Winter 14-15 Volume Seventeen

Nature NotesBy Sharon Gurtz

DECEMBER• Look for Bald Eagles over Lake

Audubon and Lake Thoreau.• Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows have arrived for the winter.• Spotted Wintergreen and Partridgeberry are evergreen on the forest floor.• Hollies have bright orange/red

berries.

JANUARY• Bald Eagles begin to nest.• Sparrows forage in flocks.• Gray and Southern Flying Squirrels begin breeding.• Sweetgum trees are dropping

seed pods.

FEBRUARY• First squirrel babies of the year are

being born.• Owls are nesting.• Striped Skunks breed.• Spring Peepers begin calling.

Meet Reston’s Official BirdBy Ken Rosenthal

BRANCHING OUT

A LOOK INSIDE• Calendar of Events 4• Kids’ Corner 6• Native Spotlight 7

Walker Nature Center

The votes are in, and Friends of Reston has announced that out of five birds nominated to be Reston’s Official Bird, the Pileated Woodpecker has won with 632 votes. In an election conducted over several months online and by paper ballot at locations including the nature center, 2,748 votes were cast. Close behind in second place was the Eastern Bluebird followed by the American Goldfinch, the Barred Owl and the Great Blue Heron.

The Pileated Woodpecker is our region’s largest woodpecker. They can be readily identified by their red crest, visible on both male and female birds, and a bright white stripe running from the base of the upper bill along the head and down the neck. Similar in size to crows, they are distinguished from crows in flight by their red crest, long neck, and the presence of white on their wings.

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 ChristmasClosed Dec. 31–Jan. 2 New YearsClosed Jan. 19 Martin Luther King Jr. DayClosed Feb. 16 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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Meet Reston’s Official Bird Continued from page 1

The Right Tools for the Job Wood-boring insects do not live just on

the branches of trees, so woodpeckers have physical adaptations that

allow them to follow their prey. Unlike perching birds that have

three toes forward and one backward, Pileateds have two toes forward and two backward to better grip the bark of trees. All their tail feathers are stiff and can be controlled by large, supportive muscles. The two central tail feathers are pointed and contain long ridges for reinforcement. The woodpeckers lean against their tails, using these tail structures for support while clinging to a tree. When moving up a tree, the bird leans in toward the tree to remove pressure from the tail. It then “jumps” up the tree, swinging the feet up to grab the tree trunk before settling back against its tail.

Pileated Woodpeckers primarily excavate for food, listening for their prey before digging into tree bark. They have a straight, chisel-shaped bill and fine feathers to cover and protect their nostrils from sawdust. Folded bones at the base of the bill, muscles behind the bill, and an enlarged brain case act as shock absorbers. Carpenter Ants are a primary component of their diet (ranging from 40-97%), but they also eat wood-boring insect larvae, wasps, beetles, caterpillars, termites and even cockroaches. The excavations of Pileateds are often so extensive they are visited by other birds, including other woodpeckers and House Wrens. Wild berries and nuts are also consumed, including hackberry, sassafras, greenbrier, blackberry, sumac, elderberry, holly, persimmon and poison ivy.

For hunting insects, the woodpecker’s tongue is the tool of choice. The tongue contains a set of bones collectively referred to as the hyoid apparatus. The hyoid apparatus supports the tongue, providing structure and an attachment point for its muscles. This apparatus ends in “horns,” which are exceptionally long in woodpeckers. These horns extend from the back of the tongue, under the jawbone, around and over the skull, and anchor near the nostril. Having long hyoid horns allows woodpeckers to extend their barbed, sticky tongues several inches beyond their bill into crevices and cracks to capture insects.

Photo by: Ed Hass

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Noise with a PurposePecking on wood is not limited to food gathering. Pileated Woodpeckers excavate holes in wood for nesting, often competing for space with species like other woodpeckers, owls, European Starlings, Wood Ducks and Great Crested Flycatchers. These same species may benefit from the woodpecker’s excavations, as Pileateds do not reuse old nests. Bats and raccoons will also use these cavities.

