Virginia Osprey Festival in Colonial Beach

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. Located on the beautiful Potomac River, Colonial Beach is home to an abundant number of these amazing birds, with dozens of nests visible throughout the town.

The festival will offer educational presentations, osprey nest tours, activities for children, bird walks, and a wide variety of exhibitors and vendors.  Keynote Speaker Dr. Paul Spitzer, a protégé of internationally recognized naturalist and painter Roger Tory Peterson, is well known for his ornithological work to restore and protect osprey populations. Other presenters include Michael Academia, whose research has involved ospreys and the localized depletion of Atlantic menhaden in the Lower Chesapeake Bay, and Carolyn Rubenfield, with the Department of Wildlife Resources on the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail.

All events and exhibits on Town Hill are free. Tickets are required, however, for presentations at the Fisheries Building and for the Golf Cart and Trolley Nest tours. Visit the festival website for a schedule of programs and pre- and post-festival events.

Although the festival is a one-day event, visitors are encouraged to spend the weekend.  Ecotourism is important to Colonial Beach, and it has long been a birding mecca.  Kayaking and hiking in our neighboring parks are just some of the opportunities available to our visitors. 

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.

Contact:
Joanie Millward
Festival Coordinator
ospreycbva@gmail.com