. Stocking a birdfeeder with seeds allows you to provide food for birds without their associating that food to humans. These winter birds have a number of feeding areas they frequent daily, so they do not come to depend on one location as their sole source of food. Be sure to include black sunflower seeds or some other high fat content food at one of your feeders. These will give our feathered friends the boost they need to survive the long, cold winter nights.

Chickadee Economics continued from page 1

Photo by: Alfred ViolaOrganization: Northeastern Universityhttp://www.forestryimages.org

Rent space at the WalkeR natuRe centeR

Walker Nature CeNter 11450 GlADe DrIvelooking for the perfect spot for a community meeting, family gathering or business retreat? Affordable and attractive rentals are available at the nature center.

nature house Multipurpose Room664 square feet of space, capacity 94 people, seats 44 people with tables and chairs. Parking and restroom access.ra Member or reston not-for-profit fee $30/hr.Non-member or Non-reston not-for-profit fee $50/hr.For profit/corporate fee $75/hr.

nature center pavilion576 square foot pavilion with picnic tables and bench seating in a beautiful woodland setting. Parking and restroom access.ra Member fee $20/hr.Non-member fee $30/hr.For profit/corporate fee $50/hr.

campfire RingCampfire pit with bench seating, small pavilion and picnic tables. roadside parking. No restroom. renters must supply their own wood and water to extinguish the fire. ra Member fee $10/hr.Non-member fee $15/hr.For profit/corporate fee $25/hr.

For details and reservations, call 703-476-9689 and press 3 or e-mail naturecenter@reston.org. Rental rates are subject to change.

Please & thank YouBy Katie Shaw

The on-going support of the community is essential to the nature center. Many people choose to support the center through volunteer work, others through cash or in-kind donations. Here are some ways that you can help, like your friends and neighbors below.

PleaseTax deductible donations are gratefully received by our charitable 501c3 organization, Friends of Reston, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Write “Nature Center” in the memo section of your check. You will receive a letter of receipt for tax purposes.

If you can donate one of the following items in new or excellent condition, please contact kshaw@reston.org or call 703-435-6510. Friends of Reston will provide you with a letter of receipt for tax purposes. Wish List: wide format laminator, adult binoculars, blender, handheld GPS units, and black oil sunflower seeds or suet cakes for feeders.

thank You to the Following donors: Better Said Than Done Productions, The Peterson Companies, Reston Garden Club, Reston Farmer’s Market, Ellice Stern, Brian Yoder

thank You to the Following Volunteers: Smar Abuagla; Naomi Atughonu; Yasmin & Yasmine Ayouby; Edwin Barahona; Joanne & David Bauer; Erica Bergmann; Carmen Bishop; Caitlyn Blankenship; Diane Blust; Julie & Charlie Bond; Arlene Bouttavong; Boy Scout Troop 1257; Sydney Bowden; Frances Bowen; Erin Brandt; Anne Cannizaro; Louis Chacon; Richard Chew; Ozioma Chinaka; Freya De Cola; Navya Dev; Baohan Do; Sindhura Elagandhala; Mohamad & Yasmine Elnahal; June Ferrara; Naeha Ganesan; Isabel Garvey; Katrina Gauger; Abel Gebreyesus; Sourabha Gowda; Laura Grutzner; Carol & Jay Hadlock; Nojan Hajiabassi; Noelle Hayhurst; Emily Holt; Stephanie Huard; Avanthi Jayaweera; Helaine, Mark & Noah Krob; Pat Lenz; Catherine Linberg; Paige Linkins; John & Fran Lovaas; Michelle Ma; Kelcie Macomber; Sharon McHugh; Jim & Ilene McNeal; Laura Meschter; Kristin Mitas; Brennan Mitchell; Maria Morales; Bob Mowbray; Junna Mozaffar; Chynna Murphy; Tanja & Valerie Nelson; Barbara & Carla Nicolini; Claire Nieusma; Polly Noble; Hayne Noh; Casey Noll; Cecelia Notero; Terri Ostrowski; Mika Pagani; Barbara Paolucci; Neeiam Patel; Ellen Perrins; Sandy & Sydney Pfeiffer; Tiffany Phan; Dana Pinkava; Sydney Ponder; Nikki Pyster; Greg Reinfeld; Mark Richman; Matt Ross; Nitin Sakhamuri; Mihindu & Sharmila Samarasinghe; Ambika Sankaran; Eveleen Sass; Mara Scally; Michael, Jacob & Pauline Sebastian; Yarari Shirin; Anne Strange; Claire & Israel Suttles; Fariba Tacoukjou; Shelley, Kim & Bob Taylor; Saba Ternikar; Brenda Van Doorn; Gina Valentino; Dominic Vallone; Jahnavi Vytlka; Eli Williams; Polly Witmer; Claudia Wood; Sara Wood; Wissam & Theresia Yafi