Woodpeckers also peck on wood to “drum”, a method of communicating that allows them to announce their territory or advertise for mates. If you hear a woodpecker rapidly pecking on a tree from a distance, this is drumming. Foraging and nest excavation are performed more slowly and quietly to avoid unwanted attention. Unlike singing in most songbirds, drumming is performed by both male and female woodpeckers.

Pileated Woodpeckers live in Reston year-round, maintaining large territories with their mates. Indeed they may be the perfect bird choice for Reston. While often found in smaller woodlots and suburban parks, Pileateds prefer mature deciduous or mixed coniferous/deciduous forests. Mature forests are more likely to have standing dead trees (snags) and a smorgasbord of dead and decaying wood full of good woodpecker food. As a Tree City USA, Reston has a terrific selection of wooded areas for these beautiful birds to forage and nest in. By leaving snags standing whenever they are not a danger to the public, we enhance the habitat for Pileated Woodpeckers and other wildlife that depend on these valuable habitat components. Next time you are walking in Reston’s

beautiful woodlands listen for their loud “laughing” call.

Photo by: Ed Hass

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.

Please:Tax 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. You can also donate online via the PayPal link found on the Friends of Reston’s Facebook page.

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: blender, office folding machine, wide format laminator, handheld GPS units, and sunflower seeds/suet cakes/hot meat seeds for the birds.

Thank You to the Following Donors: Laura Lew, Local Energy Alliance Program, The Peterson Companies, Reston Garden Club; the friends and family of James Moss, Jr. and Joseph T. Weiland

Thank You to the Following Volunteers: Mercy Agrait; Nada Alksebati; Hajira Aslam; Maynard Austin; Loren Bachman; Beth Balmer; Katherine Bartles; Joanne & David Bauer; Matt Bender; Julie & Charlie Bond; Kathleen Boyce; Linda & Ethan Campbell; Anne Cannizzaro; Russell Cardona; Nikila Chandra; Maya Cherry; Freya De Cola; Keely Copperthite; Marilyn Dicke; Ellie Digges; Bachan Do; Karen Elliott; Leer & Loubna Faroun; June Ferrara; Isabel Garvey; Carol & Jay Hadlock; Brett Harshburger; Geetha Janarthanan; Christina Jones; Jenny Jung; Emily Krapt; Helaine Krob; Beth Lannon; Donghee Lee; Pat Lenz; Catherine Linberg; Paige Linkins; John & Fran Lovaas; La’leer Lowe; Michelle Ma; Sharon McHugh; Jim & Ilene McNeal; Ramsey Megally; Bob Mowbray; Melissa Murphy; Sabrina Nasir; Tanja, Valerie & Becky Nelson; Emmi, Quang & Khoa Nguyen; Polly Noble; Hayne Noh; Lindsay Norman; Neely O’Grady; Terri Ostrowski; Barbara Paolucci; Sohee Park; Victoria Passmore; Anisha Patel; Robert Pegues; Ellen Perrins; Margaret Perry; Reese & Nicole Plummer; Sheryl Pollock; Greg Reinfeld; Mark Richman; Athena Rivera, Ambika Sankaran; Kylie Saxman; Jim Seely; Rana Shaheen; Michelle Shea; Andrew Shedlock; Madison Short; Elizabeth Smothers; Jimmy Sourmany; Jim & Nancy Stocking; Katie Strong; Sophia Stroud; Jay Suarez; Claire & Israel Suttles; Tifiny Swedensky; Anne Taylor; Vivian Tran; Jair Valenzuela; Brenda Van Doorn; Gina Valentino; Alice Wang; Elizabeth Weitzmann; Pamela Wilson; Sara Wood; Theresia & Will Yafi; Michelle Yee; Brian Yoder

Thanks to the 79 volunteers who made our Halloween House & Trick-Or-Treat Trail a huge success.

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THE MITTENWednesday, December 17 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR 1:30–2:30 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Where do animals stay on a cold and snowy day? Snuggle in for story time and listen to Jan Brett’s classic book. Make a mitten craft. Weather permitting, bundle up and take a walk to search for animal homes. Reservations required by December 12.

