Virginia Osprey Foundation
Feb 11
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OSPREYCAM
Virginia Osprey Foundation
Slideshow photos courtesy of Bob Lennox
Mission Statement
The Virginia Osprey Foundation is dedicated to the protection of Osprey and their habitats in Virginia. Through science, education, advocacy and community engagement, our mission is to foster a sustainable environment where Osprey thrive.
The Virginia Osprey Festival is one of the largest festivals of its kind celebrating the osprey’s annual return to Colonial Beach, birdwatching and the area's abundant natural resources.
Latest News!
CLICK HERE to view past events in the community!
Virginia Osprey Festival Song
Meet Mark Smith,
The 2025 Virginia Osprey Festival Keynote Speaker
Mark Smith is an Award-winning wildlife photographer known for capturing breathtaking moments of birds in flight, particularly the majestic Osprey. He has a massive social media following, has written bestselling books, and has a reputation as a leading voice in the field of bird photography.
His work has been featured online and in print and has inspired countless nature enthusiasts around the world.
He leads workshops globally, sharing his expertise and passion for the wild, and continues to push the boundaries of wildlife photography and videography with unparalleled skill and artistry.
Help us Match our donation of $1,000 to the Center for Conservation Biology to Support Chesapeake Bay Osprey Study
The Virginia Osprey Foundation is matching up to $1000 for the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary, for the study of Population-Level Implications of the Ongoing Food Stress in Chesapeake Ospreys. This study is important to the protection of the Osprey and its habitat including food availability, specifically menhaden. We urge you to donate today! No amount is too small. Our Osprey chicks died last year at a rate that impacts the populations sustainability in the Chesapeake Bay. We thank you in advance!
PRESS RELEASE
Virginia – The Virginia Osprey Foundation is proud to announce a contribution of $1,000.00 to the Center for Conservation Biology in support of their study, "Understanding the Population-Level Implications of Ongoing Food Stress in Chesapeake Bay Osprey."
This donation represents the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to osprey conservation and supports crucial research on the challenges facing these iconic birds in their Chesapeake Bay habitats.
The Chesapeake Bay is home to one of the most significant populations of ospreys in the world, yet recent findings highlight an alarming trend: osprey populations are experiencing heightened food stress, impacting growth and survival rates. The Center for Conservation Biology’s study aims to investigate the root causes and potential long-term effects of this food scarcity.
Findings from this research will help shape conservation strategies that support healthy osprey populations and ensure the resilience of this keystone species in Chesapeake Bay.
Take Action!
As you all know, we supplied the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) with three of our deceased osprey chicks.
They were sent off for necropsies and today we received preliminary results and we wanted to share them with you. This does not answer the question as to why they are starving, it just confirms that indeed that is what happened.
The big question is, why? What can we do to help? Please go to the advocacy tab to find your legislators. Write to them and express your concerns. If you need help in doing that, send us an email at ospreycbva@gmail.com.
#saveourospreys
The Virginia Osprey Festival in Colonial Beach would like to express its appreciation to the Potomac River Fisheries Commission and its Executive Director, Martin Gary, for their support and use of its facilities to the festival over the years. Please visit their website and become familiar with this valuable organization located within the Town of Colonial Beach.
From Joanie Millward, President of the Virginia Osprey Foundation. Please consider becoming a member of The International Osprey Foundation. They are an amazing organization and have been an amazing partner.
Thank You to Our 2025 Festival Sponsors!
Click Here to Learn More About Our Sponsors
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