About the Club

In 1957, the Roanoke Valley Bird Club was formed as a local chapter of the Virginia Society of Ornithology. With 150+ members, our group continues to promote an interest in the study of birds and to conserve wild bird habitat. Our monthly programs are educational as well as entertaining. But above all, our members enjoy good fellowship by participating in bird watching field trips and other activities.

Programs

Our club meets the second Monday of the month at 7:00PM, from September through May, at Grandin Court Baptist Church on Brambleton Avenue. Speakers talk about everything from hummingbirds and song birds to eagles and owls, with slide presentations and occasionally live bird exhibits. Guests are always welcome.

Meetings cover field sightings of unusual birds in the Roanoke area. We also use this time to plan upcoming events. After the meeting we gather for refreshments.

Field Trips

The Roanoke Valley Bird Club organizes a full calendar of field trips each year. The field trips give members a chance to learn more about birds in the area. As part of the club's mission, the information from these walks is used to keep a census of bird populations in the Roanoke Valley.

Club members may also want to attend the many overnight field trips sponsored by the Virginia Society of Ornithology. VSO trips usually include Chincoteague, the Eastern Shore, Mount Rogers, and the Outer Banks.

Bluebird Trail

In the spring and summer, our club monitors three bluebird trails, one along the Blue Ridge Parkway and two at area golf courses. During the nesting season, club members check boxes weekly to determine the breeding success of our bluebirds. Upkeep of these trails are funded by donations made to our "Adopt a Bluebird" program.

Seasonal Hawk Watching

In the fall, club members can also volunteer to watch the skies for migrating raptors. During the season, volunteers monitor the number of hawks passing by Harvey's Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Experienced hawk watchers are always willing to teach beginners the fine points of raptor identification.

Membership

By joining the Roanoke Valley Bird Club, our members receive a monthly newsletter. The newsletter is our source of information about upcoming programs and field trips as well as the latest in birding facts and news.

When you join the club, we'll send you the most recent newsletter and invite you to our next meeting or field trip. To become a member, fill out the Membership Application here!