JanuaryWINTER BIRD COUNTSaturday, January 3 ∙ 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 Nature House following the count from Noon–12:30 p.m.Reservations required by January 2.

CHEERY CHICKADEESWednesday, January 7 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR 1:30–2:30 p.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Chickadees don’t fly south for the winter. Learn about these hardy, small and energetic birds. Make a bird craft, and then become a chickadee and see the forest through their eyes. Reservations required by January 2.

A BEE’S EYE VIEW OF NATIVE PLANTSThursday, January 8 ∙ 7–8:30 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAdultsSam Droege, a biologist with the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, will be our guest speaker. He conducts research on native bees and will be discussing native plants from the perspective of bees. Regionally, there are over 400 species of native bees and many are only found on the flowers of specific plants. Learn what is happening to our native bee populations and why what we plant is important to these native pollinators. Reservations required by January 5.

DecemberWINTER WREATHSSaturday, December 6 ∙ 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 3.

WINTER REDSMonday, December 8 ∙ 10–11 a.m.Or Tuesday, December 9 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsEven though winter seems dreary, there is still bright color in the woods. From holly berries to cardinals to woodpeckers, discover the reds of winter. Enjoy a colorful story and make a red craft to take home. Reservations required by December 4.

CANDLE MAKINGFriday, December 12 ∙ 6:30–7:30 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 9.

BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDSSaturday, December 13 ∙ 7:30 –10 a.m.$10/person RA members ∙ $15/person Non-membersAdultsEnjoy a winter morning of birding here at the nature center. Search for year-round residents and winter specialties like winter wrens, yellow-bellied sapsuckers and ravens. Afterwards, warm up with a hot breakfast at Nature House. Reservations required by December 8.

CUNNING COYOTESMonday, January 12 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, January 13 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsWho is the noisiest wild dog? The smartest? The biggest in Reston? The coyote, of course. Learn about coyotes, howl in a coyote chorus, feel real coyote fur and make a coyote mask to wear home. Reservations required by January 8.

NAKED EYE ASTRONOMYFriday, January 16 ∙ 7–8 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAll agesEnjoy the universe without a telescope. Discover the largest object you can see with the naked eye. Explore the mysteries of the “Dog Star” Sirius. Orient yourself using Polaris, and observe how amazing this star’s position really is. Reservations required by January 13.

ENVIRONMENTAL FILM: THE CITY DARKFriday, January 23 ∙ 7–9 p.m.$5 suggested donation AdultsAfter moving to New York City from rural Maine, filmmaker Ian Cheney asks: “Do we need the dark?” Exploring the threat of killer asteroids in Hawaii, tracking hatching turtles on the Florida coast, and rescuing injured birds on Chicago streets, Cheney unravels the implications of a globe glittering with lights. Co-sponsored by Friends of Reston. Reservations required by January 20.

NO LEAVES, NO SECRETSSaturday, January 24 ∙ 11 a.m.–Noon$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAll agesWith leaves off the trees and the forest plants dormant, many of the secrets of the forest are revealed. Take a short hike in search of bird and squirrel nests, fox dens, snow fleas, and other forest secrets that you can only glimpse during the winter. Reservations required by January 21.

Call 703-476-9689 and press 5 or email 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.

PAPER MAKINGFriday, 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 recycled paper 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 27.

FebruaryNAME THAT ANIMALSunday, February 1 ∙ 2–3 p.m.$5/person RA members ∙ $7/person Non-membersAll agesCan you tell an animal by looking at just its ears, eyes, mouth or tail? Participate in a variety of animal guessing games and visit a special touch table. Learn to read clues left by animals like tracks and scat. If weather permits, walk the trails and identify sounds and other signs of wildlife. Reservations required by January 29.

GROOVY GROUNDHOGSMonday, February 2 ∙ 10–11 a.m.OR Tuesday, February 3 ∙ 10–11 a.m.$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 18 months to 35 monthsCelebrate Groundhog Day by learning about our largest rodent. Groundhogs have many names, and can do more than just dig holes. Learn their other names, how deep they can dig, and what else they do besides dig. Make a groundhog puppet to take home, and enjoy a snack and story. Reservations required by January 28.

