Some bird species that fly to the Valley for the winter are in decline. Here’s what you can do.

Sidney Roth

2 years ago

The white-throated sparrow has a distinctive song and is among the visiting birds who winter in the Shenandoah Valley. (Photo courtesy of Amy Goodall)

This story is part of the Shenandoah Valley Ever Green radio project, produced in partnership with WMRA. This seasonal program focuses on the environmental and natural systems of the Valley. To listen to the full winter episode, tune into WMRA (90.7 FM) at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15.

By Sidney Roth, contributor

While some birds are only wintering in the Valley, there are still ways residents can help them feel more at home — especially as some species are in decline.

Amy Goodall, a geography professor at JMU who teaches courses in biogeography and biodiversity, talked about some of her favorite migrant birds that spend the cold months in this area, including the white-throated sparrow and dark-eyed junco.

Listen to the full interview:

https://cdn.hburgcitizen.com/app/uploads/2023/02/13205333/SVEG-winter-birds-interview.mp3

The dark-eyed junco is one of the migrant bird species that visits the Shenandoah Valley each winter. (Photo courtesy of Amy Goodall)

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