Front Royal — The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, located just south of Front Royal on Remount Road, is opening its doors to offer unique educational opportunities.
A free, inclusive bird walk and bird bundling demonstration is planned for August 28 from 6-8pm and September 15 from 9-11am, designed to allow participants to learn about bird bundling, one of the primary methods used to study wild birds, and to improve their understanding of avian biology. There will also be an opportunity to talk about conservation science.
Experts from the Smithsonian Institution's Virginia Working Landscapes and Migratory Bird Center are hosting birdwatching events specifically geared toward people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities.
“A big part of what VWL does is connect with communities to share information and raise awareness about biodiversity and conservation, and we continually work to improve accessibility and inclusivity,” says Brooke McDonough, Communications and Development Assistant at VWL.
McDonough thanked VWL scientific illustrator and field technician Nick Gernhart for securing support from the Virginia Ornithological Society (VSO) and equipping the lab’s bird banding station with equipment to make it more accessible for outreach and education events.
Gernhardt said the $990 grant went toward purchasing solar panels and associated batteries to power the banding station's technology, which includes overhead live-streaming cameras and monitors so people seated or in the back of the group can watch the birds banding, Gernhardt explained.
“The monitor allows us to play back footage of birds being pulled out of the mist nets, which are specially designed to safely capture birds for scientific purposes and are also useful for people who cannot reach the nets due to uneven terrain,” the researchers said.
Gernhardt added that the technology won't be ready in time for the August event, but the lab is working to have it online by the end of the year.
“The accessibility goal is to provide groups who often have barriers to outdoor and scientific experiences the opportunity to participate in birdwatching and bird banding events in a location designed specifically for them,” they said. “This is clearly a safe place for them, and a place to meet other people like them who are interested in science, birds and conservation.”
McDonough said the August event is full, but people can get on a waiting list to be notified when spaces become available. There are spaces available for the September event. People must register on the Event Brite website.
For more information, contact Communications and Development Assistant Brooke McDonough at McDonoughSB@si.edu or 540-635-0038.