Our Osprey Garden
As our nesting platforms are now empty, we continue to follow the osprey on their long journey to South America. We also continue to keep informed and tuned into as to what the Atlantic States Marine Resources Commission and their “menhaden work group” is doing. I was able to attend one of the sessions, it was stated at that session that it would be at least April of 2025 before there would be any type of report or recommendation.
You can follow their group at Homepage - Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (asmfc.org) and Virginia Marine Resources Commission
We have an update on Ollie, the Osprey that was rescued here in Colonial Beach this summer. Deb, the rehabilitator states that he is eating well and he is flying well, he still needs more practice with his landings! We are so grateful that this little one is doing so well under her care. Again, if you have any fish that can be donated, we plan on making a trip soon to take Deb some fish we have already collected.
As stated last month, we were invited to speak to first grade classes at Potomac Elementary in King George about Ospreys and Migration. We talked with eighty plus first graders in four first grade classes. They were a very attentive and inquisitive group of students! After our presentation we played the documentary, “Growing Up Osprey” and then we left the class with a copy of the book, Belle’s Journey by Rob Bierregaard and goody bags for the children. We love sharing about our beloved birds with the children for they will one day be the caretakers of our environment.
November 1st and 2nd the Virginia Osprey Foundation will be attending and exhibiting at the Virginia Bluebird Society’s Annual Meeting in Glen Allen. It is an opportunity for us to meet others and share what we are doing in Colonial Beach and Virginia! I will be able to report on that next month.
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.\
Chesapeake Bay ospreys continue to experience poor breeding performance due to starvation - The Center for Conservation Biology (ccbbirds.org)
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!
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.
November dates to remember –
November 5 – Election Day Remember to VOTE!
November 11 - Veterans Day We celebrate our Veteran’s
SAVE THE DATE
7th Annual Virginia Osprey Festival in Colonial Beach
April 12, 2025
Featuring
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Mark Smith
Mark Smith Photography - Glad I’m not a fish! (msmithphotos.com)