OUTSTANDING OWLSSaturday, February 7 ∙ 11 a.m.– Noon$7/child RA members ∙ $9/child Non-membersAges 3 to 5Owls are masters of the night, fierce and fascinating predators that live right here in Reston. Get up-close looks at their feathers, beaks and talons. Explore what is inside an owl pellet. Discover the animals that are their prey, and how owls catch them. Make an owl craft to take home. Reservations required by February 4.

FEBRUARY BIRD WALK: RESTON’S LAKES - WATERFOWL TOURSunday, February 8 ∙ 8–11 a.m.FreeLake 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 13 ∙ 7–9:30 p.m.$15/child RA members ∙ $20/child Non-membersAges 5 to 12Parents, get a head start on your Valentine’s Day celebration while your children have a fun-filled night at the nature center. Kids: Play nature games and go on a night hike (weather permitting). Design your own Valentine’s card and make a yummy red-themed snack. Finish the night watching classic cartoons, starring our favorite animal characters. Drop off begins at 6:45 p.m. Reservations required by February 10.

WORM COMPOSTINGSunday, February 22 ∙ 2–3:30 p.m.$30/bin RA members ∙ $35/bin Non-membersAdultsEver thought about composting but just don’t have the space? Worm composting is a natural method of recycling food waste. It’s so simple and odor free that it can be done anywhere. 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. Reservations required by February 19.

ENVIRONMENTAL FILM: WINGS OF LIFEFriday, February 27 ∙ 7–9 p.m.$5 suggested donation Adults and children 7+ yearsFrom Disneynature, a stunning adventure full of intrigue, drama and mesmerizing beauty. Narrated by Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers is a celebration of life, as a third of the world’s food supply depends on these incredible - and increasingly threatened - creatures, the pollinators. Reservations required by February 24.

RAPTOR EXPLORATIONSaturday, February 28 ∙ 10:30 a.m.–Noon$7/person RA members ∙ $9/person Non-membersAll agesMeet a wildlife rehabilitator from the Raptor Conservancy and see some live raptors up close. Then go for a walk to see old raptor nest sites and learn where and what to look for as evidence of new nest activity. Reservations required by February 25.

Photo by: Sheryl Pollock

Kids, in celebration of the Pileated Woodpecker as Reston’s official bird, we want you to help us remember this important occasion with your own artwork. To participate:1. Draw or paint a picture of the Pileated Woodpecker on a piece of paper no larger than 9” x 12”. We’re thinking of calling him “Walker the Woodpecker”. 2. Deliver or mail your picture to the Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191 by January 31, 2015. Be sure to include your name and age on the paper.3. See your picture on display during the week of February 1-7, 2015.

Kids’ Corner

The Official Bird of Reston is the Pileated Woodpecker. Take this quiz to see if you can identify other official symbols.

1. The Official Bird of the United States is the:A. Wild Turkey B. Bald Eagle C. American Robin

2. The Official Tree of Virginia is the:A. Flowering Dogwood B. American Holly C. White Oak

3. This animal is not one of the mascots of the Walker Nature Center.A. Earl the Squirrel B. Myrtle the Turtle C. Trish the Fish

Design Your Own Official Bird Poster

And the Winner Is…By Earl the Squirrel with help from Abby Stocking

For the past few months, kids and adults have voted for their pick for Reston’s official bird. I was excited to hear that the winner was my friend, the Pileated Woodpecker. This bird had some serious competition because Reston is home to so many cool birds.

I think the woodpecker is a good choice for showing how special Reston is. Like me, it depends on trees to survive – thankfully something that Reston has a lot of ! These huge woodpeckers need large holes in trees for their nests. They also depend on the insects found in logs or dead standing trees, called snags, for their food. This woodpecker’s main food source is carpenter ants. The large holes that the woodpeckers create also provide shelter for many other forest animals. My family has snuggled into old woodpecker nests many times.

