About

In January 2012, my husband and I moved to a small farm in southwestern Virginia nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountain chains. While building our new home, we had many encounters with wildlife, such as the time we were lucky enough to catch three bear cubs backing down a tree in our back yard! The cubs were eventually reunited with their mother who had stashed them up in the tree where they would be safe while she went hunting for their breakfast. (Did I run for my camera, you ask? I wish I could say yes, but I  was glued to the spot and could only watch, mesmerized, until they disappeared!)

Living among all kinds of wildlife, making daily “field trips” by stepping outside our door, here at Autumn Song we feel a close relationship with our wild neighbors. I created this blog to journalize my observations of the marvels of nature that shape our environment and enrich our lives, and share those experiences with others. I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy sharing it! My goal is to publish a new post every week.

About Me

Before I retired, I worked for two conservation non-profits in the areas of development and media communications. These opportunities gave me a great sense of satisfaction and helped me sharpen my writing skills so that I could better communicate my appreciation of nature. I have also written several articles about birds and other wildlife for such magazines as Virginia Wildlife, Birder’s World, Bird Watcher’s Digest, and Washingtonian. Currently, in addition to blogging, I am a volunteer and Board Member of Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden in Lexington, Virginia.

My email address is joannabellva@gmail.com. I welcome your feedback!