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Calendar

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Sleepy SnakeSmonday, december 9 ∙ 10–11 a.m. or 1:30–2:30 p.m.$5/child rA members ∙ $8/child non-membersAges 3 to 5Where do snakes go when it gets cold outside? Discover where a snake goes in the winter and how they take a special “nap”. Make a scaly snake craft and meet a corn snake up close. Reservations required by December 5.

candle MakingFriday, december 13 ∙ 6–7 p.m.$7/child rA members ∙ $9/child non-membersAges 5 to 12Bring a little glow to your winter. Learn where wax comes from and discover how candles are made. Dip a pair of candles and decorate a pillar candle with natural materials. Keep your candles for yourself or give them away as gifts. There will be music and refreshments while we work. All supplies provided. Reservations required by December 10.

hOliday Open hOuSesunday, december 15 ∙ 1–3 p.m.Free All agesBring your family, bring a friend for free refreshments, ornament making, live music, sales items, a book signing, and photo ops with everyone’s favorite mascots, Earl the Squirrel and Myrtle the Turtle. There will be a special sing-a-long at 2:30 p.m.

JanuaryWinter Bird cOuntsaturday, January 4 ∙ 7 a.m.–noonFree AdultsJoin us for a half-day annual bird count throughout Reston’s natural areas. Meet local bird experts, learn tips on identification and have fun while helping obtain important information about our feathered friends. Volunteers are invited to enjoy a free lunch, tally results and swap stories back at the Nature House following the count from Noon - 12:30 p.m. Reservations required by January 2.

DecemberOWlS in Wintermonday, december 2 ∙ 10–11 a.m. or tuesday, december 3 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$5/child rA members ∙ $8/child non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsOwls don’t take a break for the cold of winter. Learn when owls are active, what they like to eat, and how they stay warm. See owl feathers and talons up close. Enjoy an owl story, and take home an owl craft. Reservations required by November 28.

Winter WreathSsaturday, december 7 ∙ 10:30 a.m.–noon or 1–2:30 p.m.$20/wreath rA members ∙ $25/wreath non-membersAll agesGet started on your holiday decorating by making festive wreaths for your home. Listen to seasonal music and enjoy mulled cider and cookies. All supplies provided. When making reservations, please include the number of people in your party and how many wreaths you would like to make. Reservations required by December 4.

WOrM cOMpOStingsunday, december 8 ∙ 2–3:30 p.m.$35/Bin rA or rCC members ∙ $40/Bin non-membersAdultsEver thought about composting but just don’t have the space? A worm composting bin could be the solution. Worm composting is a type of vermiculture that is a natural method of recycling food waste. It’s so simple and odor free that it can be done virtually anywhere: home kitchens, schools or offices. Come see an established bin and make one to take home. Learn how to turn your kitchen scraps into rich organic soil and compost tea. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center in support of Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by December 5.

hOMe FOOd preServatiOnthursday, January 9 ∙ 7:30–8:30 p.m.$5/person rA or rCC members ∙ $8/person non-membersAdultsThis introductory class will cover food preservation methods, including canning, fermentation, drying/dehydration, and freezing. Learn about the science behind food preservation, safety precautions, kitchen set up, and jar and equipment prep as well as food and recipe selection. There will be a “dry” demo of the correct procedure for filling jars with food to be canned and ample time for questions. Instructor: Diane Blust. Co-sponsored by Reston Community Center in support of Sustainable Reston. Reservations required by January 6.

White Wintermonday, January 13 ∙ 10–11 a.m.or tuesday, January 14 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child rA members ∙ $9/child non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsWhite can be a common color seen in winter. Decorate winter pictures and make a snowman that will not melt. Look for ice and spread a layer of “frost” over some cookies. Reservations required by January 9.

