02.23.2024

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Today’s Forecast

60º | 57% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:49 a.m. | Sunset 5:57 p.m.

🦉 Richmond is for bird lovers

Where to go bird watching near Richmond

Cardinalis cardinalis, the official bird of Virginia. | Photo by gary_leavens

Virginia might be best known for its cardinals, but there are hundreds of bird species in branches across the commonwealth.

If you’re looking to grab your binoculars and brush up on your aviary knowledge, we’ve got you covered on where to start bird watching around Richmond.

🐤 For beginner birders

One of the best ways to learn the ropes is by joining the Richmond Audubon Society for a free field trip.

The group leads bird-focused expeditions around local parks several times a month. The trips are on weekend mornings and visit spots like Bryan Park and Tuckahoe Creek Park.

RAS also hosts regular social meetings, so you can start making knowledgeable connections on Richmond’s bird life.

🐦 For amateur ornithologists

Ready to leave the nest? There are plenty of parks and trails around Richmond to enjoy.

Reader Christina M. recommends Oakwood Cemetery — keep your eyes peeled for hawks and bluebirds.

Two birds of prey in flight, seen from below — Birds of prey like raptors, hawks, and osprey can be found along the James River and in the forests of Shenandoah National Park.
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Photo via Virginia State Parks

The James River Park System has osprey in the spring, including Richmond’s favorite power couple, Maggie and Walker. Also keep your eyes open for bald eagles, herons, ducks, and owls.

Just south of the city, you can wander Dutch Gap Conservation Area to find American goldfinches, eastern bluebirds, and sparrow hawks, as well as a blue heron rookery.

A short drive north, Shenandoah National Park also has plenty of beautiful birds, including raptors and other birds of prey.

For more complete lists of where to look for what birds in Richmond, Birding Virginia has a thorough breakdown of what to look for in city parks. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation also has also has a guide.

Have any more suggestions? Send us an email and we might add it to our list.

Send us a spot

Events

Friday, Feb. 23

Full Moon Fever | Friday, Feb. 23 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad St., Richmond | $12 | You won’t want to back down from this opportunity to see the Tom Petty tribute act.
Jazz Night with Roger Caroll | Friday, Feb. 23 | 7-11 p.m. | Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St., Richmond | $25-$50 | Enjoy an evening of music with tunes by DJ Disco Cat between sets.
The Virginia Orchid Society Presents: Let’s Celebrate Orchids | Friday, Feb. 23-Sunday, Feb. 25 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond | $0-17 | Join Virginia Orchid Society for free vendor sales, lectures, and an art exhibit celebrating these prize-worthy plants.

Saturday, Feb. 24

“The Emperor’s New Groove” | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 10 a.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $5 | See Kuzco, Kronk, and Yzma on the big screen.
Book Talk: Michael Dickinson | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 2-3 p.m. | Historic St. John’s Church, 2401 E. Broad St., Richmond | $7-$10 | The author will discuss his book, “Almost Dead: Slavery in the Black Urban Atlantic,” and the methods of communal survival among enslaved populations.

Sunday, Feb. 25

All We Need Is Love Market | Sunday, Feb. 25 | 2-6 p.m. | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln., Richmond | Free entry | Shop from 20+ local businesses and find something special at this indoor-outdoor market.
VCU Men’s Basketball vs. Saint Joseph’s | Sunday, Feb. 25 | 4 p.m. | Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St., Richmond | $25-$30 | The Homecoming Game is sold out, but you can watch on CBSSN or listen on 910 The Fan.

100+ more events

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News Notes

Civic

4th District City Councilmember Kristen Nye has announced that she will not seek reelection in November. Nye, the current council president, has served in the role since 2016. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Sports

W League RVA is filling out the roster for its inaugural season. Richmond native and UR Soccer sophomore Kiley Fitzgerald has officially signed with the team. A midfielder, Fitzgerald has played in all 35 games since she joined the Spiders — she’s started in 27.

Drink

Hatch Local Food Hall is hosting Canvas & Cocktails with Kushbu on Friday, March 1. Tickets are $25 to sip specialty drinks and paint mandalas from 6 to 8 p.m. It’s your last few weeks to check out an event at Hatch — the food hall plans to close at the end of March.

Development

Chesterfield has picked a general contractor to finish new fields at River City Sportsplex. The county hopes to open the new facility later this year. The fields project is expected to cost a total $9.2 million. (Richmond BizSense)

Arts

If you haven’t seen “Dawoud Bey: Elegy” at the VMFA yet, you have through this Sunday, Feb. 25 to do so. The exhibit, an exploration of the early experiences of enslaved people America, opened in November.

Biz

After reducing hours in August 2023, Virginia ABC is readjusting its closing times to where they were before. The shorter hours led to reduced sales, according to an ABC spokesperson. (Virginia Mercury)

Finance

These four credit cards offer 0% intro APR for up to 18 months — meaning that when life piles up (unexpected tax payments, medical appointments, picking up the bill for the whole table at Can Can...) — you could have almost two years to avoid interest charges.*

Cause

VMHC’s investing in preservation

VMHC announces 2024 Commonwealth History Fund grant recipients

A magnet held in the foreground with a VMHC on it.

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture rebranded with this name in 2017. | Photo by RICtoday

The Virginia Museum of History and Culture announced 14 recipients of grants from the Commonwealth History Fund, a program designed to support historical preservation.

This year’s funding totals close to $400,000. Since 2022, VMHC has awarded nearly $1.2 million statewide to nonprofits, educational institutions, and Virginia Indian tribes.

The museum announced this year’s winners in a YouTube video. The chosen organizations include Virginia Tech Foundation, Historic Germanna, and Richmond’s John Marshall House.

Recipients can use the funds for anything from research to educational programming to the acquisition and conservation of historical artifacts.

The Buy

The Buy 2.23.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Chips and salsa, because honestly, is there a better snack? Sobremesa’s salsa is well worth the chip dip with flavors including layered, complex Mole Poblano + spicy Smoky Salsa Oaxaqueña.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

I can’t wait for the soccer season to start. Between the Kickers and W League RVA, expect to see me in City Stadium a lot this spring.

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