Virginia Osprey Foundation
6 days ago
top of page
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!
Banding Osprey
Watch volunteers in action as Ospreys are banded in Colonial Beach, VA. Ken, a licensed raptor bander, Virginia Osprey Foundation members, volunteers, Nies Tree Service, and curious vacationers participate in this exciting event. This year 9 nests were visited and 25 osprey chicks were banded. Watch this coordinated effort. Learn why banding of birds
is so important. What you need to know about banding. What are the dangers. Why banding is so much fun.
And why banding is so important to these magnificent ospreys. And most importantly reporting band
numbers of all birds seen is so vital them. Report bird band numbers. Watch Here.
Our Osprey Need Your Help!
Help us support the Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) in their two year study of the Chesapeake Bay Osprey.
CCB launched its two year study of Osprey Population in the Chesapeake Bay this spring. Since that time, they have lost a significant amount of funding that will impact this much needed research.
This study is important to the protection of the Osprey and their habitat including food availability, specifically menhaden. We urge you to donate today! No amount is too small. Click HERE!
Osprey population 'near complete collapse' on Virginia's Eastern Shore, scientists report
by Eliza Noe, 2025 The Virginian-Pilot. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
read here
Osprey population along the seaside of the Delmarva Peninsula has collapsed
The Center for Conservation Biology
(Williamsburg, VA) — The Center for Conservation Biology has completed an aerial survey of ospreys nesting along the seaside of the Virginia portion of the Delmarva Peninsula. The survey recorded nine pairs of ospreys between Fisherman Island and the Chincoteague Causeway. Compared to historic accounts and benchmark surveys conducted during the 1970s and 1980s, the 2025 survey reveals a nearly complete collapse of the population.
read here
CCB’s latest osprey study continues decades of work on behalf of the species
The W&M study indicates food scarcity as a likely driver of brood failure in high salinity areas of the Chesapeake Bay.
By Laura Grove
Excellent article explaining why the dramatic decline of Osprey populations in 2024 was due to hunger - not enough fish to sustain our beloved fish hawks.
read here
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
bottom of page