Full MOOn MeanderWednesday, January 15 ∙ 6–7 p.m.$7/person rA members ∙ $9/person non-membersAll agesJoin us for a moonlit walk through the forest. Find out how the moon moves, what happens during the phases of the moon, and how the moon affects our wildlife. Hear some strange legends and lore of the moon. We’ll finish our evening with a warm drink and a moon pie. Reservations required by January 10.

Furry FOxeSsaturday, January 25 ∙ 11 a.m.–noon$7/child rA members ∙ $9/child non-membersAges 3 to 5Foxes are busy during the winter months, searching for mates and establishing their territory. Find out what foxes eat, which of their wild cousins also live in Reston, and feel the furs of all these animals. Go on a short hike to find signs of fox activity, and make a foxy craft to take home. Reservations required by January 22.

Call 703-476-9689 and press 5 or e-mail naturecenter@reston.org for reservations and information. Advanced reservations are required for all fee-based programs. Programs may be canceled in the event of severe weather, severe weather warnings or low enrollment. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

of events

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All programs will be held at the Walker nature Center,11450 Glade drive, unless otherwise noted.

creatureS OF the cheSapeake Baysunday, January 26 ∙ 1:30–2:30 p.m. or 3–4 p.m.$8/person rA members ∙ $12/person non-membersAll agesReston is in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Join a marine biologist from Under the Sea to meet and touch live creatures native to the bay such as a horseshoe crab, a flounder and an American eel. Learn about bay ecology and how the way we treat water at home affects the water quality and wildlife found in the bay. Under the Sea specializes in lively, entertaining programs and has presented at the Smithsonian Discovery Theater and the National Theater. Reservations required by January 22.

chOiceS FOr SuStainaBle livingmondays, January 27- march 10 ∙ 7–9 p.m.$30/person rA or rCC members ∙ $40/person non-membersAdultsJoin this seven-session, facilitated discussion course to explore the meaning of sustainable living and the ties between lifestyle choices and their impact on the earth. Learn steps that will move you towards an ecologically sustainable lifestyle, and how to encourage your community to follow. Participants receive a book of readings that form the basis of each discussion. You will be contacted when the materials arrive, and asked to pay your fee and pick them up approximately two weeks before the first session. Reservations required by January 6.

paper Makingthursday, January 30 ∙ 10:30–11:30 a.m.$7/child rA members ∙ $9/child non-membersAges 5 to 12Since ancient Egyptian times, people have been making paper for both artistic and practical purposes. Discover how to make your own paper using a variety of materials and learn how to use it in future craft projects. This is a perfect way to enjoy your day off from school. Reservations required by January 28.

FebruarygrOundhOg’S daysunday, February 2 ∙ 2–3 p.m.$5/person rA members ∙ $7/person non-membersAll agesFind out if the groundhog saw his shadow today and what it might mean for the winter days ahead. Test your groundhog knowledge and hear legends of these curious critters. Step into our colored shadow room and discover how to use your shadow to tell time. Reservations required by January 30.

captivating cOlOrSmonday, February 3 ∙ 10–11 a.m.or tuesday, February 4 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child rA members ∙ $9/child non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsOn a gray winter day, explore the bright colors in nature. Discover the brilliant hues of animals in love, bright flowers attracting insects, and bold colors warning you not to touch. Play a game to find different colors, and take home a colorful craft. Reservations required by January 29.

FeBruary Bird Walk: reStOn’S lakeS - WaterFOWl tOursunday, February 9 ∙ 8–11 a.m.Free lake newport - Park near the tennis courts, 11452 Baron Cameron Avenue.AdultsLeaders: Jay and Carol Hadlock. Start at Lake Newport and then caravan to the other Reston lakes.

parentS’ night OutFriday, February 14 ∙ 7–9:30 p.m.$15/child rA members ∙ $20/child non-membersAges 5 to 12Parents, this Valentine’s Day enjoy the evening out while your children have a fun-filled night at the nature center. Kids, play nature games and go on a night hike (weather permitting). Make a Valentine’s Day gift for the birds. Finish the night with a movie and popcorn. Drop off begins at 6:45 p.m. Reservations required by February 11.

