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** The Weekly Bird Word
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11/17/25

This week’s Bird Word:
Reciprocity

In nature, reciprocity refers to the give-and-take relationships within an ecosystem such that organisms take what they need to survive while also contributing to the health of their environment. The Serviceberry tree, for example, produces sweet, juicy berries that sustain birds and other animals. In return, the birds and animals spread the seeds of the Serviceberry, ensuring its survival. Explore this idea in our upcoming book club event featuring Robin Wall Kimmerer’s new book ([link removed]) The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World.

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Cedar Waxings feast on Serviceberry fruit, then spread the seeds. Photo: Cedar Waxwing, Jordan Parham/Audubon Photography Awards


** More in local bird and nature news:
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* Last day to submit your photos and vote!! We had such a great response to our calendar photo contest (we've raised over $6K so far!) that we extended the deadline to TODAY at 5:00 PM. Get those photos in and vote! ([link removed])
* Reciprocity in your own yard: Tired of hearing the drone of leaf blowers this fall? Leave the leaves instead. This decision not only spares you time, money and noise, but also provides habitat and cover for insects that overwinter in fallen leaves and flower stalks, ensuring food for birds in the spring - a simple act of reciprocity. ([link removed])
* Celebrating 70 Years of Hog Island: Join us on Thursday fora virtual discussion with local educator Deborah Hammer ([link removed]) on her experience at Hog Island last summer, lessons learned and how her time there will help shape and inform future projects with her students.
* NVBA Fall Book Club and Foodswap: On Saturday 11/22 we will meet to discuss Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book ([link removed]) The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World (no need to have read it ahead of time!) and bring food to share. Extra food will be donated locally to support our neighbors.
* Italian eco-tourism and conservation: Ever wondered what birds you can find in Italy? Italian biologist Marco Valtriani can tell you. Join us in person on 11/24 ([link removed]) to enjoy Italian snacks as you learn about Italian birds!
* We need your help: Check out our volunteer page ([link removed]) for all the different ways you can lend a hand! From pulling invasives to helping with tabling events and counting birds and insects, there’s something for everyone.

See you out there,
Northern Virginia Bird Alliance
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