The Osprey Flyer, Volume XXXII, February/March Edition 2026
- Virginia Osprey Foundation
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
A Message from the Director
Dear Friends,
Spring is one of the most exciting times of the year for those of us who love ospreys. After spending the winter in South America, these incredible birds have begun their long journey back, some already arriving, returning to the nests many of them have used year after year.
Their arrival is always a reminder of how closely connected we are to the health of our waterways and the ecosystems that support them. It also reminds us why education, conservation, science, and community engagement remain at the heart of the Virginia Osprey Foundation’s work.
Spring also means we are preparing for one of our favorite tradition - the Virginia Osprey Festival. What began as a small community celebration has grown into a wonderful gathering of people who share a passion for wildlife, conservation, and the natural beauty of our region.
We hope you will join us as we celebrate the return of the osprey and continue working together to protect them for generations to come.
With gratitude,
Joanie Millward
Founder & DirectorVirginia Osprey Foundation
Join Us for the 8th Annual Virginia Osprey Festival
April 11 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMTown Hill – Colonial Beach, Virginia
Celebrate the return of the osprey with a full day of wildlife, learning, and family fun in beautiful Colonial Beach.
This annual spring festival brings together conservation organizations, educators, artisans, and nature lovers to celebrate one of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed’s most iconic birds.
5 Things You Don’t Want to Miss at the Osprey Festival
Inspiring Guest Speakers
We are thrilled to welcome an outstanding lineup of speakers who will share their knowledge and passion for wildlife and conservation. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Rob Bierregaard, is one of the world’s leading osprey researchers and will speak about decades of osprey research, migration, and conservation.
Will Poston, Forage Manager for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will speak about Osprey and Menhaden, giving us up to date information.
Remy Moncreiffe, Policy Manager for Marine Conservation with the National Audubon, will be present to share his wealth of information, and last but not least, Ann-Marie Jacoby, Assistant Project Director for the Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project will be speaking about Dolphins in the Potomac. I highly recommend each presentation! Presentation do require tickets – Early Bird tickets can be purchased Here
Earthquest’s Ambassador Raptors
A festival favorite! Earthquest will bring their incredible Ambassador Raptors, giving visitors the opportunity to see these magnificent birds up close while learning about their behavior, adaptations, and the important role raptors play in our ecosystem.
Osprey Nest Tours
Hop aboard a trolley or golf cart tour and explore Colonial Beach while visiting local osprey nests. These guided tours offer a unique opportunity to see osprey in their natural habitat and learn more about their nesting habits and conservation efforts. Personal Golf Cart Tours require tickets and you can get yours here.
Family Activities and Educational Exhibits
The festival features engaging exhibits from conservation organizations, hands-on learning opportunities for children, and activities designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Artisan Vendors and Community Fun
Enjoy browsing unique artisan vendors, meeting conservation groups, and connecting with others who share a love for wildlife and the Chesapeake Bay.
Plan Your Day at the Osprey Festival
Make a day of it! The Virginia Osprey Festival runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and there will be something happening all day long.
Start your morning exploring our educational exhibits and conservation partners, then enjoy speaker presentations and Earthquest’s live raptor program. Be sure to take advantage of our trolley and golf cart osprey nest tours, offering a unique opportunity to see osprey nests around Colonial Beach.
Between activities, browse our artisan vendors, visit local shops and restaurants, and enjoy a relaxing day celebrating the return of the osprey.
Watch Our Osprey Nest Live
Our new osprey nest camera is now live!
Installed in December, the upgraded camera features zoom capability, pan controls, and—most exciting of all—live sound.
Tune in anytime to watch the nest and follow the season as we await the return of our resident pair, David and Lily.
A special thank you to Dominion Energy, the Colonial Beach Community Foundation, and everyone who donated to make this project possible.
Thank You for Your Support
Thank you to everyone who supported us on Giving Tuesday and throughout the year. Every gift—no matter the size—helps us continue our work.
Your generosity supports osprey nesting platforms, monofilament recycling receptacles, educational programs, and our largest educational event of the year—the Virginia Osprey Festival.
We are deeply grateful for this community that cares so much about protecting ospreys and their habitat.
See You at the Festival!
The return of the osprey each spring is a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature—and of the responsibility we share to protect it.
The Virginia Osprey Festival is more than a celebration. It is an opportunity to learn, connect, and inspire the next generation to care for the Chesapeake Bay and the wildlife that depend on it.
We hope you will join us on April 11 in Colonial Beach as we celebrate these incredible birds and continue working together to ensure a healthy future for ospreys.
Bring your family, bring your friends, and come be part of this special day.
Stay Connected with the Virginia Osprey Foundation
Website
Watch the Nest Live
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay up to date with osprey sightings, conservation news, and festival updates.
Support Our Work
Your support helps us continue our conservation, education, and community outreach programs.
Virginia Osprey Foundation
Protecting ospreys through education, conservation, science, and community engagement