Flying SquirrelSthursday, February 20 ∙ 10–11 a.m. or 1:30–2:30 p.m.$7/child rA members ∙ $9/child non-membersAges 3 to 5Flying squirrels are rarely seen because they are nocturnal. Learn more about these fuzzy gliders, including what they eat, who eats them, and where they live. Make a flying squirrel craft that glides just like they do. Reservations required by February 17.

Skull laBsaturday, February 22 ∙ 11 a.m.–noon$5/person rA members ∙ $7/person non-membersAll agesHave you ever found a skull, and wanted to know what animal it was? Join us in the “Skull Lab” to learn what teeth can tell us about an animal’s diet. Discover how eye position reveals if an animal is predator or prey. Learn to use simple dichotomous keys with sample skulls to discover their identities. Reservations required by February 19.

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FeArsome FoXesBy Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking

We squirrels are pretty tough. We do not hibernate or move away like some animals do to avoid the cold and snow of winter. No, we stay put and let our thick fur keep us warm. Though we may be tough in the face of cold, there is an animal that puts fear into our hearts – an animal we wish would hibernate and never reappear. This animal is the red Fox. red Foxes are clever hunters and also well-equipped to face the cold.

red Foxes have a reddish-orange coat of fur with white on their throat and chest. Their legs are black, and the tip of their tail is white. They have pointed ears, a long snout and sharp teeth. When fully grown, red Foxes usually weigh 9-12 pounds (that’s about as much as a human baby). In cold weather, foxes use their tails to act like a blanket over their bodies. They’ll even cover their snouts with their tails when they sleep. They sleep under the ground in dens they dig themselves.

red Foxes will eat a variety of foods. They prefer rabbits and mice as their main foods. However, they will also eat toads, birds, insects, berries, and you guessed it – squirrels. Foxes are often known as sly because they are such good hunters and can sneak up

on their prey. The foxes’ ears are sensitive to sound, and they pounce on their

prey with lightning speed.

This winter, I’ll need to stay on alert for red Foxes in the area. I’m sure glad they can’t climb trees.

Word seArCHCircle the words hidden in the grid. they can be horizontal, vertical, backwards or diagonal.

MaterialsDirections:FoXtAil tHroW & CAtCH toY

1. If using a pair of pantyhose, cut off one leg. 2. Push the ball into the toe portion. Tie a knot so that the ball stays in place. 3. Decorate your toy. Use fabric pens or permanent markers to make a fox face on the ball end. Use white paint to create a tip on the “tail”.

4. Play with your new toy. Bounce the ball and try to catch the tail. 5. Play with a friend. Take turns bouncing and catching the foxtail. Score 1 point if you catch the ball, 2 points if you catch the middle of the tail, and 3 points if you catch the end.

Kids’ corner

X O e C Q l v P F O X K D S r

U P S F v O r A Y A l I X e S

B H U v Q e H Y Z r B T O N N

I C O N D P K C Y K r v M G K

Q Z M A e T N U W N Q U F G S

J N T I U O Z B J S F l F D Z

U O Q D r Z N D S Y Q J T X W

r T I B B A r M C X Z U G O D

P M A J B T N Z Z W v O e U Z

P T I Q D A B B Z F M A U X G

K S H B K A A H S F B I I J Y

X D M F S F G D G X I Q C r Y

F l F T D T O F M Q B K e e G

r l O W W C e K e v N D r B C

W P G B U W W F K X H P Q J J

Fox kit rabbit

Furry predator Mouse

den prey

Old pair of pantyhose or one knee-highFabric pens or permanent markers (optional)White paint (optional)Tennis ball or other hand-sized, bouncing ball

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native spotlight: AmeriCAn BeAutYBerrY (Callicarpa americana)By Sharon Gurtz

Beautyberry is a native deciduous shrub that lives up to its name. The brilliant violet to magenta berries produced in fall are reason enough to add this plant to your yard.

stunning ColorThis shrub grows 3-5’ tall but can grow to 10’, spreading 4-6’. It is very adaptable, and does well in part shade to full sun and dry to moist, acidic soils. Opposite leaves are ovate to elliptical and half as wide as they are long. Small, pink flowers grow at the base of the leaves from June to August, followed by beautiful magenta fruits that are ¼” long and appear in showy clusters along the stem in early fall and winter.