Congratulations to the Pileated Woodpecker for becoming part of Reston’s identity. Myrtle the Turtle and I welcome you to your new position of honor. We know

you will help us represent Reston and the Walker

Nature Center well.

6 Answers to the quiz: 1. B, 2. A, 3. C

Like Birds?Get Involved in Citizen ScienceWe hope you will join the thousands of other citizen bird watchers across the country who are helping scientists to better understand bird populations.

The Great Backyard Bird Count When: Friday Feb. 13 – Monday Feb. 16, 2015Where: Anywhere including backyards and natural areas. (We’ll be counting from Nature House.)For information see http://gbbc.birdcount.org

Project Feeder Watch When: Two day counts November – AprilWhere: Backyards (anytime); Nature House (Wednesdays and Thursdays).Visit: www.feederwatch.org

Native Spotlight: NORTHERN BAYBERRYMorella pensylvanicaBy Sharon Gurtz

The Northern Bayberry, or Candleberry, is a native deciduous shrub. American colonists boiled the berries for candle wax, and oil from its aromatic leaves is used to scent many products.

The Bayberry is a densely branching shrub that can grow 5-10’ tall and wide. It is best used in groups or massed together in woodland gardens, shrub borders or as a screen or informal hedge. Bayberry is easily grown in full sun to part shade and dry to medium wet soils. The leaves are less than 4 inches long and are oval shaped with a tapered base. They are leathery and glossy, have yellow resin dots on the lower surface. Small flowers appear in May on both male and female plants. Male plants must be present to pollinate the female plants to produce berries. Grayish white berries covered with an aromatic, waxy substance appear in late summer and persist into winter.

Berries and birdsAs our migratory bird species prepare for their autumn trek to warmer climates, insects are less abundant. Many rely on native berries to get the fat and carbohydrates they need. This plant is used by both resident and migratory species as a food source

and for nesting and roosting sites. The berries are a preferred food of Carolina Chickadees, Red-bellied

Woodpeckers, Tree Swallows, Gray Catbirds, Eastern Bluebirds, and Yellow-rumped Warblers.

Berries from native shrubs and trees will help attract birds to your yard and any supplemental feeding you do will keep them coming back for more.

Photo by: The Dow Gardens Archive

Organization: Dow GardensCountry: United States

http://www.forestryimages.org

Photo by: © Dave Spier

WALKER NATURE CENTER11450 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 $35/hr.Non-member or Non-Reston not-for-profit fee $55/hr.For profit/corporate fee $80/hr.

Nature Center Pavilion576-square-foot pavilion with picnic tables and bench seating in a beautiful woodland setting. Parking and restroom access.RA member or Reston not-for-profit fee $25/hr.Non-member or Non-Reston not-for-profit fee $35/hr.For profit/corporate fee $55/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 or Reston not-for-profit fee $15/hr.Non-member or Non-Reston not-for-profit fee $20/hr.For profit/corporate fee $25/hr.

For details and reservations, call 703-476-9689 and press 3 or email naturecenter@reston.org.

RENT SPACE AT THE WALKER NATURE CENTER

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We’ve posted our wish list online at Amazon.com. Look under “Wish List”, then select “Find a Wish List or Registry”, and type in the name “Walker Nature Center”. You can purchase the item on the spot and have it shipped directly to us as a gift. You’ll get a nice thank you letter from our supporting organization, Friends of Reston, and bring a smile to lots of faces.

Looking for an alternate gift idea for someone you love? Make a cash donation on their behalf. Send a check to Friends of Reston, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston VA 20191 and include their name in your note or donate online using the PayPal button on the Friends of Reston’s Facebook page. We’ll send them a holiday card recognizing your contribution on their behalf. Gifts and donations are tax deductible.

HOLIDAY GIVING–HAVE WE BEEN GOOD THIS YEAR?

Holiday Open House

Sunday, December 7 1–3 p.m. • Free

All ages

Bring your family, bring a friend for free refreshments, ornament making, live music, sales items, 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.

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDRESTON, VA

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

www.reston.org

Photo by: Bill O’Brien

Photo by: Jim Kirby

8 Winter 14-15 Volume Seventeen