You can use this plant as a screen or under shade trees in a garden setting. When planted in mass, it is stunning. This shrub is easy to transplant, and since flowers and fruits occur on the new growth, pruning to 6-18” above ground in early spring increases fruit production and results in more compact growth. It will regain its height in one season.

Wildlife Food sourceThis shrub is considered a good plant for wildlife. At least 10 species of birds as well as raccoon, opossum and fox are known to eat the berries. It is also a nectar source for bees and butterflies. While there is some conflicting information about the deer resistance of this plant, the deer in my yard have left this plant alone. Please consider this beautiful native and others like it in your landscape. You and the wildlife will be glad you did.

U.S. Dept. of Foresty: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feisLady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: http://www.wildflower.orgNorth Carolina Extension: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/files/library/71/Deer%20Resistant%20Plants.pdf

Photo by: Chris EvansOrganization: Illinois Wildlife Action Plan http://www.forestryimages.org

Photo by: Johnny N. DellOrganization: University of Georgiahttp://www.forestryimages.org

Photo by: John D. ByrdOrganization: Mississippi State University http://www.forestryimages.org

By Sharon Gurtz and Katie Shaw

As many of you noticed, the number of acorns and other nuts falling on our yards and driveways was considerably less than last year. We would like to thank Jim Craig, Cub Scout Pack 1203 and some of our Maryland neighbors for collecting and dropping off 127 pounds of nuts at the nature center this season for the Potomac Conservancy’s Growing Native project. The seeds are donated to state nurseries where they are planted and used to restore streamside forests throughout the Potomac’s 15,000 square mile watershed.

By comparison, last year, we had over 900 pounds collected by 25 individuals and groups. The cause of this huge variance is not completely known. Some scientists and naturalists believe it is nothing more than the extreme of a natural boom-and-bust cycle, while others blame the extremely wet spring which washed a lot of pollen out of the air–Great for allergy sufferers but bad for seed production.

Bluebird Box monitoring By Ken Rosenthal

Did you know the nature center maintains 30 bluebird boxes around reston? You can find them along the nature center trails and in places like Butler

Pond, Bright Pond and Sunrise valley Wetlands.

Our boxes are built to the standards recommended by the virginia Bluebird Society (vBS). They enhance habitat in our open space by providing shelter for cavity-nesting birds. In addition to eastern Bluebirds, Carolina Chickadees, Tree Swallows, House Wrens, and Tufted Titmouses also use the boxes.

We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers who monitor these boxes. They check them weekly, recording if they find a nest, eggs or hatchlings. They also record when the young birds have fledged and left the nest.

this year, we had over 130 birds fledge, including:70 eastern Bluebirds27 Carolina Chickadees24 Tree Swallows4 House Wrens10 Tufted Titmouses We were very pleased with the marked increase in successful bluebird fledglings. In the last three seasons, House Wrens have continually decreased with only one successful nest this year; Bluebirds have continually increased with a nearly 80% jump from last year; and Tufted Titmouses nested in our boxes for the first time in the last three years. The total number of fledglings increased by 4% over last year’s total. Bluebird box monitoring season runs from late March through August. Interested in volunteering? Contact Ken rosenthal by phone at 703-435-6518 or by e-mail at naturecenter@reston.org.

If you are thinking of placing a nest box on your property, remember that good design, careful monitoring and proper cleaning are essential. learn more at www.virginiabluebirds.org

sunday, Dec. 15 1–3 p.m.Bring your family, bring a friend for…

■ Free refreshments ■ live holiday music ■ Ornament making with natural materials ■ On sale items in the Nature Center’s

gift area ■ Handmade, reusable shopping bags from

the virginia Baggers ■ A book signing with ellice Stern, reston

author of "Toadie the Teacher" ■ Photo opportunities with everyone’s

favorite mascots, earl the Squirrel and Myrtle the Turtle

There will be a special sing-a-long at 2:30 p.m. to show our holiday spirit.

Holiday Open House

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDRESTON, VA

PERMIT NO. 21Walker Nature Center11450 Glade DriveReston, Virginia 20191

www.reston.org

8 Winter 13-14 Volume Sixteen